POTAIN has introduced a new compact crane, the Portable Crane PC 10T, targeted primarily at confined or difficult-to-access job sites that are unsuitable for normal slewing cranes.
"Best described as a mini luffing crane with a telescopic jib, the PC 10T provides large-scale performance and versatility. It offers a maximum lifting capacity of 9.8 tonnes or 600 kg with the four-section jib fully extended to 10.34 m in the horizontal position. Its overall weight is 8.92 tonnes," says a spokesman.
"The PC 10T can operate almost everywhere. If space is very tight, simply disassemble the crane into component parts (the heaviest section weighs just 253 kg), manually carry these components inside the building and transport them to the roof or wherever the crane is required, using conventional elevators. Alternatively, the PC 10T can be manoeuvred around the site on an integrated track base or using a pallet trolley, electric forklift or lift truck," he says.
Standard features of the cranes include electro-hydraulic mechanisms with continuous slewing movement through 360 degrees, and a 200-m-long winch rope that allows for an underhook operating height of up to 185 m. This makes the PC 10T ideal for delivering materials to the top of buildings or slipform platforms, concrete pouring operations, installing precast and curtain-walls, or dismantling tower cranes and finishing operations during construction projects, continues the spokesman.
"It is equally suited for high-rise building maintenance and refurbishment applications, the installation and maintenance of rooftop plant rooms and any situation where floor loading is restricted," he adds.
"Typically, a team of four can assemble or dismantle the PC 10T in a single day. Bolted connections and hydraulic hoses with quick fit connections facilitates the operation. The assembled unit measures 2.54 m long by 3.8 m wide with the stabilisers fully extended. Ballast is provided by 128 counterweight plates, weighing 51 and 56 kg," says the spokesman.
The overall operating length with the boom in the horizontal position is 10.34 m, while the operating height is 10.7 m by raising the boom to a maximum angle of 80 degrees.
"Capable of operating in areas that other cranes cannot, as well as working alongside conventional tower cranes, the PC 10T is the perfect addition to Potain's product range. It enjoys the full support of the company's worldwide dealer network," he says.
Meanwhile, Potain's three MD185 tower cranes are set to reach underhook operation heights of 120 m on a prestigious project in Turkey.
Located on a 210,000 sq m site in the Levent district of Istanbul, Metro City is a $120 million multipurpose development that combines residential accommodation and office space with shopping and leisure facilities.
The development includes two 27-storey towers that will provide a total floor space of 46,700 sq m. At the other end of the site is the 24-storey office tower, with 680 sq m of floor space on each level.
Below ground is a five-storey car-park, designed for 2,300 vehicles.
The three MD185s are installed alongside the towers. They are being used for general duties, including handling formwork, structural steel and other materials. Concrete pouring is done by placing booms at the top of each tower.
Each crane features a maximum lifting capacity of 10 tonnes at 3.1 m. At Metro City, they will climb to their final underhook operating height in 30 m intervals, with anchor supports installed every 20 m, says the spokesman.
The four-year project is scheduled for completion at the beginning of 2001.
