Creative Building Services, an award-winning, Canberra, Australia-based building company, is using a 20 t capacity Potain MCT 385 tower crane to build a nine-story urban residential development. The Linq Apartment building, known for its ecological features, is located in Belconnen, Australia.
Creative Building Services rented the MCT 385 from a Canberra-based crane rental company, RAR Group. RAR added the new crane to its fleet in February, and the crane’s first job is the Linq Apartment project. The apartments are constructed with eco-friendly components and optimize solar energy.
RAR added the MCT 385 to its fleet because the crane’s features are particularly advantageous for the company. The topless crane is easily erected with a mobile crane, and the load chart is ideal for lifting heavy precast panels at increased radii, while providing the project team with additional flexibility and convenience.
Graeme Rumble, one of the founders of RAR Group, said it was Manitowoc’s distinguished reputation that led them to make the purchase.
“We chose Potain because we were happy with the reliability and functionality of our other Manitowoc cranes,” Rumble said. “Manitowoc has a major presence and an enviable reputation for quality in Australia.”
RAR has four other Potain MC 310 K12 tower cranes that are working on residential and commercial projects in and around Canberra.
The Potain MCT 385 was designed jointly by Manitowoc engineers in Europe and Asia to serve several types of markets. It offers a 2 m mast with a maximum free standing height of 64.9 m. This compact mast, along with a compact jib design, and a streamlined counter jib make the MCT 385 easy to assemble and transport — an ideal solution for crowded urban projects.
The MCT 385 also has frequency-controlled mechanisms for hoisting, trolleying and slewing that provide smooth movement and precise positioning. Servicing the mechanisms is straightforward too, as they are conveniently located and easily accessible.
RAR has already taken delivery of its second MCT 385 L14, a 14 t capacity crane, which is working at the Australian Defense Force Academy (ADFA) to build a new auditorium. The building will consist of 500 precast panels used for floors, walls and seating.
RAR Group was originally formed in the 1950’s by Darryl Rumble as Rumbles Cranes. His sons Graeme and Jeff have carried on the business and provide the southeast region of Australia with a wide range of mobile and tower cranes. RAR specializes in the erection of precast concrete, structural steel and machinery transport.