Manitowoc showcases speedy winch and internal lift for tower cranes

Manitowoc has developed the Potain Cab-In to meet changing regulations in France that say a lift must be used on tower cranes for heights of more than 50m from January 2019. Other countries are likely to follow suit, says Jerome Chanel, vice president of services for Manitowoc.

Manitowoc says that its lift is a first because it has been designed to fit inside the mast rather than be attached externally. “An internal lift is simpler than an external one,” explains Chanel. “You just need a mast which you pin together. And it’s easier to transport too.”

Developed in partnership with GEDA, the lift can be retro-fitted to any Potain K-mast, from 1.6m square to 2.45m square. Visible only in video form on the stand, Manitowoc expects the lifts to be commercially ready by October this year.

The new 75 HPL winch, designed for top slewing cranes, comes in four sizes from 10- to 16-tonne capacity. It replaces the 75 LVF winch on many Potain top-slewing cranes and has a winch speed that is twice as fast, reducing cycle times and increasing productivity, says the manufacturer.