Tower cranes and operator hoists: Reach for the stars

With the growth in global population cities around the world are also growing – both horizontally and vertically. With city centre space at a premium, tower cranes continue to prove key construction tools. As such, the tower crane market is continually evolving with manufacturers adding to their product lines. Here we take a look at some of the most recent market developments.  

Spanish tower crane manufacturer Comansa has launched the 21LC1400. It is available in either 50 or 66 tonne maximum load versions. Maximum working radius is 84.4 metres and the maximum tip load is 7.6 tonnes. Its maximum free-standing height is more than 91 metres. Comansa expects it to be primarily used in for PPVC (prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction) and infrastructure applications. The crane’s counterjib has a modular design that allows the counter radius to be reduced for cramped jobsites. It also has a new single and compact trolley as opposed to Comansa’s standard double trolley system.

Italy-headquartered tower crane manufacturer Raimondi has announced a 370 tonne-metre-rated luffing jib model. The LR372 will lift 20 tonnes on two falls of rope and has maximum 60 metre jib. Capacity at maximum radius is given as 3.63 tonnes.

It has a 110 kW hoisting winch and maximum lifting speed is 250 metres/minute. Rope capacity on the main drum is 880 metres and there is an auxiliary hydraulic emergency brake as standard.

The luffing winch is 75 kW and has a secondary emergency brake as standard. Raising the jib from 15 degrees to 85 degrees takes just over 2 minutes under full load, the manufacturer says.

Installation can be on one of two masts without an adapter section. For internal climbing it can be on the 2 metre GR5H. The 2.3 metre GR6 series can be used for other applications. GR6L tower sections can be installed on embedded legs or on an 8 x 8 metre cross base. Tower height is up to 84.4 metres.

The first two LR372s were delivered to Raimondi’s official South Korean agent, Hansung Prime Co., for a large-scale development in Busan. The new cranes will be installed to reach heights of 222 metres and 228 metres, respectively, with Raimondi’s EC6L external climbing system.

To facilitate fast and safe access to its tower cranes Raimondi offers the SL20-TC tower crane lift. It can be fitted to a range of existing tower crane brands and systems and it has a load capacity of 200 kg. It has a speed of 24 metres per minute and a maximum height of 150 metres. The lift has a tie distance of between 4.5 and 6 metres for ease of assembly. It can be moved between different tower sections without the mast structure requiring any modification and can be erected from the cabin roof. In addition, the SL20-TC elevator is fitted with front and side windows meant to facilitate easy crane inspection.

Minimum radius

New from Switzerland-headquartered tower crane manufacturer Wolffkran is the Wolff 133 B. It’s a small hydraulic luffing jib crane which succeeds the Wolff 100 B. The hydraulic luffing system allows for an even smaller out-of-service position than is possible with the conventional rope-based luffing system, says Wolffkran. It also means faster installation, as no luffing rope reeving is required.

It is available in two versions: one with a capacity of 6.2 tonnes and a tip load capacity of 2.6 tonnes, with a maximum jib radius of 45 metres; the other has a capacity of 8 tonnes and a tip load capacity of 2.3 tonnes.

The crane can be used in single or two-fall modes, with both modes being able to use a single-fall hook block, enabling peak load capacity to be increased by a further 250 kg. The crane has a 25 metre basic jib, that can be extended in increments of five metres up to a maximum of 45 metres. Its maximum freestanding height is 95 metres. The crane is supplied with 2 x 2 metre UV 20 tower sections. A connection to a 1.5 x 1.5 metre tower section is in development.

The six tonne version has a 28 kW hoist winch (type Hw 628.1 FU) which has a partial load speed of up to 108 m/min, while the eight tonne version’s hoist winch has a 45 kW electric motor (type Hw 845 FU) which has a maximum partial load speed of 158 m/min. The hydraulic cylinder and the hydraulic unit are installed in the connecting block meaning that the hydraulic lines do not need to be disconnected for transport and assembly.

As well as a new flat top Wolffkran also has a new chief technology officer (CTO). Dr. Peter Barton is responsible for technology and research and development. Barton’s CV includes head of development at drive technology company SEW-Eurodrive and general manager engineering drive technology at Liebherr Components. Barton highlights two areas he plans to focus on as being safety and technology. “In terms of safety and technology… we want to continue setting high standards as highly innovative leaders,” he said.

New from Potain

Milwaukee, USA-headquartered crane manufacturer Manitowoc has launched the Potain MCT 325 to be sold across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, Russia and CIS countries. It is designed to replace the MC 310 model and deliveries start in September 2019.

It is available in 12 tonne and 16 tonne capacity versions. Jib length configurations are from 40 to 75 metres, in increments of 5 metres. At its 75 metre jib end, the MCT 325 can handle 2.5 tonnes for the 12 tonne version and 2.3 tonnes for the 16 tonne version. The MCT 325 can be setup within 1.5 days, with the complete jib and counter jib erected in four lifts. The MCT 325 is designed to work with the 2 x 2 metre L68 and L69 mast systems.

