For the first time in Europe, the first four Potain MDLT1109 tower cranes, the most powerful in the range in Europe, are at work on a complex project in Italy, the renovation of the Gravagna viaduct, near Genoa. The MDLT1109 crane boasts an impressive maximum load capacity of 40 tonnes and an 80 m jib, with a capacity of 11.1 tonnes at the end of the jib. It is the largest modular crane ever produced by Potain in Europe.
It replaces the popular MD1100 with two enhancements: a modular K-mast and Manitowoc's CCS crane control system. MDLT 1109 cranes are also equipped with the new Potain Connect telematics system.
These four giant cranes were deployed for the Itinera construction company. They are involved in the dismantling and reconstruction of the 1067 m high viaduct on the Cisa freeway, linking Parma to La Spezia. This project required a section-by-section approach reflecting the original construction sequence to preserve structural integrity. We've assembled many of Potain's tower cranes over the years, and we expected a daunting task with these four MDLT 1109 units due to the impressive dimensions of the components," says Manitowoc technician Cyrille Giamello. The work was certainly demanding, but the final assembly turned out to be much simpler than expected, which enabled us to meet the deadline."
