A Potain MDT 809 M40 top-slewing crane, one of the first in North America, is driving efficiency and cost savings on high-capacity construction projects. Looking Up highlights its impressive performance on a hospital project in Pennsylvania.
A Potain MDT 809 M40 topless tower crane is at the heart of a major hospital project in State College, Pennsylvania. Designed for high-capacity construction, the crane is lifting massive steel beams and precast concrete into place, helping bring this complex structure to life.
For Bradley Calaman, Potain’s regional business manager, the crane’s robust capacity has been critical to the project’s success.
“In its 40-t version, the MDT 809 is the main driver,” he said. “With a 75 m jib, it can lift nearly 21,000 pounds at its tip, making it perfect for the heavy loads we’re handling.
Contractors are increasingly looking for cranes that can lift more weight and move materials faster, and the MDT 809 is meeting that growing demand.”
As Potain’s largest top-slewing crane in the U.S., the MDT 809 exemplifies the shift toward higher-capacity cranes for complex builds. This crane will continue to play a crucial role in the hospital project for the next year.
The crane’s topless design offers significant advantages, especially in terms of efficiency and flexibility.
“Its flat-top structure simplifies assembly and disassembly, saving valuable time,” Calaman explained. “It can be fully assembled in a day, and its compact footprint makes it perfect for congested jobsites. Once erected, its 360-degree rotation covers a wide range without requiring relocation.”
On a project like the hospital in State College, a crane capable of handling heavier loads at extended distances is a game changer.
“You might have needed two cranes to do the same work in the past,” said Joe Mirabile, UPERIO USA’s regional sales manager. “The MDT 809 can handle it alone, reducing equipment needs, cutting costs, and speeding up completion times.”
User-friendly operation
Productivity is a top priority on any construction site, and the MDT 809 demonstrates how design and capacity contribute to more efficient operations. Hayden Lipsey, a crane operator for UPERIO USA, shared insights from the hospital project in State College.
“This crane is built to handle significant loads efficiently,” Lipsey said. “We’re lifting up to 44,000 pounds, but because of the crane’s capacity, we operate at just 30% to 40% of its maximum load. That makes the lifts sturdier and more efficient compared to using smaller cranes.”
The MDT 809’s user-friendly design further enhances its value.
“The crane uses the Manitowoc Crane Control System [CCS], ensuring consistency across Manitowoc equipment,” Mirabile said. “Operators familiar with the system can transition seamlessly between machines, reducing training time and minimizing errors.”
For Lipsey, operating a crane like the MDT 809 is both efficient and rewarding, reflecting how advanced crane technology supports both project success and operator satisfaction.
“It's a great balance of being indoors and outdoors,” Lipsey shared. “With a climate-controlled cab, you’re comfortable, but you’re also hands-on and you get to see the progress of what you're building.”
“This crane isn’t just equipment; it’s an integral part of the construction process, ensuring everything is moved securely and efficiently to keep us on track,” Calaman concluded.
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