In 2010 Manitowoc upgraded the performance of the Potain Igo T 85 self-erecting crane, improving the crane’s reach, capacity and ease of operation. Today, the company sells the crane as the Igo T 85 A. After a successful year in the field, Manitowoc polled a cross-section of users in Germany to gather real-world feedback on the practicalities of using the new crane. Overall, the feedback has been extremely positive.
Since Germany is one of the most popular markets for the Igo T 85 A, Manitowoc assessed the crane’s performance there on a variety of different applications and with operators who had a range of different experience levels. Those experience levels varied from occasional crane operators to contractors with over 15 years of experience.
The operators were asked to evaluate the crane on eight criteria, including accuracy, overall productivity, comfort and intuitiveness of operation. They scored the crane on a scale of 1 to 10 for each of these areas, and on average the crane received a score of 8.15 out of 10.
The highest scoring categories were “confidence” – meaning the operators felt safe and confident while operating, and “flexibility” ¬— where the operators liked the ability to adjust the crane’s configuration. Although the feedback was largely positive, there were suggestions for improvements.
Vincent Milan, senior product manager for self-erecting cranes, said all the real world feedback – both positive and negative — is critical in the product design process.
“We tested the first Igo T 85 A cranes in a variety of situations – from residential construction to bridge building – and in each situation the operators gave the crane consistently high scores, but were very honest in all areas. We will use this information as we continue to refine the crane for future deliveries,” he said.
Improvements to the Igo T 85 A include a new slewing mechanism, which is already being used successfully on Potain’s range of top-slewing tower cranes. The mechanism helps operators improve accuracy, especially when placing loads, says Milan.
“This system allows operators to maintain accuracy at required speeds, with or without a load on the hook. And it also allows them to adjust the speed of movements to suit different operations or driver preferences,” he said. “For example, some delicate positioning might require a slow speed, while duty cycle work might require faster operations. Whatever the case, the operator can adjust to their own needs.”
An increase in hook height of 3 m is also part of the redesign. The crane now has a maximum hook height of 38 m when working with its jib in a horizontal position, or 51 m when the jib is luffed to its maximum angle. The crane is able to offer this increased working height by fitting another lattice section to its mast. It means that when working with the jib in the horizontal position, the crane can offer working heights from 20 m to 38 m.
Also, the crane’s capacity at its 45 m jib end is improved. It can lift a maximum of 1,400 kg at the jib end, up 150 kg from the previous version, when working in two-fall reeving. Maximum capacity for the Igo T 85 A is 6,000 kg.