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| Potain Ultra View cab raises bar for comfort, visibility  Manitowoc completely redesigned and updated the cab for Potain tower cranes for greater operator comfort and job site visibility. The new cab, called Ultra View, is being officially introduced to the industry at bauma 2010. Remi Deporte, Manitowoc's global product manager for tower crane mechanisms, said the cab will set new standards in terms of operating environment. "When we launched our original Vision cab in 2000, it was unlike anything else, and it set new standards for operator comfort and productivity," he said. "Now with the Ultra View cab in 2010, we are again raising the bar. A comfortable operator can be safer and more efficient and Manitowoc used that as the primary motivation throughout the design of Potain's Ultra View cab."The Ultra View cab offers a standardized environment and space. One of the key design changes is the relocation of the electrical control panel to a dedicated space outside and behind the cab. Relocating the electrical components frees up space allowing room for a small table, storage for technical documents and three plugs with 220 V or 110 V power options. It also reduces noise from electrical contactors and frequency converters that can be heard when these components are inside the cab. There is large glass expanse at the front of the Ultra View cab, offering an unobstructed view from top to bottom. Sliding side windows, a side sunblind and lateral wipers all give the operator optimum vision over the job site. The cab's heating and air conditioning system provides additional comfort and comes standard in the cab. Other changes benefit owners and can cut fleet management costs. There is only one version for all Potain cranes, and a new paint process applied to the Ultra View cab better protects the cab from corrosion, giving it a longer life cycle. On site, the cab is safer to rig because there is no need for crew to climb on to the roof and attach it to a mobile crane's hook during assembly or disassembly. The Ultra View cab has screw-in ears at ground level for attaching slings on Potain crane models where it needs to be lifted into place. In other Potain crane models, such as MDT topless cranes, the Ultra View cab is pre-built into larger sections of the crane, which are lifted as one piece in assembly and disassembly. Manitowoc is currently offering the Ultra View cab on all new top-slewing tower cranes from its European factories and also for the new Igo T 130 self-erecting crane. It will gradually roll out across the brand's product line beginning in May and will eventually replace the Vision cab. However, customers with Vision cabs will continue to receive parts and support through Manitowoc Crane Care. write your comments about the article :: © 2010 Construction News :: home page |