Potain emission control

Noise and emissions are concerns on any jobsite but are a particular problem on a college campus, according to Manitowoc. For this reason, self erecting tower cranes are becoming the machine of choice for work at universities and close campus settings in the US, where rough terrain mobile cranes were once the common solution.

Two Potain self erecting tower cranes are helping construct a four storey dormitory at the University of Indianapolis in Bloomington, Indiana. The machines have minimal environmental impact because they use electric motors, which produce no exhaust emissions at the point of use and are quiet. Manitowoc also said they reduce fuel costs.

According to Ed Albany, crane rental specialist at Indianapolis-based Potain dealer R.H. Marlin, "The fact that these cranes operate very quietly is certainly an asset for contractors working in close proximity to other commercial or educational facilities. Furthermore, there are no fumes from a diesel engine, which suits a lot of working locations."

The East Hall dormitory includes specialized concrete panels that are fireproof and have good insulating qualities. The Igo T 70 is lifting and placing the concrete floor and wall panels, which range from 1,200 pounds (0.5 tonne) to 2,000 pounds (0.9 tonnes). The Igo has been on the construction site since November 2008 and an HDT 80 was added in February 2009. Contractors added the second crane to speed up the project, which fell behind schedule as a result of winter weather.