Big new hybrid crane and more from Manitowoc at Bauma

Potain Igo M 24-19 self erecting tower crane announced in September 2024. Image: Manitowoc Potain

At Bauma 2025 crane manufacturer Manitowoc will display 12 cranes on its three stands (FS1202, FS1202/2, FS1201), totalling 3,300 square metres.

A clear highlight will be a 150 tonne capacity plug-in hybrid Grove all terrain crane on a five axle carrier and available in two versions. The GMK5150L-1e (60 metre boom) and GMK5150XLe (68.7 metres) offer as much as a full day (five hours) of emissions-free lifting, the manufacturer said.

It has a fully electric upper works for crane operation. Loads charts are the same as for the diesel versions. The battery offers a capacity of 180 kW-h. Charging can be done by plugging the crane into a grid connection or from a 170 kW generator mounted onboard the crane in the carrier. The running time can be extended to around 20 hours when the crane is connected to the electricity grid via its cable.

Most of the driveline remains as per the diesel version, including the independent Megatrak suspension and disc-braked axles.

Score for the environment

“These new plug-in hybrid cranes deliver more sustainable lifting and boost owners’ environmental credentials. They can drive to the job site using HVO fuel to power the efficient Mercedes-Benz engine and reduce carbon emissions by up to 90 per cent while simultaneously charging the batteries. Then, they can set up and use clean electricity to handle the lifting tasks. There’s also a massive reduction in noise pollution – a great advantage when operating in a city centre,” said Florian Peters, Manitowoc senior product manager for all terrain cranes.

The big new hybrid will be one of seven Grove models on show.

Tower cranes

Potain tower cranes will also feature strongly, starting with the MR 309 luffing jib tower crane announced last year. Two versions of this luffer are available, with 16 or 25 tonnes capacity, and 60 metre boom. It was launched alongside the MR 329 and will be making its international trade show debut.

Another first time at an international show will be the self erecting tower crane model Igo M 24-19, first announced at the French Batimat show in September 2024. It replaces the Igo M 14 and is aimed at house builders and carpenters. Capacity is 1.8 tonnes and on full boom the reach is 24 metres and the tip load is 570 kg.

Among other Potain towers on show will be the best-selling Hup M 28-22 A self erector, launched in 2020.

Innovation showcase

“This year at bauma 2025, we are excited to host our customers and dealers from around the world to showcase our latest innovations. We are prepared to discuss our extensive range of aftermarket services, which include new products, used equipment sales and EnCore remanufacturing; Grove Connect and Potain Connect telematic systems; and our cutting-edge training programmes. Our partnership with customers spans the product lifecycle, and our aftermarket support helps crane owners maximise their return on invested capital,” explained Ion Warner, Manitowoc SVP marketing and investor relations.

Aftermarket services is an increasingly important area of focus for Manitowoc. Find out more about spare parts, training, EnCore refurbishment and more. See the Tirax 80, designed to ease pin connections on Potain K series tower crane masts during tower crane assembly.

Potain Connect Assist is a phone app which syncs with the company’s telematics service allowing remote fault diagnosis and preparation for service and repair. The torturously-named ProTECHtor control for tower cranes will be shown for the first time. It allows technicians to have control of a crane during repair and maintenance operations, preventing inadvertent operation that could be dangerous.

There is also a Tirax system for installing pins on Grove mobile cranes, plus new rope cleaning and boom lubrication systems.

For regular updates on what will be new at the Bauma trade show bookmark our rolling news story.