A Potain MDT 809 M40 top-slewing crane, one of the first of its kind in North America, boosts efficiency and cost savings in high-capacity construction projects. Looking Up highlights the crane’s effectiveness at an impressive hospital project in Pennsylvania.
On a significant hospital project in State College, Pennsylvania, U.S., a Potain MDT 809 M40 topless tower crane is at the center of the action. The crane is specifically designed for high-capacity projects like this one, where both steel beams and precast concrete are repeatedly being lifted into place.
Bradley Calaman, Potain’s regional business manager, said the crane’s robust capacity is a critical asset on the project.
“In its 40-t version, this crane is the main driver of this project. With a 75-m jib, it can lift just under 21,000 pounds at its tip, making it ideal for heavy loads like the steel and precast being used here.”
As Potain’s largest top-slewing crane in the U.S., the MDT 809 M40 is at the forefront of a trend toward higher-capacity cranes in construction.
“We’ve seen a shift in 2024,” Calaman said. “Contractors are increasingly looking for cranes that can handle more weight and move materials faster. The MDT 809 meets that growing demand.”
The topless design of the MDT 809 also offers significant advantages, especially in terms of efficiency and flexibility.
“The crane’s flat-top structure simplifies assembly and disassembly, which saves time,” Calaman explained. “It can be put together in a day, and its small footprint makes it ideal for congested jobsites. Once erected, it has a 360-degree rotation, covering a wide range without needing to be moved.”
On a project like the hospital in State College, having a crane that can handle heavier loads at extended distances is a game changer.
“In the past, you might have needed two cranes to do the same work,” said Joe Mirabile, UPERIO USA’s regional sales manager. “The MDT 809 can handle it alone, which means fewer pieces of equipment, lower costs, and faster completion times.”
User-friendly operation
Safety is always a top priority on any construction site. Hayden Lipsey, a crane operator for UPERIO USA, provided insight into the daily operations and benefits of the MDT 809.
“This crane is built to handle significant loads efficiently,” Lipsey said. “Here at the hospital project we’re lifting up to 44,000 pounds, and because of the crane’s capacity, we’re able to operate at much lower percentages — 30% to 40% — of its maximum load. That means the lifts are sturdier and more efficient compared to using smaller cranes.”
In terms of crane operation, the MDT 809 is user-friendly and consistent with other Manitowoc cranes.
“The crane uses the Manitowoc Crane Control System [CCS], which makes it simple for operators who are already familiar with the operating system to transition between machines,” Mirabile noted. “That consistency across equipment means less training time and fewer errors.”
For Lipsey, operating a crane like the MDT 809 is a rewarding experience.
“It's a great way to be indoors and outdoors because you have a climate-controlled cab, but you’re very hands-on, and you get to look and see what you're building, which is nice,” Lipsey added.
The hospital project in State College is expected to continue for another year, with the MDT 809 providing critical lifting support throughout.
“This crane isn’t just a piece of equipment; It’s an integral part of the construction process, helping to ensure that everything gets where it needs to be — securely and efficiently,” Calaman concluded.
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