Capital Equipment News June-July 2020

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With structures getting taller and taller, it is essential for contractors to apply optimal material handling solutions to ensure the highest possible productivity, while operating safely

A key trend that has come out of the tall building trend is the growing demand for top slewing cranes, currently accounting for 80% of the tower crane market in South Africa

A Potain MD208A working on site in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal.

Another key trend in the tower crane market is the growing demand for cranes on special configurations to achieve better hook heights

mostly require 35 m and more of hook height, which you can’t get with a self- erecting crane,” adds Smit. Operations director Danie Roos adds that topless cranes are ideal for construction projects where there are several cranes operating on site, which is a common scene on today’s building sites. “A flat top crane works well on sites where you have more than one crane,” he says, “as it can overfly other cranes without any need for a high top tower space.” MD Brenden Crous agrees, saying that top slewing cranes have a reputation for being easy to adapt to their working environments: sites which are high up, crowded or widely spread out. They make it possible to hoist and distribute loads by using two technologies: horizontal displacement of the trolley or movement by raising the jib. Wide range Crane & Hoist Equipment offers a wide range of models in the top slewing category, comprising the MC 85B, MCT 88, MDT 98, MDT 178 and the MDT 175B. The MCT range is renowned for its

The market has in recent months shifted towards the smaller range of cranes, which is largely due to the smaller size of buildings currently being built, mostly the 5 – 7 storey flats

simple and faster erection on site. With two notches on the lower members and one pin on the upper member, the jib can be erected quickly and easily. The variable frequency slewing feature allows for continuous variable speed control by means of a stepless controller that also adapts to the crane operator’s driving style. The crane features minimal componentry, providing adaptability and easy installation on urban jobsites. Bases, masts, counter-jib ballast blocks and telescoping cages are interchangeable with other MCT models. Equipped with the new Crane Control System, the MDT CCS range provides greater performance. The user-friendly crane control

system offers owners the highest levels of comfort, flexibility, ergonomic control – translating to better return on investment. MDT CCS Topless concept allows complex multi-crane installations. The assembly, erection, transport and even maintenance phases are shortened. Optimum productivity and greater safety make MDT CCS cranes the best choice for all users and hirers. “CCS assists users to enjoy the highest levels of comfort, flexibility, ergonomic control and, most importantly, improved lifting capacity. The enhanced productivity achieved as a result translates into faster return on investment for Potain crane owners,” says Smit.

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