Potain MR 160 C Tower Crane Makes North American Debut

August 21, 2018 -  Manitowoc recently unveiled its Potain MR 160 C luffing-jib tower crane for the first time in North America. 

Manitowoc debuted the 11-U.S.-ton tower crane at Crane Days 2018, held in Shady Grove, Pa., during June.

In addition to its 11-U.S.-ton maximum capacity, the MR 160 C can lift 2.6 U.S. tons at the tip of its 164-ft. maximum jib length.  

Like other MR series cranes, it’s well-suited for congested construction sites because it can luff its jib to 86° (nearly vertical) for excellent under-hook heights and to avoid obstacles.  

High-performance slewing and hoisting equipment provides quick operating speeds with precise control throughout the entire working range. 

“Like all our Potain cranes, the MR 160 C is manufactured with lightweight components to enable simple and efficient erection,” said Thibaut Le Besnerais, global product director of tower cranes at Manitowoc. “In addition, the crane’s minimal footprint makes it ideal for tight working quarters.” Besnerais said an entire customer base in North America that may not be familiar with what the MR 160 C can do, so Crane Days was the ideal platform for introducing it. 

Erection of the MR 160 C is simplified by rapid pin connection of the counter jib, which is secured by anti-chute devices. The jib butt can be mounted by simple insertion into notches on the slewing tower head, and the hoisting and luffing winches have a clever reeving system for pinning the jib tie-bar line.  

The MR 160 C on display at Crane Days was configured with the new 75 HPL 25 high-performance winch that provides high speed to make high-rise construction easier and faster. The updated winch spools up to 3,136 ft. of wire rope, and can hoist at speeds to 705 ft. per min.

The 75 HPL 25 winch also gives the operator better control over lifting speed. It can lift twice as fast as the 75 LVF, which shortens cycle times, yet can decrease line speed for more accuracy while placing loads. 

“The MR 160 C, along with the rest of the Potain range, features all of the latest breakthroughs for the tower crane industry,” Le Besnerais said. “These include quick set up and configuration, improved performance, a compact footprint, and several other features that are sure to improve efficiency and return on investment for our customers.”