New Potain MDT 489 Topless Crane Designed For Easy Transportation & Quick Assembly

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The new Potain MDT 489 topless tower crane includes a 262-foot jib. The crane is designed so that owners can transport everything but the MDT 489’s slewing mechanism in standard-sized shipping containers. (Photo courtesy of Manitowoc.)

Manitowoc has introduced a new Potain MDT 489 topless tower crane in the 496-ton (450-metric-ton) range that’s all about providing getting to the jobsite and getting set up quickly, the convenience of a small footprint, and adaptability. The crane’s 262-foot (80-meter) jib and up to 22-t (20-mt) or 27.6-t (25-mt) capacity at maximum load combine with a design that makes for easy transportation, quick assembly and disassembly, and a size suitable for working on congested jobsites. In addition to shipyard and mining applications, Potain parent company Manitowoc says the MDT 489 is ideal for installing large, prefabricated components on large-scale construction and infrastructure projects.

Fast Transport, Fast Assembly

The MDT 489 resides between the MDT 389 and MDT 569 in Potain’s top-slewing crane lineup. The new crane’s design makes it possible to transport everything but its slewing mechanism in standard-sized shipping containers. Moreover, transporting the crane’s rotating section requires just nine containers. That’s four or five less than similarly sized cranes, Manitowoc says, meaning reduced transportation costs and complexity but easier jobsite access. To transport the MDT 489’s full upper assembly, just eight trucks are needed.

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Manitowoc says the Potain MDT 489’s rotating section requires four to five fewer containers to transport than comparable competing models, helping owners save on transportation costs. (Photo courtesy of Manitowoc.)

On the jobsite, the MDT 489 can be assembled twice as quickly as comparable cranes. In fact, Manitowoc says the 262-ft jib and 164-ft (50-m) mast take just two days maximum to assemble. The crane can be situated on either a 19.6-ft (6-m) or 26.2-ft (8-m) cross base platform, and operators have different jib assembly configurations available to make the best use of the available space and equipment.

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Manitowoc says assembly of the Potain MDT 489 can be completed in just two days, or about half the time needed to erect other, comparable cranes. (Photo courtesy of Manitowoc.)

A Dramatically Quicker Winch

The MDT 489 features a rotating cab and availability with either the 132 HPL or 180 HPL hoist winch. Manitowoc’s Crane Control System (CCS) lets operators calibrate the MDT 489 in just 15 minutes and also provides customizable operator profiles. The crane’s trolley provides two falls for fast duty cycle lifting and four falls for heavy lifting. An automatic trolley rope tensioning and recalibration system is also provided.

Source: Manitowoc