Manitowoc launches new version of Potain MCT 565 for short-jib applications

Since its launch three years ago, the China-made Potain MCT 565 topless crane has surpassed expectations on jobsites worldwide with a focus on Emerging Markets.

Manitowoc has introduced the Potain MCT 565 A, a more compact yet equally high-performance version of the 32 t capacity MCT 565 M32 – the second-largest topless crane produced at its Zhangjiagang, China facility, after the Potain MCT 805. Launched at bauma China 2018 in three versions with maximum loads of 20, 25, and 32 t, the MCT 565 proved an instant hit with jobsites across Asia and other Emerging Markets.

The crane’s performance characteristics have helped contractors in their drive to lift ever-larger precast concrete sections and other heavy items as the construction process becomes more modular. In addition to the 32 t version, the Potain MCT 565 A is now available with a shorter jib and counter-jib, which makes it ideal for busy jobsites where several cranes operate within close proximity.

“Topless cranes are an increasingly popular choice on jobsites across Asia and elsewhere because of the efficiencies they offer when working alongside other tower cranes. The MCT 565 has demonstrated this through its exceptional lifting performance on a range of projects,” said Brian Wang, senior vice president of Emerging Markets for Manitowoc. “We’ve also seen the emergence of these cranes spawn new ways of working in Emerging Markets. Through our Voice of the Customer process, we saw an opportunity to add increased appeal to the range. By introducing the compact MCT 565 A, we are now offering greater choice in this class. The new model is positioned alongside the existing three MCT 565 options, allowing customers to choose the right crane for their specific job.”

The MCT 565 A can be rigged with a minimum of 25 m of jib – 5 m less than the 30 m minimum required for the existing versions. The counter-jib too can be shorter, with just 15 m needed on the MCT 565 A while still allowing the crane to work with up to 35 m of jib. This gives customers the ability to position these powerful topless cranes into tight working locations and lift larger loads. Having the compact design also makes it easier to position more of these cranes in closer proximity speeding up construction.

This compact footprint enables the crane’s working area to be reduced significantly, while the load curve is also increased in the shorter configuration. For example, while the original MCT 565 M32 can lift 19.7 t at the end of its shortest-available jib (30 m), the MCT 565 A will lift 22.5 t at that distance. It can also handle an impressive 28.4 t at 25 m. The capacity advantage continues all the way to jib lengths of 45 m, where the MCT 565 A offers a 14.2 t capacity – an increase of 1.1 t over the MCT 565 M32.

“For customers who want to use the MCT 565 in shorter jib configurations this new MCT 565 A is a great option,” explained Wang. “Others like the impressive reach of the 80 m jib with the regular versions and the flexibility that brings. Our Voice of the Customer process is designed to ensure we have the right cranes to meet customer needs – across the spectrum. Which is why this MCT 565 A is such an intelligent addition to our line-up.”

Other than certain jib sections and a portion of the counter-jib, the MCT 565 A has features and benefits that will be familiar to owners of the regular MCT 565 models. For example, it uses the same C mast sections to deliver a maximum height under hook of 74.2 m, while assembly time is listed as just two days (for normal site conditions). There is a choice of two winches: the 150 LVFC 80 FS, which is built at the Zhangjiagang factory, or the 150 HPL 80 from the Potain factory in France.

The first of the MCT 565 A cranes have already been ordered and will be delivered to Singapore in June, with further interest in the new option expected in the coming months.