Manitowoc MLC650 Crawler Crane Completes Load Test

Enlarge Image Manitowoc MLC650 crawler crane

July 21, 2014 - The Manitowoc MLC650 crawler crane has completed the required load test to validate its maximum lifting capacity. The crane lifted 717 tons of weights to finish the test..

“The lift went very smoothly. It was a momentous occasion for everyone at Manitowoc that has worked so hard to make this crane a reality,” said Dustin Soerens, marketing manager for lattice boom cranes. “A large group of engineers witnessed the test lift and were very pleased with how the crane performed under load.”

The MLC650 is on schedule and will be ready for the global market soon. It has a  341-ft. maximum main boom length and a luffing jib that can be added to reach a maximum combination of 515 ft.

“This crane also features the innovative Variable Position Counterweight (VPC) technology, which worked perfectly to position the counterweight for each of the load scenarios,” Soerens said.

The VPC system automatically positions the counterweight to fit the required lift. Advantages for customers include reduced ground preparation, lower ground-bearing pressure and less counterweight, all without sacrificing capacity. Also, customers will not have to buy, transport or install as much counterweight compared with a traditional configuration.

The crane was fitted with hundreds of strain gauges that measured the tension and compression of the steel components of the crane while lifting. For the max load moment test, the crane was positioned to apply the maximum stresses through the structure, such as the boom positioned over the corner of the crawler crane.

“The successful completion of the max loading tests is a positive sign that the rest of the structural testing will go smoothly,” Soerens said. “Typically, if any major design changes would be required, they’re found during the max load test.”