Manitowoc MLC650 completes VPC-MAX testing

Manitowoc has completed load testing of its Manitowoc MLC650 lattice boom crawler crane with the variable position counterweight (VPC) MAX attachment.

The VPC-MAX attachment raises the capacity of the MLC650 to 700 tonnes. It includes additional counterweight and a beam that automatically extends the counterweight based on the load.

For the test boom was positioned over the corner of the crawler crane. Dustin Soerens, Manitowoc marketing manager for lattice boom cranes, said, “We attached hundreds of strain gauges to the MLC650 and picked a number of loads in the test yard to test its capacity with the VPC-MAX attachment.

“The testing went very well with no surprises. No changes are needed on the crane, as it performed superbly. We’re well on our way to releasing this innovative crane to the global market.

“The successful testing was a great moment for everyone at Manitowoc,” Soerens said. “We’re working very hard to release a crane that will define the next generation of lifting equipment.”