The flagship of the new crawler crane model range from Manitowoc, the MLC650, impresses thanks to a number of innovative solutions. The fully modular construction of the equipment facilitates transport and the variable position counterweight maximises the performance capacity of the crane. The MLC650 thus represents an extremely exciting innovation in the 600t category.

The first crane in this series went to the Californian crane specialist Bigge, which used it to construct a wind park in Minnesota. The operator was particularly impressed by the new design of the hoist ropes, as well as the many other advantages of the equipment. By increasing the diameter and the load-bearing capacity of the rope, it was possible to clearly improve the traction of the individual strands. The ensuing reduction in the number of reevings facilitated higher hoisting speeds and thus considerably reduced the construction time for the wind farm.