New Potain MDT 489 Topless Tower Crane Offers High Capacity, Low Operating Cost
May 5, 2021 - The new Potain MDT 489 topless tower crane from Manitowoc fills the gap between the manufacturer’s popular MDT 389 and new MDT 569 models.
The manufacturer says it is ideal for large-scale construction and infrastructure projects, especially the installation of large, prefabricated components, as well as for shipyards and mines with heavy loads to handle.
The MDT 489 delivers a high capacity with a maximum load of 22 USt or 27.6 USt and a 262’ jib for broad coverage — all while offering the cost-saving benefits of easy transportation and quick assembly and disassembly.
In addition, its compact configuration lets it operate on tight and congested sites. The MDT 489 has been designed for high performance, while keeping the concept of using topless technologies that overlap and avoid collisions on jobsites with multiple cranes, unlike hammerhead tower crane models.
Compact Transport
All components, except the slewing mechanism, can be transported in standard-sized shipping containers. The rotating section of the MDT 489 can be transported in just nine containers. That is four or five fewer than needed for a typical crane of this size, decreasing transport cost and complexity, and simplifying access to jobsites. Protective packaging with brackets helps secure the jib sections, and cushioning pads in the containers protect the sections and make packing more efficient.
Unmatched Assembly Speed
The MDT 489 assembles twice as quickly as other similarly sized cranes. With a 262’ jib and 164’ mast, assembly takes a maximum of two days and requires little space.
The MDT 489 can be placed on a 19.6’ or 26.2’ cross-base platform and assembled in configurations to best use the space and equipment available. The jib is easy and efficient to erect and has built-in slinging points. The jib sections can be assembled in different configurations to meet the assist crane size and ground space available. The heaviest jib section weighs only 7.39 USt. The rotating cab and thoughtful design of the counter-jib connection points also make mounting easy.
Latest Potain Technologies Maximize Performance
Using Manitowoc’s Crane Control System (CCS), the MDT 489 can be set up in just 15 minutes. 
Moreover, this feature promotes highly controlled and efficient operation throughout the crane’s time on the jobsite. The trolley offers two falls for fast duty-cycle lifting or four falls for heavy lifting. The wire ropes for the trolley can be tensioned and then the sensor recalibrated simply by using a push-button inside the operator cab. This is ideal for long-term jobsites that require more frequent tensioning. Once the MDT 489 has completed its work on the jobsite, it can be quickly and easily disassembled, ready to make way for other cranes or move on to its next job.
Customers have the option of the new high-performance 110 HPL winch or the 150 HPL. (The 132 HPL and 180 HPL are available for the North American market). Productivity is dramatically increased with the new 110 HPL winch, as lifting speeds are up to twice that of the older 100 LVF winch. This feature, in combination with new motor brake management and a new architecture that facilitates maintenance operations, means the 110 HPL winch speed up construction times, improve overall driving comfort and provide more precise load placement. These performance improvements do not increase power consumption, and maintenance is easier. Additionally, with the Power Control functionality, it is possible to limit the maximum electric power required for the crane operation without impacting low-load and no-load working speeds.
Like all Potain CCS cranes, the MDT 489 is equipped with the CraneSTAR Diag solution. Potain's remote diagnostic tool allows the customer to consult the machine's activity in real time. Thanks in particular to the forecasting of maintenance operations and advanced diagnostic assistance, the customer optimizes the availability of its cranes and the return on investment. The recovery of operating data allows the measurement of the crane utilization and load rates in order to optimize productivity and operational efficiency on construction sites.
The Potain MDT 489 topless crane has the most highly optimized assembly and disassembly process for a crane in the 450-tonne-meter category and helps to save costs while enjoying the benefits of a high-capacity crane. It combines the capacity necessary for large construction projects with a compact crane configuration for the tightest and most congested jobsites, enabling contractors to access more sites and complete the job efficiently and profitably.
