“A new era in self erecting cranes” is how Manitowoc is describing its Hup 40-30, the second model from the new Potain Hup range to be launched.
Speed, efficiency and versatility – these are the features that lifters are demanding, and are now the guiding principles of the latest technological developments in self erecting tower cranes from Manitowoc. First shown as a prototype at Bauma 2016, the Hup 40-30 sees the introduction of several new features that the company promises will increase agility, manoeuvrability and return on investment.
The flexibility and adaptability to cover a much wider range of jobs with a single machine is the customer’s ideal and with the versatility built into the design of this new unit that’s what the manufacturer maintains is being delivered. A 
40 m jib (131 ft.) boasts 16 configurations, for instance, a figure which is unique to this category of self-erecting crane, enabling it to be easily adapted for a range of job site applications. The crane also has a maximum capacity of 4 t, while it can lift 1 t at its jib end of 40 m (131 ft.).
As with the Hup 32-27, the new crane features a telescopic mast for a range of working heights. This design boosts the height under hook attainable by the crane to 25.6 m (84 ft.) in its “low position,” and 30 m (98 ft.) when extended to its greatest height. The logistics are also improved, as no extra mast is required to install the crane.
Further versatility is delivered with a luffing jib that offers three positions: horizontal, 10° and 20°. These options give a height under hook range of 20m (65 ft.) to 40m (131 ft.). Shortening or extending the jib is a swift and straightforward operation, whilst convenient configurations for both short and long jib lengths are provided.
Agility on the job site is a key consideration for the new range and that’s why the Hup 40-30 has a high-performance slewing radius that allows it to be positioned closer to buildings. As well as that a transport package that is only 14m (46 ft.) long when folded, makes moving from job site to job site and easier proposition.
On-site Advancements
Operator efficiency on the Hup 40-30 is maximised through Manitowoc’s remote control unit. The remote features a large, coloured screen with easy to use navigation, Smart Set Up software delivers on-screen step-by-step information during crane erection and enables automatic folding and unfolding of the crane from the remote.
This new remote system also offers three selectable profiles for operators that vary the working speed of the crane to suit the application: “dynamic,” for quick and easy lifting; “standard,” for typical lifting applications; and “high precision,” for precise load positioning.
The hoist unit features Potain’s High Performance Lifting (HPL) technology which, thanks to its standard four fall rope configuration, can deliver maximum lifting speed as soon as it’s configured on the job site. In addition, High Performance Slewing (HPS) technology enables load moment optimisation, even as the crane swings. Integrated maintenance warning indicators also support crane maintenance throughout its lifecycle.
Furthermore, a new Power Control function enables it to work on a variety of job sites. With this technology, the crane is able to operate via a wide range of power inputs, including from low-level power supplies. This versatility means that the user may not have to provide additional power supplies, which could lower both the costs and preparation for many projects.
The new Potain Hup range replaces existing Igo models of self-erecting cranes, and deliveries of the Hup 40-30 will start in early 2017.
FACTORY FINISH
The Manitowoc Way is a standardised manufacturing program that is being applied across the company’s factories around the world, and is designed to bring more efficiency, innovation and standardisation to crane design. Improvements to the Niella Tanaro plant where the Hup 40-30 is being produced include new cutting and tooling equipment, including laser and plasma cutters that ensure the highest level of precision for all crane components.
The new jib production line is semi-automatic and designed specifically for the jibs on Hup cranes. A new painting line, which covers 2,000 m2, includes a shot blasting station with 16 turbines that are 50 m long, as well as a new painting and drying process.
