by craig@onthewire.co.za | Sep 7, 2019 | News
- Available in 12 t and 16 t versions, the crane is easy to erect, dismantle and transport
- The new topless crane can handle an impressive 2.5 t for the 12 t version and 2.3 t for the 16 t version at its maximum jib length of 75 m
- The crane is designed to support the increasing preference for precast concrete in construction.
Manitowoc has launched the Potain MCT 325 to further expand its popular MCT range of topless cranes. As with other cranes in the range, the MCT 325 is designed to deliver easier transport and assembly, plus high efficiency and reliability on construction projects. The company unveiled the new crane during a special event at Manitowoc’s factory in Zhangjiagang, China on August 29, where the 16 t version of the MCT 325 was displayed with its full 75 m jib.
Kwong-Joon Leong, regional product manager for Potain tower cranes, said the new model offers an efficient solution for customers requiring strong and versatile cranes in the 12 t and 16 t class.
“Topless cranes like the MCT 325 are becoming the go-to solution for projects utilizing precast concrete, which is an increasingly popular choice for the speed and simplicity it brings to job sites,” Leong said. “Topless cranes also bring speed and simplicity to projects thanks to their design which allows multiple units to overlap on site. The MCT 325 gives our customers a new choice in the 12 t and 16 t range. And with its standout 75 m jib, we believe this new model will appeal to a wide range of companies and projects.”
Available in two versions, the MCT 325 offers jib length configurations from 40 m up to an impressive 75 m, in increments of 5 m. At its 75 m jib end, the MCT 325 can handle 2.5 t for the 12 t version and 2.3 t for the 16 t version, making it one of the best-in-class performers for long-distance lifting. The new model stays true to the design characteristics of Potain topless cranes, with easy transport and erection combined with excellent on-site performance. On a well-prepared site, the MCT 325 can be setup within 1.5 days, with the complete jib and counter-jib erected in four lifts. The MCT 325 will ultimately replace the MC 310 model, a long-serving and popular hammerhead top-slewing crane with a proven history of customer satisfaction.
The MCT 325 is designed to work with the 2 m x 2 m L68 and L69 mast systems and can be utilized with fixing angles in a regular high-rise construction; in an internal climbing configuration; or mounted on a chassis, giving users maximum versatility. There is also a new square design of the crane’s counterjib, the first in the Potain MCT range. To ensure easier assembly on site, the complete jib and counter-jib can be erected in two lifts each, meaning a greater choice of assist cranes can be used for the task. And there are dedicated sling points on the counter jib and transport brackets on the jib to facilitate easier loading into the crane’s compact transport configuration.
As with all Potain cranes, customers have a variety of options for the hoisting, slewing and trolley mechanisms. There are a variety of hoist options, all with frequency-controlled technology. The 12 t version comes with the standard 75 LVFC 30 or the option to upgrade to the 75 HPL 30. The 16 t version comes with the standard 75 LVFC 40 or there’s the option to upgrade to the 75 HPL 40 or 100 LVF 40. The 75 LVFC 30, a 55 kW-rated hoist, offers a rope capacity of 766 m and can lift 1.5 t at up to 114 m/min. The 75 LVFC 40, a 55 kW-rated hoist, offers a rope capacity of 637 m and can lift 2 t at up 90 m/min. The winches are available with a safety brake option.
In 2014, Manitowoc launched its first Potain topless cranes from the Zhangjiagang factory, the MCT 385. Over the years the company has continued to innovate and added the MCT 205, MCT 85, MCT 565 and now the MCT 325 to complement the range.
“We are delighted to add the MCT 325 to our range, just 18 months after we launched the MCT 565, the largest topless crane in Potain’s Asia range,” Leong said. “Through following The Manitowoc Way, we are continuously listening to our customers so we can develop innovative products to suit their evolving needs.”
As with all Potain cranes from the company’s Asian range, Manitowoc is expecting strong interest in the new model. Deliveries of the Potain MCT 325 will begin in September and the crane will be sold across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Russia and the CIS countries.
by craig@onthewire.co.za | Sep 7, 2019 | News
Safely deploying tower cranes on construction sites is critical to raise the pace of the project through higher productivity, however any non-compliance with the numerous safety regulations will have the opposite effect.
