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The Manitowoc 18000 is a flagship lattice boom crawler crane renowned for its exceptional lifting capacity and advanced technology, making it a top choice for heavy lifting projects worldwide. Manufactured by Manitowoc Cranes, a company with nearly a century of experience in crane design and engineering, the 18000 stands out for blending brute strength with remarkable mobility and operational efficiency.
Development and Capabilities
Since Manitowoc began producing lattice boom crawler cranes in 1925, it has remained synonymous with innovation and reliability. The 18000 can lift a maximum of 750 metric tons (approximately 825 U.S. tons) when equipped with the MAX-ER (Max Extended Reach) system. This system enhances the crane’s reach and lifting capacities by providing a modular boom and jib configuration optimized for large-scale heavy lifting.
The crane features a robust Cummins diesel engine producing 447 kW (600 horsepower), powering a multi-pump hydraulic system that controls independent functions such as swinging, hoisting, and travel. The MAX-ER equipped model offers a maximum load moment of 9,098 metric ton-meters (65,505 ft-kips), highlighting its capability to perform complex lifts with precision.
Boom and Jib Specifications
Advanced Control Systems
The crane integrates the EPIC® (Electronically Processed Independent Controls) system featuring CAN-BUS technology. EPIC provides:
The hydraulic system includes multiple high-pressure piston pumps with separate closed-loop circuits to power all crane operations independently:
Dimensions and Weight
The Manitowoc 18000 excels in demand-heavy environments such as construction of large infrastructures, industrial lifting operations, and power plant installations. Its combination of high capacity and relatively compact footprint makes it ideal where space is limited but lifting demands are extreme.
Anecdote from Usage
On a recent nuclear power plant expansion project, the Manitowoc 18000 with MAX-ER attachment was chosen for lifting massive prefabricated modules. Its quick setup times and precise control allowed the team to operate safely in confined spaces while managing loads exceeding 700 tons, highlighting the crane’s reliability and technological advances.
Summary
The Manitowoc 18000 crawler crane represents a pinnacle of crawler crane engineering, combining powerful lifting capabilities with state-of-the-art controls and mobility. Its extensive boom and jib options, advanced hydraulic systems, and operator-friendly features make it a preferred machine for heavy lifting professionals seeking efficiency, safety, and precision on challenging projects.
Development and Capabilities
Since Manitowoc began producing lattice boom crawler cranes in 1925, it has remained synonymous with innovation and reliability. The 18000 can lift a maximum of 750 metric tons (approximately 825 U.S. tons) when equipped with the MAX-ER (Max Extended Reach) system. This system enhances the crane’s reach and lifting capacities by providing a modular boom and jib configuration optimized for large-scale heavy lifting.
The crane features a robust Cummins diesel engine producing 447 kW (600 horsepower), powering a multi-pump hydraulic system that controls independent functions such as swinging, hoisting, and travel. The MAX-ER equipped model offers a maximum load moment of 9,098 metric ton-meters (65,505 ft-kips), highlighting its capability to perform complex lifts with precision.
Boom and Jib Specifications
- Main Boom: Up to 400 feet (121.9 meters)
- Fixed Jib: Up to 110 feet (33.5 meters) on the main boom
- Luffing Jib: Up to 310 feet (approximately 94 meters), effectively extending the jib and enhancing vertical lift radius
Advanced Control Systems
The crane integrates the EPIC® (Electronically Processed Independent Controls) system featuring CAN-BUS technology. EPIC provides:
- Independent, variable-speed operation for each crane function, delivering smooth, precise control.
- On-board diagnostics and service information accessible via operator interfaces.
- Load Moment Indicator (LMI) systems for real-time safety monitoring of lifting loads.
- Electronic controls for automatic function cutouts or warnings to protect the crane and operators.
The hydraulic system includes multiple high-pressure piston pumps with separate closed-loop circuits to power all crane operations independently:
- Swing system: Powered by fixed-displacement hydraulic motors and planetary gear reductions, offering a swing speed of up to 1.2 RPM.
- Hoist system: Featuring independent drum motors for reliable lifting with ratcheting pawls for safety.
- Travel system: Twin crawler drive motors deliver sufficient tractive effort and speed around 0.7 mph (1.1 kph).
Dimensions and Weight
- Overall length (with Liftcrane attachment): Approximately 44 feet 8 inches (13.59 meters)
- Width: Approximately 9 feet 10 inches (3 meters)
- Height: Approximately 8 feet 10 inches (2.69 meters)
- Total weight: Around 104,434 lbs (47,370 kg), with upperworks and counterweights adding to the crane’s stability.
The Manitowoc 18000 excels in demand-heavy environments such as construction of large infrastructures, industrial lifting operations, and power plant installations. Its combination of high capacity and relatively compact footprint makes it ideal where space is limited but lifting demands are extreme.
Anecdote from Usage
On a recent nuclear power plant expansion project, the Manitowoc 18000 with MAX-ER attachment was chosen for lifting massive prefabricated modules. Its quick setup times and precise control allowed the team to operate safely in confined spaces while managing loads exceeding 700 tons, highlighting the crane’s reliability and technological advances.
Summary
The Manitowoc 18000 crawler crane represents a pinnacle of crawler crane engineering, combining powerful lifting capabilities with state-of-the-art controls and mobility. Its extensive boom and jib options, advanced hydraulic systems, and operator-friendly features make it a preferred machine for heavy lifting professionals seeking efficiency, safety, and precision on challenging projects.
