Manitowoc Cranes has completed the required overload test of its Manitowoc 31000. The 31000, which has a 2,535 USt (2300 t) rated capacity, lifted 5.5 million pounds (2.5 million kg) of test weight. All new crane designs must undergo an overload test to confirm the engineered capacity of the crane.
Larry Weyers, senior vice president of the Americas region, said the test went as expected, and engineers were please with how the crane performed under load. "The lift went very smoothly, and our unique Variable Position Counterweight worked perfectly," he said. "Exactly as we expected."
The Manitowoc 31000 was fitted with over 600 strain gauges that measure the tension or compression of the steel components of the crane while lifting.
Kevin Blaney, manager of product marketing for crawler cranes, said that data from the test will be analyzed to determine if any design changes are required in the production units of the Manitowoc 31000. "We'll check the stresses in the structure to verify the preliminary capacities," he said. "Then we will correct them up or down or modify structural components to assure that actual stresses are within accepted limits."
Boom lengths on the 31000 will range from 180 ft to 344 ft. Various fixed and luffing jib setups will also be available.
About The Manitowoc Company, Inc.
The Manitowoc Company, Inc. is a multi-industry, capital goods manufacturer with over 100 manufacturing and service facilities in 27 countries. It is recognized as 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. Manitowoc also is one of the world's leading innovators and manufacturers of commercial foodservice equipment serving the ice, beverage, refrigeration, food prep, and cooking needs of restaurants, convenience stores, hotels, healthcare, and institutional applications.
