Construction

Manitowoc unveils Potain MR 819: heavy-lifting gamechanger

Manitowoc's_Potain MR 819_luffing_jib_tower_crane

Manitowoc launches 64-tonne Potain MR 819 luffer crane. (Image source: Manitowoc)

Manitowoc has used bauma 2025 as the platform to introduce the Potain MR 819, the company’s largest luffing jib tower crane designed specifically for the European and North American markets

With a maximum capacity of 64 tonnes and up to 70 metres of jib, the MR 819 significantly surpasses its predecessors—the MR 608B and MR 618—which offer a 32-tonne capacity.

The development of this high-capacity crane was heavily influenced by Manitowoc’s Voice of the Customer (VOC) program, which identified a growing need for larger luffing jib cranes to handle substantial precast components and support critical infrastructure developments like bridge and nuclear facility construction.

“We developed the Potain MR 819 to support our large rental and high-profile contractor customers,” said Thibaut Le Besnerais, vice president of marketing and development for tower cranes at Manitowoc. “To develop the new crane, we drew heavily on the design of our latest luffer, the MR 309. This allowed us to engineer a crane with optimally sized components that offer the easiest transport and assembly.”

Power. precision. performance.

Among the crane’s standout features is its compact out-of-service radius, which ranges from 18 metres to as little as 16 metres depending on jib configuration. This makes it ideal for high-density urban construction sites. It also utilises a dozen 5-metre sections of Manitowoc’s new 2.45-metre K 880 mast system, enabling freestanding heights of up to 65.6 metres with 50-metre jib setups. Anchored configurations can reach 210 metres with a 65-metre jib using just five anchoring frames under C25 wind conditions.

In terms of performance, the MR 819 boasts impressive lifting capabilities. With three-fall reeving and a 55-metre jib, it can lift its full 64-tonne capacity at a 17-metre radius and 10.8 tonnes at the jib tip. When set to two-fall reeving with a 65-metre jib, the crane handles 42 tonnes out to 21 metres and 7.4 tonnes at its maximum radius.

To manage these substantial loads, Manitowoc developed the 270 LVF 213 Optima hoisting winch. This unit features a 200 kW motor and 838 metres of rope, offering variable line speeds from 183 metres per minute in single-fall mode to 61 metres per minute with three-fall reeving. For luffing, the 110 kW-rated 150 VVF 90 hoist allows the jib to be raised from 15° to 87° in just 2 minutes and 20 seconds. The crane also incorporates Potain Power Control to optimise energy consumption during less time-sensitive operations.

Operators will benefit from Manitowoc’s Crane Control System (CCS), which enables seamless calibration and fine-tuned controls. The spacious Ultra View cab enhances operator comfort and performance, while the integrated POTAIN Connect telematics platform provides detailed data to support fleet management, maintenance planning, and troubleshooting.

Also read: Manitowoc to showcase advanced aftermarket services at bauma

Metso introduces eco-friendly crusher at bauma

Metso showcases energy-efficient HRC 8 crusher at BAUMA 2025, promoting circular economy in global construction industry. (Image source: Metso)

As the BAUMA 2025 trade fair gets underway in Munich, Germany, Metso showcases its HRC 8 high pressure grinding rolls (HPGR) crusher—highlighting the company’s commitment to helping the construction industry embrace a circular economy.

Engineered for sustainable aggregate production, the HRC 8 delivers low energy use, reduced wear part consumption, and efficient processing of recycled materials, making it ideal for producers and contractors aiming to boost environmental performance and profitability.

The construction industry is increasingly adopting a circular economy approach on a global scale, prioritising energy efficiency, alternative fuels, and sustainable raw materials. The production of industrial sand and the separation of usable construction materials for cement and concrete production present significant business opportunities while addressing the rising demand for sustainable practices. The Metso HRC 8 high pressure grinding rolls (HPGR) crusher not only supports sustainable operations, but it also offers process flexibility and higher capacity and low energy and wear part consumption, making it an attractive option for aggregate producers and contractors.

