12.06.2008

Potain launches new models

Potain has launched several new models at an event at Disneyland, Paris last week. The highlight of the event was the unveiling its new Igo 42, which is a replacement for the HD40.
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The new Igo 42 from Potain

The crane has a maximum capacity of 4 tonnes and is available with a 36 metre or 32 metre jib. The 36 metre version can lift a maximum of 1.1 tonnes at its jib end while the 32 metre version lifts a maximum of 1.4 tonnes.

The jib can be reduced to 26.3 metres at which distance the crane will lift 1.85 tonnes. Potain says that the Igo 42 offers improved lifting ability and reach compared with previous Potain self-erecting cranes in this class.

As well as staging its own customer event, Manitowoc also took part in the JDL Fair, a trade show for lifting and transport equipment.
“This event was not only a great chance to present the Igo 42 to customers but to show them exactly how good its performance is,” said Frans Vanwinkel, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Manitowoc in EMEA.. “The speed of set-up, speed of operation and smoothness of the crane – which comes from Potain’s unique frequency control system – can only be seen in a situation like this. The feedback from our customers at the event was excellent.”

As with other cranes in the Igo range, the Igo 42’s jib is able to fold out to different lengths depending on lift requirements. It is also able to luff to 20 degrees for added lift height and in the case of the 36 metre jib this means a maximum height under hook of 33 metres. Radio remote control is available and the Igo 42 is the first to come with a remote receiver that displays full feedback of the crane’s functions to the operator.

Hoist power comes from Potain’s 15 LVF 10 Optima winch which offers smooth movements with speeds matched perfectly to the load on the hook. Hoist speeds of up to 66 m/min are achievable with a 500 kg load on the hook. Transport length of the crane is 14 metres while transport width is 2.4 metres.

Also shown was the Igo T 85 - the second in the Potain Igo T range - which is new this year and replaces the GTMR346 and features telescoping masts for variable working heights. The Igo T 85 has a maximum lift capacity of 6 tonnes and a maximum jib length of 45 metres.

Another new model was the Igo MC 13 from the Igo M range and features fitted axles which Potain claims gives greater mobility. This crane lifts a maximum of 1.8 tonnes and has a maximum jib of 22 metres.
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Other cranes on show included the Igo T 85 (left) and the MDT 268

An MDT 268 top-slewing tower crane was also on view. It is currently the largest in the MDT range with a maximum capacity of 12 tonnes and a maximum jib length of 65 metres. This model replaces the MDT192 and complements the recently launched MDT218.

Also announced was a new Manitowoc Crane Care centre in Nantes which will act as a base for a number of new technicians which will be employed. The center will also offer a range of training services for operators and technicians.

According to Philippe Cohet, executive vice president for Manitowoc's crane division within the EMEA Region, comprising Europe, Middle-East and Africa, the main problem at the moment is supplying cranes. "We have been adding capacity to our top slewing tower crane production by adding a new factory last year in Baltar, Portugal and we have opened a brand new factory in Saris, Slovakia, that we will officially open next week."