The Potain MDT 219 tower crane will be showcased at a North American trade show for the first time at CONEXPO 2017, giving customers there an opportunity to see first-hand the features and benefits that have made the crane a hit in the region. The MDT 219 has the highest capacity of all models in the MDT CCS City tower crane range, making it ideal for North American construction, where buildings are increasingly becoming taller and more complex.
Faster setup and configuration, enhanced operator controls and simplified maintenance and monitoring functions over previous generation tower cranes have already spurred many companies in Europe, and more recently, in both North and Latin America to add the crane to their fleets, increasing their efficiency and return on investment in the process.
“The MDT CCS City range is the result of decades of research and product development, culminating in some of the most significant advances in the tower crane industry in recent years,” said Jean-Noel Daguin, senior vice president of Potain tower cranes. “CONEXPO visitors will have the chance to see a number of our innovative designs that have kept us in the vanguard of tower crane development, specifically our control system, which has received high praise internationally.”
One of the crane’s most notable features is Manitowoc’s exclusive Crane Control System (CCS), a user-friendly interface with graphic displays, ergonomic controls and a jog dial for improved navigation and data input. In fact, as the name suggests, the entire MDT CCS City tower crane range carries the system, which shares parts commonality across Grove, Manitowoc and Potain lines to increase operator familiarization and serviceability.
In addition to the MDT 219, the MDT CCS City range includes the MDT 109, MDT 139, and MDT 189, all of which are updated versions of previous MDT City cranes. They range in working radius from 55 m (180.4 ft) to 65 m (213.3 ft), and the maximum lifting capacities range from 6 t (6.6 USt) to 10 t
(11 USt).
“The MDT CCS City cranes allow complex multi-crane installations by considerably reducing the height gaps and interference of cranes on work sites. The assembly, erection, transport and even maintenance times are reduced, helping to keep operating costs low,” explained Daguin. “And with CCS, it takes no more than 15 minutes to commission the crane on the job site, increasing productivity and getting the crane to work faster.”
Precision, control and increased load curves
Potain’s premium Ultraview Cab, which is equipped with the CCS, enhances driver ergonomics and comfort, and provides more precise crane control. The CCS function brings a new operating experience and enables driver versatility and productivity, offering precision control and increased load curves.
Standardized cabs and control systems
All Potain MDT and MD range cranes will use the same cab and control systems, making them easier to commission, operate and maintain, saving time and resources, as well as simplifying training for operators and technicians. The standardized cab and sensors allow for improved efficiencies in spare parts.
Easy maintenance and monitoring
An integrated diagnostics tool offers easy monitoring of the crane settings, operations and service maintenance, saving costs and reducing downtime. The system also features a remote function, CraneSTAR Diag, which allows technicians to monitor the crane from a distance and in real time.
Benefits of the MDT CCS City range:
• Fast and easy set-up – the crane can be calibrated in 15 minutes
• Increased Performance – CCS generates extra load chart increase
• Optimized ergonomic control – new driver control unit for enhanced ergonomics and control
• Easy maintenance – on-screen maintenance tool and optional remote monitoring through CraneSTAR Diag
• Standardized components – easy spare parts availability