Manitowoc has also launched the Potain MDT 809 - the largest flat top crane it has built to date. Capacity is 40 tonnes and the jib can be up to 80 metres.

The MDT 809 transports in either 10 or 11 containers, depending on the winch option. The crane also has a new 7.9 metre cross base that offers the performance characteristics of a 10 metre chassis but requires only one container for transport.

Manitowoc claims the Potain MDT 809 typically assembles twice as fast as other 40 tonne cranes. With its full jib, the crane can be assembled at a 50 metre working height in less than three days, the company said.

Another new Potain tower crane is the MRH 125, the first hydraulic luffing jib model from the company’s European range. Manitowoc says it combines luffing jib and flat top capabilities. Capacity is eight tonnes while the maximum jib is 50 metres, with a capacity of two tonnes at the jib end. Users can configure the crane in freestanding heights to 57.9 metres, while line speeds of up to 118 m/min are available from the 50LVF20 hoist winch.

The upper portion of the crane transports in four containers with the counter jib and jib foot travelling as a single package. The crane’s VVH hydraulic luffing mechanism and cylinders are pre-connected at the factory, meaning no assembly is required on site.

The hydraulic power of the VVH mechanism means there is no need to install luffing rope during installation. The hoisting winch, maintenance derrick, and jib wind side plate are also pre-installed.

Manitowoc says the jib can be raised from the horizontal to near vertical (88°) in two minutes, while the counterjib measures just 7 metres and is simple to connect during assembly. The out-of-service weathervaning radius is 10 metres, whatever the jib length. Manitowoc says this is particularly suitable for working on tight job sites.

Manitowoc has sold five MRH 125s to UK rental company Skyline Arcomet (part of Uperio). Darren Whitford, managing director at Skyline Arcomet, commented, “We chose the new MRH 125 because it provides a strong return on investment for owners,” he said. “The crane’s adaptable design makes it suitable for all kinds of congested urban job sites, while transport and assembly times have also been optimised. These traits will be greatly appreciated by our customers.”

To aid operator access Manitowoc, in conjunction with industrial elevator manufacturer Geda, has developed a new operator lift for its Potain top-slewing cranes. The new Potain Cab-In is an internal mast operator lift that can accommodate up to two people, to a maximum weight limit of 200 kg. It is compatible with all K-mast bases and chassis and fits existing and new models.  

Switzerland-headquartered multinational equipment manufacturer Liebherr has launched the redesigned EC-B series of flat top tower modelss. The first eight cranes in the new EC-B series are the 125 EC-B 6, the 220 EC-B 10, the 220 EC-B 12, the 240 EC-B 10 Fibre, the 240 EC-B 12 Fibre, the 340 EC-B 12, the 340 EC-B 16 and the 370 EC-B 12 Fibre. Maximum load capacity ranges from 6 to 16 tonnes and the maximum jib head load capacity ranges from 1.6 tonnes to 2.8 tonnes – working at a maximum radius. The 125 EC-B 6 reaches 58 metres while the two largest cranes of this series, the 340 EC-B 12 and the 370 EC-B 12 Fibre, both have a reach of up to 78 metres.

More performance

The three ‘Fibre’ designated cranes are equipped with SoLite high-tensile fibre rope, which has been developed over a period of ten years by Liebherr and Austrian rope manufacturer Teufelberger. According to Liebherr, the fibre rope cranes offer up to

20 percent more jib head load capacity compared to cranes using steel rope. It says fibre rope also has a four times longer service life than steel rope. As the fibre rope only weighs around a fifth of steel rope, reeving the hoist rope is also easier in terms of handling, says Liebherr. In addition, maintenance is less complicated as the fibre rope doesn’t need any lubrication.

Liebherr says it has also been enjoying strong demand for its LiUp crane operator elevator, particularly from France and Scandinavia. The lift is capable of transporting up to two people or a payload of 200 kg. The preinstalled guide rails are connected to each other by quick release fastenings as the tower is being erected. The elevator uses a lithium-ion battery which means no additional supply cables, cable drums, or drag cables are required.

A remote control can be used to send the elevator to its parking position at the foot of the tower to charge its battery in the docking station. Charging takes less than an hour, says Liebherr.

The elevator’s stopping positions are monitored by three limit switches, while a clasp brake reacts if the elevator starts to travel too fast. When the lift is lowered, the drive concept recovers up to 40 % of the energy used.

Spanish tower crane manufacturer Jaso has launched the J780PA luffing jib tower crane, which is part of its PA series. There are two versions of the crane: the first one has a maximum capacity of 75 tonnes, a range of 70 metres and a 220 kW main hoist motor; the second model, the J780PA.64, can lift up to 64 tonnes. The J780PA can be assembled in less than three days in a small space, says Jaso. The first unit is working on The Ribbon project in Sydney, Australia.

