EXHIBITOR INTERVIEW: NFT CRANES

NFT Cranes will be exhibiting its latest products at The Big 5 Heavy in Dubai this November. We spoke to Nagham Al Zahlawi, Marketing & Strategy Manager; here's what he told us as he prepares to participate at the largest event dedicated to the infrastructure and heavy construction community in the Middle East.

What products will you be showcasing at the event this November?

We plan to showcase our special Potain masts and models of the latest tower cranes from Potain.
​We will also be promoting the latest development from Potain: MDT 809 and the hydraulic luffers.

What value do these products bring to the region’s construction industry?

The launch of the MDT 809 is one of the most significant Potain tower crane launches of recent times: Over the past 10 years we’ve seen consistent growth in demand for topless cranes, with customers benefiting from their fast assembly and compact design, which makes it easier to get more cranes onto a job site to complete work quicker. Alongside this we’ve seen an increase in modular construction, with contractors needing to lift heavier loads. It’s clear to us that there is strong demand for bigger topless cranes, however we wanted to be sure that any new model we launch not only satisfied demand for greater capacity, but also preserved the easy transport, fast assembly and industry-leading performance our other topless cranes deliver. The MDT 809 provides all that and more. Here are some of the added value of the MDT 809:

Lower costs:
​With its highly optimized assembly and disassembly, owners can install the crane on site in the shortest possible time and move it off site rapidly once work is completed. Alongside that, the crane offers up to 40 t of lift capacity and can accommodate up to 80 m of jib. For transport, the crane is especially compact, with everything but the slewing mechanism capable of traveling in a standard container.
​The whole crane transports in either 10 or 11 containers, depending on the winch option selected, which is four to five fewer containers than is typically required for a crane of this size. Smart design features to aid shipping include protective packaging for the jib sections; optimized space usage for containerization and a cab that rotates for transport. The crane also has a new 8 m cross base that offers the performance characteristics of a 10 m chassis, but which requires only one container for transport.

High-speed assembly:
​The Potain MDT 809 is not only fast to transport, but also fast to assemble once on site: typically, around twice as fast as other 40 t cranes and also requiring less space. With its full complement of jib, the crane can be assembled at a 50 m working height in less than three days. The 8 m cross base is not only easier to transport but also faster to set up than the 10 m alternative. There are dedicated slinging points on the crane to aid on-site assembly and jib sections can be assembled either on the ground or in the air, depending on site conditions and available space. The rotating cab and easy-connect points for the counterjib further simplify erection. Options for assembling the jib range from the 30 m minimum up to the 80 m maximum in 5 m sections.

High performance:
​From the range of regular frequency-controlled hoists, options for the crane span from the 100LVF to the 270LVF. An optional 150HPL is also offered, from the High Performance Lifting range, for the ultimate in speed and strength. These winch options give the crane a maximum available capacity of 25 t, 32 t or 40 t. Tip loads of up to 9 t are available at the 80 m maximum. With the new reinforced K-mast system, freestanding heights of up to 80 m are possible.
​Users can choose from a two-fall configuration on the trolley for faster duty-cycle lifting, or four-falls for heavy lifting. Inside the cab a simple push-button solution enables the operator to activate the cable-tensioning system automatically. This is particularly useful for long-running job sites, where tensioning is required more frequently. The Crane Control System (CCS) features too, with its customizable operator profiles; simpler commissioning; load curve P+ functionality and much more.

Potain MRH 125:
​Alongside the MDT 809 is the second groundbreaking crane from Potain, the MRH 125. The innovative crane is the first in the European range to combine luffing jib and topless capabilities; and it also uses hydraulic power for the luffing movement, for greater efficiency. Maximum capacity for the crane is 8 t while the maximum jib is 50 m, with a lift capacity of 2 t at the jib end. Users can configure the crane in freestanding heights of up to 57.9 m, while line speeds of up to 118 m/min are available with the 50LVF20 hoist winch.
​As with the MDT 809, Manitowoc has placed a strong emphasis on return on investment for owners. The crane has an adaptable design making it suitable for all kinds of congested urban job sites, while transport and assembly times have also been optimized.
​Just four containers are required to transport the upper portion of the crane, with the counter jib and jib foot traveling as a single package. The unique VVH hydraulic luffing mechanism and cylinders are pre-connected at the factory, meaning no assembly is required on site.
​A further advantage over traditional luffing jib cranes is that the hydraulic power of the VVH mechanism means there is no requirement to also install luffing rope during installation. The hoisting winch, maintenance derrick and jib wind side plate are also pre-installed. Plus there is no need to adapt the wind-sail plate on site, no matter what length of jib the crane is erected with.
​On-site the crane delivers outstanding operating performance, no matter how constrained the job site. The jib can be raised from the horizontal to near vertical (88°) in just two minutes, while the counterjib measures just 7 m and is simple to connect during assembly. The out-of-service weathervaning radius of just 10 m, whatever the jib length, adds to its impressive features for tight job sites, while the cab has the option to attach to either side of the mast to suit project conditions.

Can you share your outlook on the local construction industry:
​Are there challenges you are currently facing?

The market is relatively good with some challenges in project planning and delayed payments.

Is there something you are really looking forward to in the pipeline?

All the government initiatives that are planned.

Finally, how will it benefit customers to see you at the event?

The Big 5 Heavy has always been a good opportunity for us to see our customers face to face, catch up on their objectives for the coming year and hear their feedback on the past year. Customers can also benefit by sitting and talking directly with our CEO and the manufacturer as both will be present on the stand.
​Visiting us at the stand will also allow us to show our customers and potential clients the new tower crane models we will be launching and discuss some technical optimization with tower cranes.

What was the best part about your time at the event last year?

Talking to customers and giving a presentation on Tower Crane Safety.

About NFT Cranes -

NFT cranes and construction hoists worldwide. With 2000 tower cranes mixed between used and brand new and 500 hoists, there is no project we cannot support. NFT also offers after sale services, design engineering, maintenance, spare parts and worldwife shipping.

Meet NFT Cranes at The Big 5 Heavy, Rashid C208, Dubai World Trade Centre, from 25 to 28 November!