Manitowoc Unveils Three New Crawlers at ConExpo
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March 12, 2014 - Three new crawler cranes from Manitowoc debuted last week at ConExpo, including the 330-ton MLC300, 716-ton MLC650, and 180-ton MLC165. The MLC300 and MLC650 also were configured with the new Variable Position Counterweight (VPC) system, which automatically positions the counterweight to fit the required lift.
How the VPC works is the counterweight moves along the rotating bed and is automatically positioned based on changes in boom angle. Advantages for customers include reduced ground preparation, lower ground-bearing pressure and less counterweight, without sacrificing capacity. Customers will not have to buy, transport, or install as much counterweight compared with a traditional configuration. The counterweight boxes are also designed to be common across multiple crane platforms.
“The VPC is game-changing technology,” said John Kennedy, SVP crawler cranes. “This new technology will have a significant impact on the lifting industry, as it enhances crane capacities, reduces mobilization time on the job site, and in the end, saves customers a significant amount of time and money.”
The MLC300 features 315 ft. of boom and has the option of a fixed jib attachment of 98 ft. A 315-ft. luffing jib can be added to extend its reach to 473 ft. The MLC650 has a 341-ft. main boom to which a 98-ft. fixed jib can be added. A 331-ft. luffing jib can be added to reach a maximum 515 ft.
Both cranes excel energy-related projects, including refineries, petrochemical installations, and power plants, as well as infrastructure applications. The smaller footprint plus the VPC system enable the cranes to move around a job site. The VPC-MAX capacity enhancing attachment allows increased capacity for heavy lifts that would usually require a wheeled-type lift enhancer. It
The counterweight movement is based on the lifted load, boom length, boom and jib length, and load radius. The MLC300 can raise 394 ft. of boom with the VPC-MAX attachment and a boom and luffing jib combination of 551 ft. The MLC650 can raise 459 ft. of boom with the VPC-MAX attachment and a boom and luffing jib combination of 672 ft. The MLC650 maximum capacity increases to 770 tons with the VPC-MAX installed.
For the MLC300, the VPC-MAX attachment increases the max load moment when a 100-ft. fixed mast, a VPC-MAX counterweight beam, and an additional 88,185 lbs. of counterweight is added to the base crane. The ground preparation area needed for the MLC300 using the VPC-MAX can be only one-tenth of that required by competitive cranes.
For the MLC650, the VPC-MAX attachment increases the max load moment when a 118-ft. fixed-mast VPC-MAX counterweight beam and an additional 220,460 lbs. of counterweight is added to the base crane.
Because the counterweight attachment of the VPC-MAX on the MLC300 and the MLC650 never touches the ground, higher capacity lifts on barges that customers were never able to perform before are now possible. In addition, with its long reach and high capacity, the MLC650 can install 394 ft. and taller towers for the wind industry.
Both the MLC300 and MLC650 are designed to be transported anywhere in the world with their optimized component weights and dimensions. They have a removable live mast shipping module and their boom inserts are designed to allow luffing jib inserts to ship within them, which reduces shipping costs. In addition, both cranes use Manitowoc’s patented FACT connection technology and are operated via Manitowoc’s Crane Control System (CCS), a standard operating system across several crane models in different product ranges.
Additionally, the MLC300 comes with a crawler tensioning system, a dedicated hydraulically activated cylinder and hydraulic supply that allows independent track tension adjustment via crane setup remote and standard hydraulic connection.
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Manitowoc also introduced a new 180-ton lattice boom crawler crane, the MLC165. Developed for the global market, the crane was first on display at Bauma 2013.
The maximum boom length of the crane is 275'6". It also has an optional fixed jib and luffing jib. The maximum boom and fixed jib length is 306 ft., which includes the 226-ft. main boom and 80-ft. jib. The maximum boom and luffing jib reach increases to 337 ft., which is the 167 ft. main and 107-ft. jib.
The MLC165 features a 320-hp Cummins Tier 4i engine. A new open-loop hydraulic system, served by two variable displacement piston pumps, give the crawler more lifting power. Maximum load moment is 762 tm.
“This self-rigging crane is very easy to assemble and disassemble,” said John Kennedy, SVP crawler cranes for Manitowoc. “It can install and remove its own counterweights and tracks without the need for an assist crane. In addition, it has a 10-ft. component width and modular assemblies for easy transport over the road. The MLC165 features all the latest technology to benefit everyone from owners to the operator.”
The Manitowoc MLC165 is easy to maneuver, making it ideal for general contractors, bridge builders, steel erectors, pile-driving contractors and more. Steven Dick, technical sales support coordinator for Manitowoc, said the crane’s design makes it suitable for a variety of applications. “Our engineers designed the MLC165 to facilitate general contractor activities, like pile driving and moderate clamshell or grapple work,” he said. “The MLC165 is built to be a versatile tool,” he added.
It continues the reputation established by two other crawler crane models, the Manitowoc 555 and the Manitowoc 777.
