American Chopper, a television series featured on The Learning Channel, recently aired an episode featuring the Manitowoc crane-inspired chopper, which was unveiled after months of planning and coordination.

The Teutul sons, Paul Jr. and Mikey, along with a video crew, visited the Manitowoc Crane factory in February to get ideas for the custom bike. The visit to the Manitowoc, Wis., facility led to the inspiration of many of the crane-related elements on the bike, including front and rear wheel rims, which have coiled wire rope; a lattice-boom “sissybar” complete with rope and hook; and handle bars inspired by Manitowoc’s patented mobile hydraulic crane Megaform boom design.

“Manitowoc Cranes really fits the show, so it was exciting to see them feature us,” said Larry Weyers, executive vice president of the Americas region of Manitowoc’s crane division. “The Teutuls’ attention to detail and their passion for their work embodies Manitowoc in many ways. It was interesting how they had adapted so many elements of cranes into this chopper. It was also very enjoyable to see how much the company employees and crane enthusiasts really appreciated this bike.”

The chopper was presented to Manitowoc in a hand-over ceremony on Manitowoc’s stand at ConExpo in Las Vegas in March. That event was also videotaped and shown as part of Thursday’s program.

Manitowoc will display the chopper at regional events and dealerships throughout North America for the remainder of 2008.

Merchandise featuring the Manitowoc bike and the Orange County Chopper logo is available in Manitowoc’s on-line store, www.manitowoccranegroup.com/Store/EN/Store.asp.

The Manitowoc Co. is a provider of lifting equipment for the global construction industry, including lattice-boom cranes, tower cranes, mobile telescopic cranes, and boom trucks.

The Manitowoc Crane motorcycle, designed for The Learning Channel’s American Chopper series, was presented to Manitowoc in a hand-over ceremony on Manitowoc’s stand at ConExpo in Las Vegas in March.