Three Potain MC 480 tower cranes supported the construction of the Luding Dadu River Bridge, part of the Sichuan–Tibet Railway in China.
Bought by dealer Xiamen Vigors Mechanical Equipment in 2016, the cranes started work on the project in November 2022 and wrapped up construction in May this year after completing a key stage of the bridge development.
The 1,060-m bridge will improve connectivity across the local mountainous terrain. The cranes constructed the bridge's pylons, with the main contractor, China Railway Major Bridge Engineering Group, selecting them for their stability and lifting performance under challenging conditions.
China Railway Major Bridge Engineering Group received parts, service and technical support during the project from the Potain factory in Zhangjiagang, together with local expertise from Xiamen Vigors. This combined aftermarket service ensured consistent uptime, efficient maintenance and long-term operational reliability across the demanding schedule.
Facing extreme conditions, including a deep V-shaped canyon and strong winds, the three Potain MC 480 tower cranes worked in perfect harmony, rigged with jib lengths between 40 m and 60 m and using all their maximum 25-t lifting capacity.
The working configuration of the pylon construction also complicated work, with a 21-m steel formwork section offering no tie-offs for the cranes, meaning they had to work around it as the project grew upwards.
Additionally, the staggered multi-crane operations offered only 10 m between jibs. Despite these issues, the Potain MC 480 cranes delivered robust performance, completing the 262.8-m and 255.8-m main pylons right on schedule.
The company said the project highlights how Potain's premium design philosophy and high-strength engineering translate into excellent operational reliability. By delivering consistent, trouble-free performance years after purchase, the cranes demonstrate how Potain's build quality guarantees trusted long-term service.
"This project highlights the reliability and performance that customers expect from Potain cranes. The MC 480 continues to deliver the lifting capability and durability required for demanding infrastructure applications," said Wang Zhiwei, head of engineering, Manitowoc China.
For more information, visit manitowoc.com/potain.
