Manitowoc has launched the MR 229, the first of a new generation of Potain luffing jib tower cranes. The MR 229 is the first Potain luffing jib crane to feature Manitowoc’s Crane Control System (CCS), the control command system on all Potain hammerhead cranes.
Compliant with the latest and upcoming standards, CCS supports lifting performance, flexibility on the jobsite, ergonomics for the crane operator and commissioning times. Its features include the ability to activate Potain Plus from the cab via joystick control. Potain Plus is the company’s technology that maximizes load curves for cranes while optimizing lift speeds.
In addition, the Potain MR 229 is the first luffing jib crane from the company to come equipped with the new Potain CONNECT telematics system. This solution gives owners control and insight into their cranes, offering integration of remote diagnostics, analytics and fleet management for uptime and machine utilization.
Assembly and Performance
Assembling the crane onsite is possible, with the MR 229 offering reduced windvane spans for installation on constrained jobsites. The out-of-service radius is between 10 and 12 m, approximately 5 to 10 m less than equivalent cranes in this category. There’s also a new design for the luffing mechanism for assembly, while an integrated basket is built-in to the jib end, for secure installation, inspection and maintenance. Once assembled, maximum capacity for the new crane is 14 t, and it can be fitted with up to 55 m of jib. The crane offers strength along the load chart, and at its 55 m jib end has a capacity of 2.7 t. Lifting power comes from a choice of hoists, including the 110 HPL 35 from the High-Performance Lifting range, capable of reaching speeds of up to 207 m/minute.
Operator Cab and Controls
The Ultra View cab offers panoramic visibility and comfort. From the seat, all controls are accessible directly from the joysticks, with the jog dial allowing navigation and menu selection from the CCS screen.
For operations requiring closer control, the speed limiter provides precision by recalibrating controls so bigger joystick movements deliver restricted responses from the mechanisms. The speed limiter can be adjusted in increments of 25% and is a feature for operations where high accuracy is required. Operators can also customize the controls to their own liking, setting pre-defined speeds and dynamism of movements to suit their preferences.
“We are excited to bring this first model in the new generation of Potain luffing jib cranes to market, offering customers the benefits of greater performance, efficiency, and flexibility. It is a preview of many more great things to come from our Potain line of luffing jib cranes,” said Thibaut Le Besnerais, vice president for brand and product management, tower cranes, at Manitowoc.
