Second crane control system simulator

Canadian-headquartered simulator and simulation software company CM Labs has announced that it is developing the second in a series of simulators that incorporate the Crane Control System (CCS) from crane manufacturer Manitowoc Cranes.

Manitowoc’s CCS operating platform has been integrated into CM Labs’ Vortex simulators with the aim of providing operator training and driving adoption of Manitowoc cranes by providing crane operators with direct experience of CCS equipped cranes.

CM Labs explains that Manitowoc’s CCS operating platform provides a common human-machine interface across multiple Manitowoc crane product lines. Each CCS unit has the same control layout, with standardised symbols, and is made up of several common components (crane controller, safety controller, small IO (input/output), large IO, joysticks, jog-dial and display).

The first simulators delivered by CM Labs replicated the functionality and behaviour of Manitowoc’s 35 tonne (40 ton) Grove RT540E crane. CM Labs’ second series of simulators is designed to replicate a 165 tonne (182 ton) Manitowoc MLC165 lattice boom crawler crane. Both simulators are under the control of an actual CCS user interface.

Dealers and operators of Manitowoc Cranes who are interested in purchasing a Vortex Crane Simulator with CCS to use for customer training can do so through Manitowoc’s Crane Care network.