News Release

April 24, 2006

Potain Launches MR 295 Luffing Jib Tower Crane

Potain announces the introduction of a new top-slewing luffing jib crane, the MR 295. As with other Potain luffing jib cranes, the MR 295 is ideally suited to sites where space is limited and meets the challenges of working adjacent to other buildings and other cranes by adjusting the angle of its jib from horizontal to near vertical.

The MR 295 is available in three versions – designated H16, H20, and H25 – with maximum lift capacities of 16 t (17.6 USt), 20 t (22 USt), and 25 t (27.5 USt) respectively. Maximum jib for all three versions is 60 m (197 ft) and their maximum loads can be lifted out to distances of up to 37 m (121 ft). The maximum load each version handles at the jib nose differs also – the H16 offers 2.8 t (3 USt); the H20, 2.7 t (3 USt); and the H25, 2.45 t (2.7 USt).

Interchangeable modulated base units and 5 m (16.4 ft) mast sections enable the MR 295 to be erected to a maximum freestanding height under hook of 70.4 m (231 ft). High performance slewing and hoisting equipment provides precise control. Each version of the MR 295 comes with Potain’s 100 LVF hoisting winch and an RVF 182 Optima + controlled slewing mechanism, which provides variable frequency slewing, smooth acceleration, and deceleration, as well as increased ease of control.

Erection of the crane is made simpler and more economic thanks to the fact that no single component of the MR 295 weighs more than 10.8 t (11.9 USt). Further economies can be gained by mounting the crane on smaller 2 m x 2 m (6.5 ft x 6.5 ft) mast sections or, if greater lift capacities are needed, the crane can be mounted on 2.45 m x 2.45 m (8 ft x 8 ft) mast sections.

Also new on the crane is its ability to set the temporary tie bars and the luffing tie bar using the auxiliary winch, while the whole of the upper works can be transported in just five standard 12.1 m (40 ft) containers.

Philippe Cohet, executive vice president of Manitowoc Crane Group in EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa), said the MR 295 is certain to prove a hit with contractors the world over.

“As city centers become ever more congested, contractors are looking for lifting equipment that can operate within the strictest of confines,” Cohet said. “The MR 295 is the perfect lifting solution for these sites, plus it offers other industry-leading features customers expect from Potain cranes – ease of erection, speed of operation and outstanding reliability. By offering a number of versions, we are able to provide end users with exactly the right crane to suit their needs. This choice is proving popular with orders already received from across the globe.”