For Immediate Release

May 26, 2005

National ships 34 cranes to Chile

One of 34 National cranes shipped to Chile.

National Crane, part of Manitowoc Crane Group, has shipped 34 telescoping cranes to Chilean equipment leasing company, Relsa. The leasing specialist purchased the cranes from local dealer Maquinarias Gildemeister to fulfill a seven-year contract, worth around $4.2 million US per year, with Codelco (Corporación National del Cobre de Chile). The cranes will be used at the state mining producer’s Chuqicamata and El Salvador facilities in northern Chile.

The order comprises 24 National 880D cranes, six 690D machines and four 1195 model cranes. Each has been mounted on a Mack CV713 truck chassis, complete with dump body to haul materials. One 1195 model differs from its counterparts by being supplied with a man-basket to handle electrical maintenance work, while a further three cranes have been engineered to operate by remote radio control.

“We buy on longevity and the availability of spare parts,” said Orlando Villalobos Barcelơ, business manager at Relsa’s Santiago branch, commenting on why he chose National cranes. “Reliability is very important because we sell our customers the concept of availability and service. Some clients, particularly in the mining sector, impose financial penalties unless we guarantee 95% availability. We have had firsthand experience with National cranes for the past ten years and know its products will serve the needs and expectations for us and our customers.”

Barcelơ explained that one of the primary tasks assigned to the National cranes will be lifting wheels on and off the haul trucks that carry copper from the mines. Each wheel weighs approximately 10 t (11 USt) on average. Other areas where the cranes will be used are to maintain Codelco’s face shovels, a job where reach and height capabilities are critical. In addition, the National cranes will assist in servicing the many electrical transformers on site. About 100 operators will use the cranes around the clock in three shifts.

These National cranes are fitted with three or four section telescoping booms, depending on the model. The largest unit specified by Relsa, the 1195, has a 25 t (28 USt) maximum capacity and a 32 m (105 ft) maximum boom extension. Its maximum tip height is 49 m (161 ft).

High Resolution Photograph (196 KB)

About The Manitowoc Company
The Manitowoc Company, Inc. is one of the world's largest providers of lifting equipment for the global construction industry, including lattice-boom cranes,tower cranes, mobile telescopic cranes, and boom trucks. As a leading manufacturer of ice-cube machines, ice/beverage dispensers, and commercial refrigeration equipment, the company offers the broadest line of cold-focused equipment for the foodservice industry. In addition, the company is a leading provider of shipbuilding, ship repair, and conversion services for government, military, and commercial customers throughout the U.S. maritime industry.

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