The 2,300 tonne Manitowoc 31000 crawler crane is near the end of its test, including boom and jib combinations which are the longest ever designed for Manitowoc cranes. The first unit is scheduled to be delivered in early 2012.

Manitowoc senior product manager Mike Wood said: “We have designed the 31000 crawler crane to be as adaptable as possible. The crane is available with multiple boom and jib configurations and five counterweight configurations.”

The 31000 comes standard with a 55 metre heavy-lift main boom, but using optional five and 10 metre inserts, the main boom can be extended to a total length of 110 metres.

Optional boom configurations can also increase the crane’s reach and lift height.

A luffing jib is also available starting at 36 metres, it can be extended to 114 metres. Maximum capacity on the luffing jib is 1,100 tonnes.

The 31000 also has a combination boom, which uses parts of the main boom and the luffing jib. With various inserts, the combination boom has a maximum length of 138 metres.

“We are utilising much of the luffing jib for the fixed jib, and many of the boom sections and boom top of the luffing jib are used in the combination boom, thereby ensuring maximum utilisation,” added Wood.