Manitowoc launches strong and versatile Potain MCT 325

Available in 12 t and 16 t versions, the crane is easy to erect, dismantle and transport

Manitowoc has launched the Potain MCT 325 to further expand its popular MCT range of topless cranes. As with other cranes in the range, the MCT 325 is designed to deliver easier transport and assembly, plus high efficiency and reliability on construction projects. The company unveiled the new crane during a special event at Manitowoc’s factory in Zhangjiagang, China on August 29, where the 16 t version of the MCT 325 was displayed with its full 75 m jib.

Kwong-Joon Leong, regional product manager for Potain tower cranes, said the new model offers an efficient solution for customers requiring strong and versatile cranes in the 12 t and 16 t class.

“Topless cranes like the MCT 325 are becoming the go-to solution for projects utilizing precast concrete, which is an increasingly popular choice for the speed and simplicity it brings to job sites,” Leong said. “Topless cranes also bring speed and simplicity to projects thanks to their design which allows multiple units to overlap on site.  The MCT 325 gives our customers a new choice in the 12 t and 16 t range. And with its standout 75 m jib, we believe this new model will appeal to a wide range of companies and projects.” 

Available in two versions, the MCT 325 offers jib length configurations from 40 m up to an impressive 75 m, in increments of 5 m. At its 75 m jib end, the MCT 325 can handle 2.5 t for the 12 t version and 2.3 t for the 16 t version, making it one of the best-in-class performers for long-distance lifting. The new model stays true to the design characteristics of Potain topless cranes, with easy transport and erection combined with excellent on-site performance. On a well-prepared site, the MCT 325 can be setup within 1.5 days, with the complete jib and counter-jib erected in four lifts. The MCT 325 will ultimately replace the MC 310 model, a long-serving and popular hammerhead top-slewing crane with a proven history of customer satisfaction.  

The MCT 325 is designed to work with the 2 m x 2 m L68 and L69 mast systems and can be utilized with fixing angles in a regular high-rise construction; in an internal climbing configuration; or mounted on a chassis, giving users maximum versatility. There is also a new square design of the crane’s counterjib, the first in the Potain MCT range. To ensure easier assembly on site, the complete jib and counter-jib can be erected in two lifts each, meaning a greater choice of assist cranes can be used for the task. And there are dedicated sling points on the counter jib and transport brackets on the jib to facilitate easier loading into the crane’s compact transport configuration.   

As with all Potain cranes, customers have a variety of options for the hoisting, slewing and trolley mechanisms. There are a variety of hoist options, all with frequency-controlled technology. The 12 t version comes with the standard 75 LVFC 30 or the option to upgrade to the 75 HPL 30. The 16 t version comes with the standard 75 LVFC 40 or there’s the option to upgrade to the 75 HPL 40 or 100 LVF 40. The 75 LVFC 30, a 55 kW-rated hoist, offers a rope capacity of 766 m and can lift 1.5 t at up to 114 m/min. The 75 LVFC 40, a 55 kW-rated hoist, offers a rope capacity of 637 m and can lift 2 t at up 90 m/min. The winches are available with a safety brake option.

In 2014, Manitowoc launched its first Potain topless cranes from the Zhangjiagang factory, the MCT 385. Over the years the company has continued to innovate and added the MCT 205, MCT 85, MCT 565 and now the MCT 325 to complement the range. 

“We are delighted to add the MCT 325 to our range, just 18 months after we launched the MCT 565, the largest topless crane in Potain’s Asia range,” Leong said. “Through following The Manitowoc Way, we are continuously listening to our customers so we can develop innovative products to suit their evolving needs.”

As with all Potain cranes from the company’s Asian range, Manitowoc is expecting strong interest in the new model. Deliveries of the Potain MCT 325 will begin in September and the crane will be sold across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Russia and the CIS countries.