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 News Release
April 16, 2008
Crane Rental buys Manitowoc Model 31000
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| The Manitowoc Model 31000 features the only self-supporting Variable Position Counterweight system, patent pending, in the industry. |
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Crane Rental Corporation of Orlando, Fla., will buy the second 2,535 USt capacity Manitowoc Model 31000. Manitowoc unveiled the new heavy lift crawler crane at CONEXPO 2008.
The 31000 is the largest-capacity crawler crane Manitowoc has ever designed or built. It employs an innovative lift-enhancing mechanism, which eliminates the need for a counterweight wagon. This feature, called the VPC (the Variable Position Counterweight) never touches the ground and extends or retracts as needed by the crane’s lift. Manitowoc announced the sale of the first 31000 at CONEXPO.
Alan Ashlock, president, Crane Rental Corporation, said the 31000 is a logical choice for his company as he grows his fleet and the lifting capacities he now offers his customers. Crane Rental owns a large fleet of Manitowoc and Grove products. The 31000 was a natural larger capacity progression from the two Manitowoc 18000s Crane Rental already owns, Ashlock said. The company also owns a range of other Manitowoc crawlers including 555s, 888s, 999s, and 2250s. The 31000 will become the company’s flagship crane.
“The 31000 is an ideal crane for the complex and massive lifts customers are asking for help with today,” Ashlock said. “Its capacity is impressive and the unique VPC counterweight system is a tremendous advancement in crawler-crane technology.”
Bruce Buchan, Manitowoc vice president sales crawler cranes, said Crane Rental is a good fit to buy one of the first 31000s Manitowoc will make.
“Crane Rental will do well with the new 31000. It is a very progressive crane rental company and it understands how to capitalize on the value and opportunity Manitowoc builds into its cranes,” Buchan said. “In the years ahead, customers will demand the biggest and most transportable cranes ever built as construction takes off in the sectors of energy, petro-chemical and massive infrastructure development. The 31000 establishes Crane Rental as a leader in this new coming heavy lift marketplace,” Buchan said.
Manitowoc Finance is assisting with the purchase by coordinating financing arrangements for the crane. Crane Rental Corporation has utilized Manitowoc Finance for assistance with the purchase of numerous cranes over the past few years. Manitowoc Finance provides financing for Manitowoc’s cranes, foodservice and marine products for customers around the world.
In addition to its massive capacity and its breakthrough VPC, the Model 31000 offers these key features:
- Four trunnion-mounted crawlers, which allow the crane to oscillate during travel and provide even weight distribution during lifts;
- Dual 600 hp Cummins engines which provide ample power for multifunction operation;
- Swing assembly on a roller path system, rather than the typical turntable bearing. This system helps maximize load distribution and decrease ground bearing pressure.
About The Manitowoc Company
The Manitowoc Company, Inc. is one of the world's largest providers of lifting equipment for the global construction industry, including lattice-boom cranes,tower cranes, mobile telescopic cranes, and boom trucks. As a leading manufacturer of ice-cube machines, ice/beverage dispensers, and commercial refrigeration equipment, the company offers the broadest line of cold-focused equipment for the foodservice industry. In addition, the company is a leading provider of shipbuilding, ship repair, and conversion services for government, military, and commercial customers throughout the U.S. maritime industry.
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