Manitowoc Introduces Variable Position Counterweight on New Cranes

Manitowoc presented the 330-U.S.-ton MLC300 and 716-U.S.-ton MLC650 with various innovative features, most notably the Variable Position Counterweight, at ConExpo in Las Vegas last week. The VPC system automatically positions the counterweight to fit the required lift. The counterweight moves along the rotating bed and is automatically positioned based on changes in boom angle.

“This new technology will have a significant impact on the lifting industry, as it enhances crane capacities, reduces mobilization time on the jobsite and in the end saves customers a significant amount of time and money,” said John Kennedy, Manitowoc’s senior vice president of crawler cranes.

Both cranes are designed for energy-related projects such as refineries, petrochemical installations, and power plants, as well as infrastructure applications. The smaller footprint, plus the VPC system, facilitates movement around a jobsite, and a VPC-MAX capacity enhancing attachment allows increased capacity for heavy lifts that would usually require a wheeled-type enhancer.