Biggest luffer

Jaso has also launched the J1400 top slewing tower which is part of its Top Line - H series. It can lift up to 64 tonnes and has a maximum reach of 80 metres. The crane has a short tower top and a modular, collapsible counter jib. It has a tip load of 10.5 tonnes at an 80 metre radius.

The shortest boom is 25 metres. Capacity is still 36 tonnes at a 40 metre radius. Increasing the hook height to 150 metres only reduces capacity by 1.4 tonnes, to 34.6 tonnes, even though there is all that extra weight of the steel hoist rope.

“This crane is specifically designed to easily lift PPVC loads of 35 to 40 tonnes to a height of 150 metres without a loss of load chart due to the weight of the 28 mm diameter wire hoist rope,” explains Dick Huitema, Jaso area manager.

Jaso has also launched the JL25 tower crane operator service lift. It can lift two people or 250 kg to a height of 100 metres. Lifting speed is 22 metres per minute and it uses two geared motors with an electromechanical brake.

Elevation at Terex

Tower crane manufacturer Terex Cranes has also developed a new operator elevator called T-Lift. It has a payload of 200 kg and is capable of transporting two people. Its maximum lifting height is 160 metres and it can be fitted or retro fitted to all Terex tower cranes. It is a rack and pinion system and there are two models with different maximum lifting speeds: the electromechanical system has a maximum speed of 24 metres per minute, while the electronic version using inverter technology has a maximum speed of 40 metres per minute. The lift has an overspeed safety brake and an overload safety system. According to Terex, the lift is quick and easy to install.

Terex Cranes has also announced the formation of a new commercial team to manage the sales, support and training efforts for its tower and rough terrain cranes in the Americas. Chris Johnson will direct efforts for North America, while Manuel Vicuña Galarreta has been tapped to drive growth in Central and South America. Both will report directly to global director of sales for tower cranes and rough terrain cranes, Lee Maynard. “These are important appointments that re-establish the global commercial organisation for tower cranes and RTs,” says Maynard. “We are excited by the opportunities ahead for both crane lines in the Americas, and we are heavily investing in a team that will help us capitalise on these opportunities and help support our customers’ success.”

Double deck design

Crane manufacturer ENG in Italy has added a new hydraulic luffing jib tower crane, the EDL 120, to its expanding range. Capacity is 10 tonnes and it is designed is to occupy as little space as possible. It has a patented system with a double counter jib. This feature makes it the luffer with the shortest slewing radius (4.5 metres) on the market, said Giulia Natella, ENG representative. The double counter jib allows the crane to be installed where others with the same capacity cannot because they are too big, Natella continued. Tip load is given as 2.18 tonnes.

More new cranes on their way from ENG include additional new models in the EDL series, a 25 tonne derrick and also the new 20 tonne capacity ETL 253-20 luffer. In the luffing jib range the company said it is working on further expansion to take it up to the 42 tonne capacity ETL 639.

Made in Poland

Poland’s newest tower crane manufacturer, Krupinski Cranes, has designed, built, tested and now delivered its first units.  

The Krupinski KR 90-5 is a 5 tonner with a capacity of 1.4 tonnes at the end of its maximum 50 m jib. It is the smallest model in the new range. Two more new models are nearly finished, the KR 160-5 and KR 160-8. The former is a low cost 5 tonne capacity model which lifts 2.2 tonnes at the end of its 60 m jib. The latter is an 8 tonner, lifts 2.05 tonnes at the end of its 60 m jib and has a high speed hoist.

The emphasis is on quality at Krupinski Cranes, said Daniel Gwózdz, chief executive officer. “We make high quality equipment, with the best possible quality components and drives we can get on the market.”

Every crane is delivered with a two year guarantee with an option on a third year, Gwózdz continued. This compares favourably with the standard 12 month guarantee given by other manufacturers, he said. Watch a video about the new cranes here: https://bit.ly/2lWoqiG

Tight spaces

Chinese tower crane manufacturer Jarlway Xinxin Machinery has developed the JTD series of roof cranes and luffing jib cranes specifically to work in confined spaces, for example, as found in Hong Kong, which is one of its key markets. Jib lengths range between 20 to 40 metres and maximum lifting capacities range between six and 24 tonnes.

The company says one of its best-selling models, particularly in Hong Kong, is the JTD4020D16 which can be used as a luffing crane in the early construction stages and then as a roof crane to remove the tower body in the later construction stages.

Another key market for Jarlway is Australia. It entered the Australian market in early 2018 when it sold two 14 tonne capacity JTL180G14 luffing jib cranes to crane rental company Hardiquip via its Hong Kong agent, Hontrade.