News Release

November 8, 2007

Potain HDT 80 completes Pittsburgh expansion project

The HDT 80 worked for sub-contractor Century Steel Erectors and helped add two stories to Piatt Place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.

High Resolution Photograph

A tight, urban jobsite prompted a local lifting services provider to specify a Potain HDT 80 self-erecting tower crane for a department store conversion project in downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US.  Known as the Piatt Place, this well-known commercial site recently underwent redevelopment to transform it to a high-end condominium and retail complex.

The HDT 80 worked for sub-contractor Century Steel Erectors and helped add two stories to the existing five-story building. Local Potain dealer American Contractors supplied the HDT 80 to Century Steel.

Chuck McKee, project manager at Century Steel, said a lack of space forced the company to look at alternatives to its normal lifting choices.

 “We chose the HDT 80 because lifting work had to take place in a narrow street. Space was very limited,” he said. “But with the small outrigger footprint, we could set up the crane and keep pedestrians moving.”Construction work took place in 30 ft x 30 ft (9.1 m x 9.1 m) bays. The heaviest loads were header beams, weighing up to 4500 lbs (2 t) each. The crane also lifted 1500 lbs.  (680 kg) infill beams and bundles of metal floor decks weighing up to 4500 lbs. (2 t).

Chuck McKee said the crane’s performance was exceptional.

“We were very impressed with the line speed of the crane and the chart was fabulous,” he said. “It picked exactly what it said it would.”

Another benefit that Century took advantage of was the crane’s remote control. McKee said it allowed them to save on labor costs “By using the remote control, we were able to eliminate the radio man,” he said.

Portability was another selling point for the crane. McKee said.

“At one stage we had to move the crane to another location which took just five or six hours. If you look at that versus a normal top-slewing tower crane there’s no comparison in terms of speed and ease. They are definitely an attractive prospect especially somewhere like Pittsburgh with its tight, narrow streets.”

Century Steel was involved in the construction of the original department store back in 1998. The 150 ft x 150 ft (46 m x 46 m) square building was initially 70 ft (21 m) above street level. This has increased 35 ft  (11 m) with the addition of the extra floors. Reinforcement work started in June this year, while the crane handled construction work during September.

Potain in Pittsburgh

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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For More Information Contact:

Chris BratthauarLeslie Shalabi
ManitowocSE10
+1 717 593 5348+1 608 251 6280
chris.bratthauar@manitowoc.comshalabi@se10.com
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