The Newest Generation of Potain Tower Cranes Showcase Benefits in Madison, WI

Located blocks away from the state’s capitol in Madison, Wisconsin, is a new 14-story development downtown featuring two new Potain flattop tower cranes owned by Reynolds Rigging and Crane.? The project commenced in December 2023.?? Building on a zero-lot line property that required the work of two tower cranes, the Potain MDT 489 M25 and Potain MDT 219 J10 proved to be best cranes to overcome some of the obstacles on the jobsite.?

The taller crane on the job, MDT 489 M25, is a 55,200 lb max capacity crane with 262 ft of jib and the shorter crane on the jobsite, MDT 219 J10 is a 22,000 lb max capacity with 213 ft of jib.? Specifically on the jobsite, the MDT 489 is configured with 164 ft of jib which has 24,000 lbs at the tip and the MDT 219 has 148ft of jib with 9,600 lbs at the tip. ? This new building is positioned in the direct flight path of a local airport which required the MDT 489 to be built with the max K800 freestand height of 232 feet with 164 ft of jib.? The lower crane on this job, the MDT 219, was also chosen as the best crane for the job given the freestand height required for the building transitioning from larger K600 to K400 tower producing a hook height that was feasible for both the 489 and 219.? Opposed to hammerhead cranes or competitive flattops in the same class, the compact jib and counterjib of these Potain cranes offered this job to be successful.? These calculations were derived from the great relationship and support between Potain and the Reynolds team.?

Considering the zero-lot line property with buildings on each side, a 2-way road to the front and railroad tracks on the back, planning effective assembly and dismantle of the tower cranes was essential.? First, the MDT 489 was erected from the 2-way road by a brand-new 500-ton Tadano all-terrain crane with lattice jib.? The lighter component weights and opportunity for the MDT 219 to be assembled one jib section at a time, the MDT 489 erected the MDT 219 in the further corner of the jobsite (the side by the railroad tracks).? The opportunity for the MDT 489 to erect and dismantle the MDT 219 on this jobsite further drove jobsite efficiency and benefits to the general contractor’s bottom line.??

Flattop tower cranes deliver many benefits to the general contractor.? The technology of the new Potain flattop tower cranes offer general contractors several benefitting external factors without sacrificing strong load charts.? Both tower cranes on this job have the automatic 2-part to 4-part trolley to allow the operator to easily switch parts of line from operator’s cab.? This offers increased jobsite flexibility without downtime.? Driving green initiatives, the technology of the crane power control system allows the most effective and efficient use of jobsite electrical power.? The lighter component weights of both tower cranes allow for both a smaller mobile assist crane for A&D and the opportunity for the taller tower crane to build the lower tower crane at a further radius.? Lighter and ergonomic designed crane components lead to efficient transportation.? Reducing the number of trucks for transportation saves A&D time, the bottom line and environment to build a strong and sustainable future.?????

Considering the air right restrictions and a compact jobsite, this project has been successful from the start with two Reynolds owned Potain MDT 489 and MDT 219 tower cranes that are growing Wisconsin’s skyline.

The Reynolds Team is dedicated to keeping our fleet NEW and our team learning and educated to keep our customers successful. We appreciate your time reading this and your business and partnership.

Please reach out to me anytime if you have any questions about tower cranes or would like to discuss an upcoming project in the Midwest that we can support! [email protected] or 920-860-1488