With declining sand extraction sites in Europe and reduced permitting for new ones, the supply situation is challenging, and transporting sand from distant locations is often not economically viable. The cement industry creates 8% of global CO2 emissions. The target is to reduce these emissions by 25–55% by 2030 and achieve zero-emission cement production by 2050. Currently, up to 20–30% of recycled materials are used in cement and concrete production.

“The construction industry is moving towards circular economy, and urbanization is expected to drive demand for raw materials to meet the growing global needs. Metso's HRC 8 offers a proven solution for aggregate producers and contractors, delivering high quality output with excellent gradation and particle shape. It fully meets the specifications for recycled concrete and cement applications. With over 160 units currently sold worldwide, the HRC 8 has received consistently positive feedback from customers, supporting sustainable and efficient production,” commented Oldemar Meneses, product manager impactors and sand solutions, Aggregates at Metso.

Metso HRC 8 crusher for Aggregates

Metso HRC 8 for Aggregates is available as a stationary crusher or as a part of Nordplant's pre-designed crushing modules and plants. As a portable model on Nordwheeler, the crusher provides flexibility for relocation based on material location. Due to its energy efficiency, it is included in the Metso Plus offering.

The HRC 8 crusher generates very low dust emissions and noise levels, saves up to 50% energy compared to other technologies, and can convert quarry waste and demolition waste (upcycle Construction and Demolition Waste CDW) into high-quality, high-value sellable products. It can release recycled cement from CDW, produce high-quality manufactured sand, and improve poor-quality sand, thereby avoiding the use of virgin resources and upcycling quarry waste materials.

PPC to build cement plant in Western Cape

Existing plants in the region will remain operational throughout the construction and commissioning period. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

PPC’s board of directors has approved a capital investment of R3 billion (approx.US$160mn) to construct a state-of-the-art integrated cement plant, marking a major strategic step for the leading Southern African cement producer

The new facility, which will be built at an existing PPC site in the Western Cape, is set to replace and expand current production capabilities with an annual output capacity of 1.5 million tons. Existing plants in the region will remain operational throughout the construction and commissioning period.

Matias Cardarelli, PPC CEO, said, “This capital expenditure creates a step change for PPC: in competitiveness, technology and the markets we can serve. The plant ensures compliance with the latest environmental regulations and uses alternative fuels, promoting a more sustainable approach.”

The decision follows a careful review of PPC’s capital allocation strategy and its adherence to a net debt to EBITDA covenant of two times.

To deliver the project, PPC has signed an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract with Sinoma Overseas Development Company Ltd—renowned globally as a leader in cement equipment and engineering. Construction is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2025, with commissioning targeted for the end of FY27.

“The new plant cost, capabilities and cost efficiency will support PPC’s growth for many years to come. We remain focused on our discipline to deliver returns to our shareholders, and all other stakeholders,” concluded Cardarelli.

Also read: PPC and Yellow Door Energy partner for solar energy expansion

Wirtgen Group introduces zero-emission road construction system

Wirtgen Group advances zero-emission road repairs with efficient, high-performance milling, paving, and compaction solutions. (Image source: Wirtgen Group)

Wirtgen Group, a leader in road construction technology, has introduced a groundbreaking production system designed to operate with zero emissions, combining electrically powered machines with green hydrogen technology

Unveiled as a modular solution, the system integrates a cold milling machine, a road paver, a tandem roller, an asphalt mixing plant, and a crushing plant, all tailored for sustainable urban construction projects.

With growing pressure to reduce environmental impact, particularly in inner-city settings, this innovation addresses the need for lower CO₂ emissions, reduced noise pollution, and improved energy efficiency.

At the core of the system are three battery-electric machines: the Wirtgen W 50 Re cold milling machine, the Vögele SUPER 1300-5e road paver, and the Hamm HX 70e tandem roller.

These machines, developed in collaboration with Kreisel Electric—a battery specialist majority-owned by Wirtgen’s parent company, John Deere—rely on high-voltage drive systems to meet varying power demands.

Designed for small-scale urban repair and maintenance work, they remove damaged asphalt, lay new pavement, and compact it without emitting exhaust fumes.

