Potain MD 559 takes to the skies at CONEXPO 2017 in Las Vegas

Manitowoc is set to debut the Potain MD 559 tower crane for the first time in North America at CONEXPO 2017. The 20 t (22 USt) crane will represent Potain’s MD CCS range which has the highest capacities of all its top-slewing trolleying tower cranes.

The move comes after the successful introductions of the MDT CCS City range in mid-2015 and the MDT CCS range at bauma 2016 in Germany. CONEXPO 2017 will mark the addition of Manitowoc’s Crane Control System (CCS) functionalities to the top end of its Potain tower crane lines.

Potain’s MD CCS range cranes are ideal for jobs that require strong load charts and long working schedules. The cranes which include the MD 509 MD 559 MD 569 and the MD 679 are all equipped with CCS which simplifies training operating and maintenance functions across Manitowoc’s crane brands.

“The MD 559 and the entire MD CCS range crane is particularly advantageous for North American markets as it provides high performances for heavy loads high productivity with its powerful hoisting winch and the use of the K800 masts which are already very popular in the region ” said François Rotat product manager at Manitowoc.

The MD 559 crane is easy to assemble at a free standing height of 81.5 m (267.4 ft) with the K800 mast system. Additionally it offers increased job site productivity with its powerful 270/320 LVF hoisting winch that offers impressive speeds of up to 60m (197 ft)/min for a 20 t (22 USt) load; 112 m (367 ft)/min for a 10t (11 USt) and 162 m (531 ft)/min for a 5.8 t (6.4 USt) load.

A permanent two-fall rope configuration provides a maximum load of 20 t (22 USt); and the crane offers a maximum tip load of 4.4 t (5.1 USt) when used with an 80 m (262 ft) jib. The crane is ideal for high-rise building and bridge construction as well as any other jobs that require lifting heavy loads quick line speeds and long reach.

MD CCS range

Cranes in the MD CCS range have maximum capacities ranging from 20 t (22 USt) to 40 t (44.1 USt) and adaptable jib radius up to 80 m (262 ft) long.

All feature CCS a powerful and user-friendly crane control system with graphic displays ergonomic controls and a job dial for improved navigation and data input. In addition all Potain MDT and MD range cranes will use the same cab and control systems making them easier to commission operate and maintain saving time and resources for companies with fleets across these product ranges. CCS drives operator versatility and productivity offering precision control and increased load curves.

An integrated diagnostics tool offers easy monitoring of the MD 559’s settings operations and maintenance needs saving costs and reducing downtime. The system also features a remote diagnostic function CraneSTAR Diag that allows technicians to monitor the crane from anywhere in the world in real time. It also features Potain’s premium Ultraview Cab that enhances driver ergonomics and comfort and provides more precise crane control.

“The MD 559 along with the rest of the MD CCS range features all of the latest breakthroughs for the tower crane industry ” Rotat said. “In particular quick setup and configuration improved performance integrated maintenance tools and several other features that are sure to improve efficiency and return on investment for our customers.”

Benefits of the new MD CCS range:

Fast and easy set-up – the crane can be calibrated in 15 minutes
Optimized base ballast – to reduce transportation and installation costs
Optimized mast composition – to achieve greater height under hook
Increased Performance - CCS functionality generates load chart increase
Optimized ergonomic control – new driver control unit for enhanced ergonomics and control
Easy maintenance – on-screen maintenance tool and optional remote monitoring through CraneSTAR Diag
Standardized components – easy spare parts availability