Manitowoc Showcases New Potain Mrh 125 At Vertikal Days

Vertikal Days is the largest lifting equipment event for the UK and Ireland and is centered firmly around lifting and access. 

The tower crane star of the Manitowoc booth is undoubtedly the new Potain MRH 125, which was recently debuted at bauma 2019. The innovative crane is the first in the European range to combine luffing jib and topless capabilities. It also uses hydraulic power for the luffing movement, for greater efficiency. 

Maximum capacity for the crane is 8 t while the maximum jib is 50 m, with a lift capacity of 2 t at the jib end. Users can configure the crane in freestanding heights of up to 57.9 m, while line speeds of up to 118 m/min are available with the 50LVF20 hoist winch. 

Optimized for transport, both on and off site 

The MRH 125 on display is owned by UK rental company Skyline Arcomet (part of UPERIO), which purchased the crane, and four more, at bauma 2019. Darren Whitford, managing director of Skyline Arcomet, commented on the recent investment. 

“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 optimized. These traits will be greatly appreciated by our customers.” 

Just four containers are required to transport the upper portion of the crane, with the counter jib and jib foot traveling as a single package. The unique VVH hydraulic luffing mechanism and cylinders are pre-connected at the factory, meaning no assembly is required on site. 

“The MRH 125 has an optimized transport cost for a luffing jib crane in its capacity class,” Thibaut Le Besnerais, Manitowoc’s global product director for tower cranes, said. “It can also be mounted on our standard 1.6 m or 2 m K-masts for better optimization for fleet owners, and it offers lower power consumption than traditional luffing jib crane alternatives.”

Outstanding operating performance 

A further advantage over traditional luffing jib cranes is that the hydraulic power of the VVH mechanism means there is no requirement to install luffing rope during installation. The hoisting winch, maintenance derrick and jib wind side plate are also pre-installed. Plus, there is no need to adapt the wind-sail plate on site, no matter what length of jib the crane is erected with. 

On-site, the crane delivers outstanding operating performance, no matter how constrained the job site. The jib can be raised from the horizontal to near vertical (88°) in just two minutes, while the counterjib measures just 7 m and is simple to connect during assembly. The out-of-service weathervaning radius of just 10 m, whatever the jib length, adds to its impressive features for tight job sites, while the cab has the option to attach to either side of the mast to suit project conditions.