Brenden Crous, managing director of local Potain distributor Crane & Hoist Equipment SA, says that the company is well versed in all relevant safety regulations and can take as much of the administrative load as possible off its customers’ shoulders when it comes to lifting-related safety compliance.
“Erecting tower cranes requires competent and experienced crews who undertake the risks associated with this activity. One of our main priorities is to control the risks associated with working at height,” Crous says.
The company covers all bases with the necessary procedures and documentation, so that everything is on hand for inspection. This is very important as Crous highlights that should there be any significant gaps in compliance, then a Department of Labour inspector may consider a site shutdown, leading to costly and inconvenient delays.
“All areas of risk in relation to tower crane safety procedures must be identified, assessed and mitigated so that our customers are not exposed to that risk.”
Crous highlights the importance of the fall protection plan, which must be compiled by a competent person with the necessary training and experience. The plan must address all risks relating to working from a fall-risk position and provide procedures and methods that eliminate the risk of falling.
Tower cranes must comply with both the Driven Machinery regulations and the Construction regulations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). These stringent requirements demand compliance with a range of South African National Standards relating to the installation and maintenance of tower cranes.
Crane & Hoist Equipment SA facilitates these various procedures and permissions by employing qualified lifting machine inspectors, who themselves must be legally and professionally recognised in terms of their scope of expertise and operation.
by craig@onthewire.co.za | Sep 1, 2019 | News
The Potain MR 418 is equipped with full frequency-controlled mechanisms for precision control.
The Potain MR 418 luffing jib cranes, which is equipped with full frequency-controlled mechanisms for precision control, offers fast lifting speeds. Maximum capacity for the crane is 24 t and the maximum jib length is 60 metres.
Available from Crane & Hoist Equipment SA, the sub-Saharan distributor of the world leading Potain brand of tower crane, it boasts several advantages. Among these is that this extremely compact crane is quick to assemble, quick to commission and capable of extremely fast lifting speeds on high rise job sites.
The crane delivers its best performance when fitted with the optional 270 LVF 120 hoist which offers industry leading lifting capability and is perfect for high rise buildings, including super tall structures.
The 200 kW (270 hp) hoist provides 826 metre (m) of rope capacity, which means that in a single-fall configuration a hook path of 413m is possible, while in a two-fall configuration 206 m of vertical reach is possible.
In addition, the winch can reach speeds of up to 254 m/min for better productivity, while the power control function means it can operate off varying power inputs, allowing it to cope with lower power supplies on site.
Customers not requiring the full power of the 270 LVF 120 hoist winch can choose the 150 LVF 120 hoist. This hoist has a drum capacity of 552 m and can produce line speeds of up to 210 m/min. The flexibility of choice with the design means customers can select the optimal configuration for them, ensuring they earn the best possible financial returns for their requirements.
The Potain MR 418 offers faster lifting speeds.
Among the advantages of the Potain luffing jib crane is that it is extremely compact crane is quick to assemble, quick to commission and capable of extremely fast lifting speeds on high rise job sites.
But it is not only new mechanisms and better lift capabilities that are likely to appeal to customers. The crane’s user-friendly design has the luffing mechanism and hoist uniquely mounted inside the counter jib while there is also a large, easily accessible service platform behind the cab, giving technicians a single location from which to access all major service points.
Quickly getting the crane into service comes courtesy of a new on-board control system that allows the technician to commission the crane into operation just minutes after assembly is completed. Simple input of the jib length, working height and test load into the crane’s control board allows for a fast and accurate calibration.
In terms of working height, Potain’s intelligent mast system gives the crane enhanced flexibility to cope with the challenges of modern high-rise buildings. The crane can be installed on fixing angles or on various sized chassis of 6 m x 6 m; 8 m x 8 m; and 10 m x 10 m.
For example, a freestanding height of 86 m can be achieved on a 10 m x 10 m chassis when fitted with 40 m of jib. And with its design focus on high-rise applications, the crane needs only three anchorages to reach a working height of 197 m when fitted with 30 m of jib and fixing angle P854A (wind condition FEM 1.001).
by craig@onthewire.co.za | May 22, 2019 | News
Global tower crane leader Potain has appointed Gauteng-based Crane & Hoist Equipment as its official distributor in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Lesotho and Swaziland.
