For Immediate Release

March 15, 2005

Manitowoc Crane Group to show latest Potain and Grove cranes at Samoter 2005

Samoter Fair, Verona, 4- 8 May, 2005
( Stand No. 85 – 88 - Outside Area C )

For the first time in Italy, Manitowoc Crane Group will show three of the latest cranes from Potain and Grove at Samoter 2005 in Verona, 4-8 May. The company’s exhibit at Samoter highlights the strength and importance of the group’s comprehensive support facilities in the Italian market, which are provided through the worldwide Manitowoc Crane CARE program. Manitowoc Crane Group, which includes Manitowoc crawler cranes, Potain tower cranes, and Grove mobile telescopic cranes, is one of the largest suppliers of lifting equipment in the world.

Potain tower cranes

Potain has made an impact on the European tower crane market with its ‘City’ range, and the latest product in the range will be exhibited at Samoter – the 6t capacity Topless MDT 98. The crane has a jib-end load rating of 1.2t at maximum jib length of 55m. With the absence of jib tie-bars, one of the key features of the MDT models is the simplified set-up procedure, which can be conducted mostly at ground level. The main masthead section is a single factory- assembled unit, which can be transported and installed in one piece.

Potain has also led the industry with its self-erecting tower crane concept with the innovative ‘Igo’ product line, which includes 15 models ranging in capacity from 1.3 to 4t. Potain’s Igos provide compact, cost-effective, and versatile material-handling solutions for small and medium-size building and construction projects.

Also at Samoter, Potain will launch the new compact Igo 10. The Igo 10 is the smallest model in the Igo range and has a 1.3t maximum capacity rating and a 650kg capacity at maximum jib length of 16m. The crane’s maximum hook height is 16 m. It will be used to demonstrate the ease of operation and flexibility of these versatile and productive units.

Grove mobile cranes

From the Grove mobile telescopic range, the 130t-capacity GMK5130-1 will also make its Italian debut. The crane was launched six months ago in Germany, after having been announced at Bauma 2004.

This long-reach machine features a new, six-section, 60m main boom which, in addition to its 130t maximum rating, also offers an exceptional lift capacity of 10t with the boom fully extended. The 11-18m hydraulic-luffing swingaway jib is another highlight of the crane. Jib lengths of up to 32m are possible with inserts. The 5130-1’s maximum possible tip height is 95m, with a capacity of 1.9t.