Looking Up spoke with Ciméo Construction about acquiring 10 Potain Cab-IN crane lifts to increase the operational efficiency of its tower crane operations. Since 2019, the company has been reaping the benefits of this technology, which has streamlined operations for its operators.
Potain’s Cab-IN crane lift, a convenient and dependable internal mast elevator designed for top-slewing cranes, stands as a shining example of Manitowoc’s commitment to innovation, rooted in the guiding principles of The Manitowoc Way. The Cab-IN is renowned for providing swift and efficient transport and storage, as well as easy assembly, all while remaining cost-effective.
French structural work company Ciméo Construction has worked with Manitowoc since 2015, when it purchased its first Potain cranes. The company has seen substantial growth in recent years, and to further this progress, has strategically invested in several Potain Cab-IN crane lifts to enhance the operational efficiency of its Potain tower crane fleet. It is upgrading cranes equipped with both 1.60 m masts and 2 m masts.
Materials and Methods Director at Ciméo Construction, Gwen Joncour, first learned about Potain’s Cab-IN crane lift feature in 2018 during a company presentation from Potain. This presentation introduced the new crane lift feature before crane elevators were widely recommended in France for ascension heights exceeding 30 m. Subsequently, Ciméo Construction made its first Potain crane lift purchase in December 2019 for an MDT 219 crane.
The company quickly learned that Potain’s Cab-IN crane lift is essential for the comfort and well-being of its crane operators.
“The Cab-IN system has greatly improved daily working conditions for our crane operators. By eliminating the need to climb the ladder inside the mast, they now quickly reach their workstations, fully relaxed and without exertion. The reduced effort for the operator makes it a win-win for everyone,” Joncour said.
The company has also appreciated the Cab-IN technology for its minimal assembly time, dismantling process, and reduced number of transport loads compared to a crane with an external elevator system. This results in significant cost savings.
“It arrives pre-assembled from the factory, and only consists of electrical connections and connecting racks between varied masts,” Joncour explained. “Once the assembly process is understood, it is simple and quick to install, taking approximately two hours for a hook height of 35 m. The elevator and rack masts are protected inside the masts, and do not require additional trucks for transport or storage space, which streamlines the entire process.”
Crane operator Fabien Drouet has operated the Cab-IN crane lift firsthand and appreciates the comfort and practicality of the elevator lift as well.
“Potain’s Cab-IN crane lift is available on all K masts and is compatible with all current K mast bases from Potain; naturally, with larger mast dimensions, there’s more room for ladder access, enhancing overall comfort,” Drouet added.
Both Mr. Joncour and Mr. Drouet enthusiastically endorse Potain’s Cab-IN crane lift to fellow construction companies. They emphasized the necessity of having the mast pre-equipped with a rack for enhanced modularity, crucial for optimal fleet management.
Ciméo Construction was founded in 2018 and employs nearly 290 people today. The company is based in the Brittany region of France and specializes in structural work and reinforced concrete for various large public and smaller private market facilities, including housing, commercial, and industrial buildings. Learn more: https://www.cimeoconstruction.fr/.
To learn more about Potain’s Cab-IN crane operator lift, click here.
Comments