The Manitowoc Crane Group (MCG) welcomed more than 800 customers and dealer representatives from around the world at its Crane Expo demonstration event in Shady Grove, Pa., Oct. 16 to 20. Throughout the week, MCG had approximately two dozen of its Manitowoc, Grove, National Crane, and Potain lifting products on display. Many of these cranes were introduced this year.

Dave Birkhauser, senior vice president of sales for the Americas, said MCG’s focus on product innovation is what has elevated the company to a leadership position in the lifting market and what enables it to offer so many new cranes.

“MCG is firmly committed to developing new products based on customer need. This means that each and every one of the cranes highlighted at this event was designed to help our customers become more productive and more profitable,” he said.

Two new Grove all-terrains were on hand: the GMK5275, a 275-ton (220 t) five-axle crane with a 223 ft. (68 m) seven-section full-power boom and the GMK4115, a 115-ton (100 t) unit with a 170-ft. (52 m) six-section boom.

Other Grove products on display included the RT535E, a 38-ton (35 t) rough-terrain crane, which features a rectangular boom designed to eliminate weight and increase capacity; and the RT530E-2, which has the same chassis, superstructure, and electronics system as the RT535E, but has a 95-ft. (29 m) boom and a 33 ton (30 t) capacity. This crane also features a Tier III engine.

The Manitowoc brand also was represented. The model 16000, a 440-ton (400 t) crawler sported its new MAX-ER lift enhancing attachment as well as its new 138-ft. (42 m) luffing jib. Manitowoc also introduced its new model 14000, a fully hydraulic 220-ton (200 t) crawler crane.

Also on display were the National 13100H, a stand-up control boom truck featuring an “Easy Reach” console, which can be quickly and easily moved to either side of the truck bed. The 684HTM also was on hand from National. This 600-series tractor-mounted crane features an 84-ft. (26 m) boom and hydraulically actuated “out and down” outriggers.

Manitowoc Crane CARE hosted a live demonstration of the new “e-training” program. The program features on-line courses in basic mechanical and pneumatic systems, as well as mobile hydraulic and mobile electric systems for cranes.

Since MCG began hosting the Crane Expo demonstration in the mid-90s, this was the largest event held.

John Wheeler, executive vice president for the Americas, attributed the event popularity to not only a booming crane market, but also MCG’s focus on customer service.

“Our focus on customer care distinguishes us in the market place,” he said. “The people attending our event this week are not simply customers, they are business partners. Through our innovative products, Crane CARE program, and distinguished dealer network, MCG strives to provide these partners with the resources they need to get the job done effectively and efficiently.”

This story also appears on Crane Equipment Guide.

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