New Potain cranes on display at Bauma 2022

• Manitowoc will use bauma 2022 to highlight its extensive range of customer-focused technologies and services that enhance Potain ownership.

At Bauma 2022, Manitowoc will introduce two Potain tower cranes: a luffing jib crane and a topless crane. Delivering trademark features such as quick and easy transport, fast assembly, impressive capacity, fast and precise hoists, and productivity on-site, these exciting new cranes are set to draw the crowds to the Company’s booth.

Although details of the new cranes are not disclosed at this time, Manitowoc has confirmed the other Potain cranes that will feature on the booth: the MDT 489 topless crane, and the Igo T 99 and Hup M 28-22 cranes from the self-erecting range. There will also be an extensive Potain Customer Center, containing videos and interactive exhibits to highlight the range of lifetime customer support services and technologies that Potain customers can access.

Thibaut Le Besnerais, vice president for brand and product management, tower cranes, at Manitowoc, said: “There is always a substantial Potain presence at bauma. Some exciting new cranes are being seen for the first time, and we have on-stand demonstrations plus an impressive Customer Center. There is so much focus on infrastructure right now that we want to show how Potain offers solutions for all applications. One of our key goals at bauma is to highlight how the right combination of cranes and customer support can help drive the sector forward.”

Making its first appearance at a public tradeshow since its 2021 launch will be the Potain MDT 489 topless crane. This impressive crane is ideal for construction and infrastructure projects, especially the installation of large, prefabricated components, as well as for shipyards and mines with heavy loads to handle. It is available in two versions: one with a 20 t maximum capacity and the other with a 25 t maximum capacity. Both can work with up to 80 m of jib for broad coverage and reach. As with all modern Potain cranes, transport is straightforward for a crane of this size, and assembly and disassembly are equally fast. The compact configuration enables the crane to operate in tight and congested sites while delivering high performance. All components, aside from the slewing mechanism, can be transported in standard-sized shipping containers. The rotating (upper) section of the MDT 489 can be transported in just nine containers. That is up to five fewer than needed for a typical crane of this size, reducing transport cost and complexity, and making access to the jobsite simpler. Onsite assembly with the full 80 m jib and a 50 m mast can be done within two days and requires minimal space.

There are two Potain self-erecting cranes on the stand at bauma 2022, each with distinct characteristics highlighting the versatility available from the product line. First is the Potain Igo T 99, a telescopic self-erecting crane that is also making its international show debut having launched last year. The crane offers a 6 t maximum capacity, 48 m reach, and 38.5 m height under hook. It features compact transport dimensions, a small working footprint, and two options for unfolding, for greater flexibility on constricted jobsites. These features provide easy setting up in tight quarters. Potain’s Smart Set-Up technology, remote-controlled operation, and ergonomic Ultra View Cab ensure the Igo T 99 is simple to operate on the jobsite.

The other self-erector on display is one of Potain’s best-selling cranes of recent years. The Potain Hup M 28-22 mobile self-erecting crane will be displayed with its integrated 80 km/h transport axle, which meets all legal requirements for road transport in Germany. The productive Hup M 28-22 can lift up to 2.2 t and up to 850 kg at its jib end. A major part of its popularity with customers is the fact it is the most compact self-erecting crane in the market with a 28 m jib and 19-31 m working height. With transport dimensions of just 11.6 m long and 3.6 m tall, it can travel behind a standard truck and pass under bridges. Potain Smart Set-up and the Hup cranes’ ergonomic remote control make the Hup M 28-22 easy to erect and dismantle. The innovative mechanisms – DVF Optima for trolleying, LVF Optima for lifting, and HPS for slewing – ensure the ultimate in comfort and precision during operation.

Also available to customers are purchase options through Manitowoc finance, local rental programs, and the Potain used crane program for buying and selling used cranes. The Customer Center at the booth offers visitors the opportunity to familiarize themselves with Potain's full suite of customer services, technologies, and other value-added products. These include the Potain Training Academy and e-Academy; the Potain e-Tech service tool, and the new Potain Connect telematics system. Customers can also learn about purchase opportunities via Manitowoc finance, rental programs available locally, or the Potain used crane program for buying and selling second-hand equipment. The EnCORE program underlines how refurbishments can deliver additional years to older cranes. 

“Today’s contractors understand better than ever that effective material handling is about more than having the best cranes,” explains Thibaut Le Besnerais. “Potain cranes are well-known for the productivity and reliability they offer, but we’re equally appreciated for the strength of our product support and extensive distribution network. We’re continuing to invest in this area with a growing range of technologies and services. So we’re excited to show the latest developments to customers at Bauma 2022.”