“With about 80 years of combined experience in this sector – focusing on Potain equipment – we are certainly very proud to have this close partnership with a world player of this stature,” says Brenden Crous, managing director of Crane & Hoist Equipment SA. “The management and staff of our business have a long relationship with Potain products, which we will leverage to the benefit of our customers.”
A major producer of tower cranes and self-erecting cranes since 1928, Potain offers more than 60 models in a variety of product ranges. Over 100,000 Potain cranes have been sold and installed around the world.
“With at least 200 Potain cranes in active service in South Africa alone, we can see that the local market is very loyal to this strong brand,” says Crous. “We look forward to providing existing and new customers the highest level of service and support.”
He highlights that Crane & Hoist Equipment SA will make it easier for customers to source original spares. The company’s direct sourcing from Potain in France will also make its pricing to customers more competitive.
“We place a priority on safety and compliance with all our products and services, and being part of the Potain family will also give us direct access to their global expertise,” he says. “For our part we are, of course, a registered lifting machine entity (LME) with the Department of Labour, and believe in close compliance with OEM specifications in all our work.”
Crane & Hoist Equipment SA was formed in 2017 by a management team that together have amassed over 40 years in the tower crane sector. This team includes sales director Louw Smit and operations director Danie Roos. The experienced staff includes two Potain-certified master technicians, accredited lifting machine inspectors (LMIs), and qualified riggers and electricians.
“We even have in-house training capacity which is certified by Potain, so we are able to train our own staff and customers’ staff,” says Crous.
Strong relationships with key customers in the local market has meant that Crane & Hoist Equipment SA has been busy since day one, mainly in rentals, servicing, anchoring and jacking but also in crane sales. The company already boasts its own fleet of seven tower cranes suitable for medium-sized and small projects, where 5 to 8 tonne lifting capacity is required with 50-60 metre jib lengths.
Beyond its Gauteng base, is has also recently been active in several KwaZulu-Natal residential developments and significantly its experts have been called on from as far afield as Ghana, Sudan and Burkina Faso. Potain itself has also collaborated with Crane & Hoist Equipment to assist with a commissioning project in Guinea.
In addition to Potain’s GME and GMA ranges, it also offers specialised cranes such as the giant MD3200; this model has a maximum capacity of 85 tonnes and can lift 26 tonnes at 85 metres, and boasts a hook height of some 104,5 metres.
by craig@onthewire.co.za | Feb 8, 2019 | News
Relative newcomer to the tower crane and hoisting sector, Crane & Hoist SA has secured an order for the supply and erection of a Potain tower crane for the new Stor-Age Self Storage facility being constructed in Craighall.
Louw Smit, sales director of Crane & Hoist Equipment SA, says that the company was able to offer the end user the most appropriate tower crane for the project and at the right price with full back up support over the duration of the eight month hire period.
“It is all very to be able to supply pieces of materials handling equipment, but it is critical to be able to support these sophisticated machines in the field,” Smit says. “And this is in terms of the safe erection of the tower crane making sure that it complies with all the legislative requirements as well as being able to maintain and service the unit during its usage on site.”
A Potain MDT 98 tower crane was selected for this particular project as it will provide a 1,2 t lifting capacity at a 55 metre radius allowing optimum materials movement on this fast track project. Significantly, this top slewing modular tower crane can be easily adapted for individual sites and brings optimum performance coupled with flexibility to a construction site.
Smit that this particular tower crane was considered ideal for several reasons including that it is fast and simple to erect and that while it only requires a limited footprint it facilitates optimum reach on sites which are constrained. “This reach ensures enhanced productivity by ensuring that materials can be moved to where required with ease,” he says.
Crane & Hoist Equipment SA was established as a specialist operation that supplies new and refurbished cranes as well as construction hoists to the sub-Saharan markets. The company provides turnkey tower crane management and lifting solutions, and demand for its services has rapidly gained traction.
