March 18 - Manitowoc's MLC650 crawler crane has successfully completed maximum load testing with the VPC-MAX attachment, raising the machine's lifting capacity from 650 to 750 tonnes.
The VPC-MAX attachment includes additional counterweight and a beam that automatically extends the counterweight beyond the rear of the crane based on lifted load, increasing its load moment.
For the maximum load test, the crane was positioned to apply the maximum stresses through the structure, including the boom positioned over the corner of the crawler crane.
"We attached hundreds of strain gauges to the MLC650 and picked a number of loads in the test yard to test its capacity with the VPC-MAX attachment," said Dustin Soerens, marketing manager for lattice boom cranes at Manitowoc, adding that the testing went according to plan with no changes needed to the crane.
Manitowoc explained that the VPC-MAX attachment provides capacities similar to wagon-mounted or tray-mounted attachments, but requires fewer components and assembly steps, reducing setup time and transportation costs.
Moreover, said the manufacturer, jobsites will require less ground preparation, resulting in additional savings as customers do not have to buy, transport or install as much matting when compared with a traditional configuration.