To ensure consistent operation, a mobile charging infrastructure has been engineered to power multiple machines on-site, overcoming the logistical challenges of electric construction equipment.

For the energy-intensive task of crushing milled asphalt, the Kleemann MR 100i NEOe mobile impact crusher employs an all-electric E-DRIVE system, which can connect to an external power source for zero-emission performance.

In areas with limited electricity, it can switch to a diesel-electric setup using HVO100, a low-carbon alternative fuel, maintaining a smaller environmental footprint.

This crushed material is then reused in the asphalt mixing plant, enhancing the system’s circular efficiency.

Green hydrogen focus

A standout feature is the asphalt mixing plant’s Benninghoven burner, the world’s first to run exclusively on green hydrogen.

This technology significantly cuts CO₂ emissions during asphalt production, a process traditionally reliant on fossil fuels. The burner, paired with advanced control and drying systems, maximises efficiency, making asphalt production a key area for sustainable improvement in road construction.

All components of the system feed performance data into the John Deere Operations Center, a telematics platform that provides real-time insights into machine functions and battery levels. This connectivity allows contractors to monitor and manage fleets effectively, ensuring optimal performance across entire construction sites.

The system’s standardised components streamline maintenance and reduce costs by using shared service parts and a universal operating interface. Beyond operational benefits, it offers a quieter working environment, benefiting both site workers and nearby residents. Contractors adopting this technology gain a competitive edge, meeting stringent municipal regulations and appealing to investors who prioritise sustainability in project funding.

SANY redefines construction machinery with electrified solutions

SANY will introduce 11 electric machines to the European market for the first time, reinforcing its leadership in sustainable construction technology. (Image source: SANY)

SANY Group, a leading force in the construction machinery industry, will present its latest advancements under the theme 'The World of Efficiency – Your Partner to Create the Best' at bauma 2025

With a focus on high-quality, efficient, and sustainable solutions, SANY will showcase 35 products, including 19 new models and 11 electrified machines, reinforcing its commitment to electrification and adaptability in the European market. SANY (booth FN619, 3,152 sq m) will exhibit alongside Putzmeister (booth B6.100, 2,500 sq m), creating a record-breaking 5,652 sq m combined exhibition space. Attendees can expect global product debuts, CE-certified models, and innovative solutions tailored for international markets.

Advancing electrification and meeting European market demands

SANY will introduce 11 electric machines to the European market for the first time, reinforcing its leadership in sustainable construction technology. Key exhibits include SCC2000A-EV, the largest pure electric crawler crane from SANY, STR50E, the industry’s first 5-ton all-electric roller, and the SCM500E-10, an electric milling machine tailored for European operations.

The exhibition will also feature six excavators equipped with two-piece booms, extended arms, and specialised attachments. Among them are the SY10U, SANY’s first 1-ton micro excavator, the SY26C, a 3.5-ton short-tail model compliant with Euro V emissions, and the SY155U, a 15-ton short-tail excavator. Other highlights include SANY’s first compact electric 6-meter telehandler STH625E, specifically designed for European markets, and a 40-ton material handler, developed to meet the region’s growing material handling demands.

Enhancing visitor experience with digital innovation

SANY’s booth will feature technological showcases designed to highlight its expertise in digital operations.

Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with two standout interactive features:

'Remote Control Over Thousands of Miles,' which enables the remote operation of unmanned mining excavators from Munich to Huzhou, China, setting a new distance record for SANY.
'Construction Simulation Game,' offering a hands-on experience of Construction Simulator 3, seamlessly integrating SANY’s equipment control with gaming technology.

Additionally, SANY will present a comprehensive selection of parts and services, including 18 key components such as hydraulic and wear parts, giving attendees insight into the company’s robust service and parts supply capabilities.

With an impressive lineup of innovative products, advanced technology, and top-tier services, SANY will showcase its strength and limitless potential in the construction machinery sector. Visitors from around the world are invited to explore SANY’s booth and experience the future of intelligent, green, and efficient construction machinery. Join the experience of 'The World of Efficiency' with SANY.