InfraStructures - September 2006 - Potain Igo MA21 Overcomes Jobsite Challenges

Potain Igo MA21 Overcomes Jobsite Challenges

A Potain Igo MA21 self-erecting crane has proven instrumental in overcoming jobsite challenges during the renovation of a high school in Elkton, Maryland.

Masonry subcontractor Joseph Rizzo & Sons had originally anticipated a straight-forward plan to build a cement block addition on to the school. However, the existing structure blocked access to two of the walls limiting the contractor's ability to deliver bundles of cement block to workers. In addition, the general contractor would not allow any type of equipment onto the cement slab foundation. This ruled out the option of using rough-terrain forklifts or other material-handling equipment to deliver the bricks.

The Igo MA21 proved to be the right crane for the job's tough restrictions. It offers a maximum capacity of 1,8 t, and a tip capacity of 0,70 t. The crane runs on either 480 V, three-phase or 220 V, single-phase electricity. With nearly 19,3 m of height under hook and a 26 m radius, the Igo MA21 provided the necessary reach to access the entire job site. With its small footprint, the self-erector did not take up much space on the already crowded site.

According to Kevin O'Connell, self-erecting crane product manager for local Potain dealer Shawmut Equipment, there are many benefits that made this crane a perfect fit for the job.

"School was still in session during construction of the addition, so the crane's electric drives allowed for quiet operation," he said. Because the Igo MA21 can be operated with 220 V, single-phase power, the contractor tapped into an existing power source on the site, eliminating the need and expense for a three-phase generator. The Igo MA21 only took about an hour and a half to position, erect, and complete its required checkouts."

The radio control feature of the Igo MA21 was also beneficial on this job particularly for delivering brick bundles to masons working on scaffolding. The radio control allowed the crane operator to stay with the load the entire time to position the bricks exactly where they needed to be.

Source: The Manitowoc Company, Inc.