News Release

Aug. 4, 2006

Potain Igo MA21 overcomes jobsite challenges

A Potain Igo MA21 self-erecting crane overcoming jobsite challenges during renovation of a high school in Maryland, US.

High Resolution Photograph (213K)

A Potain Igo MA21 self-erecting crane has proven instrumental in overcoming jobsite challenges during the renovation of a high school in Elkton, Maryland, US.

Masonry subcontractor Joseph Rizzo & Sons, of New Castle, Delaware, US, had originally anticipated a straight-forward plan to build a cement block addition on to the school. However, the existing structure blocked access to two of the addition’s walls limiting the contractor’s ability to deliver bundles of cement block to workers.

In addition, the general contractor would not allow any type of equipment onto the addition’s cement slab foundation. This ruled out the option of using rough-terrain forklifts or other material-handling equipment to deliver the bricks.

The Igo MA21 proved to be the right crane for the job’s tough restrictions. With nearly 19.3 m (63 ft) of height under hook and a 26 m (85 ft.) radius, the Igo MA21 provided the necessary reach to access the entire job site. With its small footprint, the self-erector did not take up much space on the already crowded site.

According to Kevin O’Connell, self-erecting crane product manager for local Potain dealer Shawmut Equipment, there are many benefits that made this crane a perfect fit for the job.

“School was still in session during construction of the addition, so the crane’s electric drives allowed for quiet operation,” he said. Because the Igo MA21 can be operated with 220-volt, single-phase power, the contractor tapped into an existing power source on the site, eliminating the need and expense for a three-phase generator. The Igo MA21 only took about an hour and a half to position, erect, and complete its required checkouts.”

The radio control feature of the Igo MA21 was also beneficial on this job – particularly for delivering brick bundles to masons working on scaffolding. The radio control allowed the crane operator to stay with the load the entire time to position the bricks exactly where they needed to be. O’Connell explains why this feature added to efficiency and safety on the job.

“Even with picks that traditionally would have been blind with a hydraulic crane, the operator was able to reposition himself and stay with the load at all times.”

The Igo MA21 offers a maximum capacity of 1.8 t (2 USt), and has a maximum radius of 26 m (85 ft). Tip capacity is 0.70 t (0.75 USt). The crane runs on either 480-volt, three-phase or 220-volt, single-phase electricity.

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.

# # #