News Release

The Manitowoc MLC650 crawler crane, which features the industry-changing variable position counterweight (VPC), has successfully completed max load testing with the VPC-MAX attachment.

The VPC-MAX attachment for the MLC650 raises the crane’s capacity to 700 t (770 US ton), an increase of 50 t (55 US ton) over its standard configuration. The VPC-MAX attachment includes additional counterweight and a beam that automatically extends the counterweight beyond the rear of the crane based on lifted load, increasing its load moment. For the max load test, the crane was positioned to apply the maximum stresses through the structure, including the boom positioned over the corner of the crawler crane.

Dustin Soerens, marketing manager for lattice-boom cranes at Manitowoc, said the testing went according to plan and the company’s engineers couldn’t have been happier with the results.

“We attached hundreds of strain gauges to the MLC650 and picked a number of loads in the test yard to test its capacity with the VPC-MAX attachment,” he said. “The testing went very well with no surprises. No changes are needed on the crane, as it performed superbly. We’re well on our way to releasing this innovative crane to the global market.”

The VPC-MAX attachment provides capacities similar to wagon- or tray- mounted attachments, but requires fewer components and assembly steps, reducing setup time and transportation costs. Also, job sites will require less ground prep, resulting in additional savings, as customers do not have to buy, transport or install as much matting when compared with a traditional configuration.

“The successful testing was a great moment for everyone at Manitowoc,” Soerens said. “We’re working very hard to release a crane that will define the next generation of lifting equipment.”

About The Manitowoc Company, Inc.

The Manitowoc Company, Inc. (“Manitowoc”) was founded in 1902 and has over a 117-year tradition of providing high-quality products and support services that are tailored to customers’ needs. Its 2019 net sales were approximately $1.83 billion. Manitowoc is one of the world's leading providers of engineered lifting solutions. Through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Manitowoc designs, manufactures, markets and supports comprehensive product lines of mobile telescopic cranes, tower cranes, lattice-boom crawler cranes, boom trucks and industrial cranes under the Grove, Potain, Manitowoc, National Crane, Shuttlelift and Manitowoc Crane Care brand names.