Manitowoc launches largest-ever topless crane MDT 809 at Bauma 2019

First published at bauma - April 9, 2019

The Potain MDT 809, Manitowoc’s largest-ever topless crane

Manitowoc is launching its largest-ever topless crane, the Potain MDT 809. With a lifting capacity of 40tonnes and a jib of up to 80m, Manitowoc has designed this crane to be especially compact.

The whole crane transports in either 10 or 11 containers, depending on the winch option selected, which is four to five fewer containers than a typical crane of this size would require. Features designed to aid shipping include protective packaging for the jib sections and a cab that rotates for transport.

“It will save time and money when you move this crane,” said Thibaut Le Besnerais, Manitowoc’s global product director for tower cranes. “And it is twice as fast as a comparable 40tonne crane to assemble.”

With its full jib and at a 50m working height, the MDT 809 can be assembled in less than three days. There are dedicated slinging points on the crane to aid on-site assembly and jib sections can be assembled either on the ground or in the air, depending on site conditions and available space. The rotating cab and easy-connect points for the counterjib further simplify erection, says Manitowoc.

“We’ve designed the jib not only to be easier to assemble but also to make it easier to service,” Le Besnerais said. “Overall the MDT 809 represents a new way of thinking in terms of high-capacity topless cranes. It is ideal for large construction sites yet also offers an ability to be assembled on projects where space is constrained.”

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