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Variety of cranes showcased at Utility Expo

September 14, 2023  By Don Horne



One company will bring four of its strongest offerings for the utility industry to The Utility Expo 2023 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Manitowoc will display its Grove GHC85 telescoping crawler crane, a National Crane NBT60XL boom truck, the compact NBT45-2, and the NBT55L, which at the show will feature an insulated attachment that makes it possible for utility contractors to repair power lines without disrupting power.

This year’s Utility Expo will take place at the Kentucky Exposition Center from Sept. 26-28, covering more than 32 acres.

The four cranes on display are a testament to The Manitowoc Way of listening to its customers in the utility sector and putting their needs into manufacturing practice, said Bob Ritter, product manager for National Crane boom trucks at Manitowoc, adding that this feedback is evidenced in the cranes’ fast setup, easy roading, and convenient attachments.

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“The Utility Expo is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate how our cranes deliver practical solutions for utilities applications,” said Ritter. “We’re excited to once again prove why our cranes lead the way with uniquely implemented features that have been suggested by the crane users: flexible setup, class-leading features, and comfort for operators.

Strong pick-and-carry capability

Show attendees will have a chance to check out the new Grove GHC85 telescoping crane at Manitowoc’s booth for the first time since its launch. The GHC85 is a mid-sized crane with a capacity of 85 USt. The crane is ideal for use in utility applications with 100% pick-and-carry capability. Its frame-mounted jacks and counterweight lifting cylinders enable the crane to self-assemble, which can be controlled via a wireless remote.

The crane’s several track span settings (covering both symmetrical and asymmetrical configurations) are made possible by the hydraulically extendable and retractable cross members that enhance stability even further.

Versatile boom trucks

A National Crane NBT60XL and a NBT45-2 boom truck will also be exhibited at Manitowoc’s booth. A third National Crane boom truck, an NBT55L, will be on display in LineWise’s booth (E1321). These versatile cranes are particularly well suited for the utility sector, boasting class-leading load charts and practical transportability.

“The NBT60XL features the best combination of boom length and load chart capacity. Its short wheelbase, just under 45 ft, makes for a nimble roading package on the tightest jobsites,” Ritter said.

The NBT60XL features 16,000 lbs of hydraulically removable truck crane-style counterweights. This trayless design allows for the counterweight slabs to be stacked in any order, quickly and efficiently.

Manitowoc will also display the new National Crane NBT45-2 boom truck, one of two models in the NBT40-2 Series. This compact 45 t crane is also offered in a 40 t version. Both configurations offer five-section boom options with load charts boasting double-digit percentage increases over previous models, with no change in gross vehicle weight (GVW).

The NBT40-2 Series is ideal for work in utility sectors, due to its versatile boom lengths and excellent short radii charts or capacity at reach. The utility industry will find the crane suitable for its rugged design and its 200 ft plus platform height.

The NBT55L, which will be displayed at LineWise’s booth (E1321), will feature LineWise’s Triple Line Lifter, an insulated attachment that enables utility contractors to repair power lines without disrupting power.

*When using the Triple Line Lifter product on a National Crane, ensure all work is performed in accordance with National Crane and LineWise operational procedures and the OSHA regulations regarding work on electric utilities,” Ritter said.


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