How accessories from Potain keep tower cranes running smoothly

• Aftermarket products and services improve operator comfort, site visibility, crane positioning, security, and technician efficiency.
• Having the right products and services to back up a tower crane can make a significant difference to overall project success.

Potain has led the tower crane industry for decades, with customers worldwide enjoying the performance, reliability, and profitability advantages these cranes offer. In addition to engineering performance, a major factor in the brand's long-running success is how Manitowoc supports the cranes, enabling owners to maximise their return on investment.

With customer support, detail matters, which is why Potain offers a broad range of products and services to keep tower cranes functioning at their optimal level. By managing operator comfort, site visibility, crane positioning, security, and technician efficiency, Potain gives contractors greater peace of mind while projects achieve higher success rates.

Efficiency and security in focus

One important, but often overlooked, area where Potain supports customers is the design and supply of steel bracing to tie the crane to the development. As one of the largest and most experienced tower crane companies in the world, Potain provides a total solution, from design and planning through to the manufacture and installation of modular, reusable frames and beams matched to the project and crane.

Also supporting jobsite efficiency is a range of ultra-high-powered lighting options. These are sold as standalone packages or as installed solutions, with Potain handling wiring and fitting. The lighting units can be attached to the mast or jib and deliver 300 W of power and 48,000 Lumens. Working from either 230 V or 400 V, the lighting packages come with waterproof sockets for weatherproof operation, and offer quick, easy assembly/disassembly.

Potain is also combating the unwanted phenomenon of urban explorers breaking into jobsites to climb cranes with its new anti-intrusion kits. These work with K400, K600, K800 and K850 mast sections – including those with the Potain Cab-IN operator elevator installed. They comprise lightweight steel panels with anti-drilling padlocks, and the panels can also be used as plate carrier markers.

Putting people first

Several ancillary products are designed to support those who assemble, service, and operate the crane. This includes a partnership with GRIPPS, a leader in engineered drop-prevention solutions and tool-tethering equipment. A full selection of grapples, wristbands, tethers, grippers, tool catchers, and more is available for purchase through the global Potain dealer network to help technicians work more effectively and securely.

The same principle applies to the unique ProTECHtor™ system, which allows the technician to take full control of operations during maintenance, preventing untimely crane movements that could endanger workers. With ProTECHtor™, the technician can stop crane movements or remotely authorize them at pre-set speeds – and there’s an emergency stop. The system works with top-slewing and self-erecting tower cranes, either with or without CCS (Crane Control System) technology, and it can be purchased as a portable system or included as an in-built feature on new cranes.

For the operator, Potain also now offers greater comfort with  autonomous urinals located next to the cab. These chemical-free units need no water or drainage, and are odorless and self-cleaning. Installation is quick and easy: the 700 mm x 300 mm unit weighs just 15 kg and requires only a 230 V socket.

“The fundamentals of construction success are always tied to the performance and reliability of the tower crane. But having the right tools, training, and support to back up the tower crane can make a substantial difference. That’s why Potain’s customer support is focused on all aspects of crane ownership, maintenance, and operation. When a crane performs to the best of its ability, the whole project benefits,” said Jérôme Chanel, VP Sales & Aftermarket, Potain Europe.

CONTACT

Dominique Leullier    
Marketing Director Europe
Manitowoc    
T +33 4 72 18 21 60
dominique.leullier@manitowoc.com