Potain flat tops at work in the Netherlands

Dutch crane rental company Multi-Crane has deployed six Potain MDT topless tower cranes for the De Zaanse Helden residential project in Zaandam, near Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

The project presented a unique challenge due to its confined space. (Photo: Manitowoc)

The project, consisting of 10 buildings with solar panels and rooftop gardens, will add 607 apartments and commercial spaces to the city.

Throughout the construction process, diverse construction materials including precast concrete, formwork, floor panels, and steel structures required precise lifting and placement. Contractor Stebru Bouw, responsible for the project’s construction, chose to work with Multi-Crane and its Potain tower crane fleet based on previous positive experience.

Confined space

The cranes have different heights under hook from 35 up to 75.6 metres. (Photo: Manitowoc)

The project presented a unique challenge due to its confined space. Multi-Crane collaborated with Stebru Bouw to plan the crane positioning, hook heights, and oversailing, creating numerous drawings to optimize the site layout and logistics. Topless tower cranes were deemed essential for this project.

Multi-Crane’s rental fleet comprises primarily Potain MDT topless tower cranes with CCS (Crane Control System).

Three MDT 319 (12 tonne maximum capacity), two MDT 389 (16 tonne maximum capacity) and one MDT 308 A (12 tonne maximum capacity) were deployed for De Zaanse Helden and have varying rental periods, ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 years.

The cranes have different heights under hook from 35 up to 75.6 metres and the jib lengths also vary from 35 to 50 metres.

Stebru Bouw commenced construction in 2021 and the project is on track for completion this year.

Ralph Breijer, CEO of Multi-Crane said, “De Zaanse Helden’s limited space demanded innovative solutions. Our Potain MDT topless tower cranes, with their easy erection, excellent manoeuvrability, and compact footprints, were the perfect fit.

“Their ability to operate effectively in tight spaces allowed us to maximize lifting capacity and efficiency, ultimately contributing to the project’s progress and success.”

View from the top. (Photo: Manitowoc)