Jakarta-based contractor PT Indonesia Pondasi Raya (Indopora) has deployed its Potain Hup 32-27 self-erecting crane on a variety of projects over the last three years. Launched at bauma 2016, this crane model has the ability to combine typical tower crane operations with replicating many of the tasks performed by smaller, mobile material handling equipment – reducing costs and eliminating excess traffic on jobsites.
Founded in 1977, Indopora is predominantly engaged in piling, retaining walls and ground engineering, for projects as diverse as housing, skyscrapers, underpasses and bridges. The company had traditionally rented conventional tower cranes on larger projects and mobile cranes, rough-terrain forklifts or telehandlers on prefabricated housing projects. But in 2018 it pursued a new strategy, purchasing a Potain Hup 32-27 on the recommendation of Multicrane Perkasa, the local Potain dealer.
The crane proved an immediate hit, and it’s easy to see why. It features an adjustable two-section mast with a third section that can telescope out from the second to increase working height from 21 m to 27 m, with the jib in the horizontal position.
With a maximum capacity of 4 t, or 1 t at its 32 m jib end, the crane provides even greater versatility with a choice of three luffing positions (10°, 20° and 30°) that increase the maximum under-hook height to 40 m. Folding back the jib to its alternate configurations of 23 m or 11 m is a swift and straightforward process. In total, over 20 separate crane configurations are possible.
Proof positive
The first opportunity for the Hup 32-27 to prove itself to Indopora came with the start of the Eco Home project, a five-storey apartment complex in Tangerang, West Java. “The crane was worked hard for a year, lifting precast concrete sections and handling other duties,” said Mr Wahyudi, owner of Indopora. “Its ability to work so well in such a confined location was extremely impressive.”
Key to this ability is the small rear slewing radius of just 2.25 m, enabling the crane to be positioned closer to existing structures. It also offers two compact footprint options of 4 m x 4 m or 3.5 m x 4.42 m. Its innovative, dynamic unfolding movement enables setup in congested areas, while its integrated levelling system compensates for height differentials of up to 25 cm, or gradients of up to 8%.
Next project after the completion of the Eco Home development was the Boxies Mall, another five-storey structure in western Bogor, 60 km south of Jakarta. This time the crane was used for about eight months, again lifting precast concrete and other materials.
For such a relatively large crane, the Hup 32-27 becomes surprisingly agile once folded for transportation, packing down to a single 4 m tall, 12 m long package, which again impressed Mr Wahyudi: “We were able to move it quickly from one location to another. It could then be reconfigured rapidly, so the minimal downtime and wider coverage is extremely appreciated.”
The quick setup time of the Hup 32-27 is made possible with Manitowoc’s innovative radio remote control unit. Its Smart Set Up software delivers simplified step-by-step information to the operator via the large, easily navigated colour screen and, once setup is completed, provides three operating profiles that vary the working speed to suit the application.
“After three years of use, we are very pleased we made the switch to the Hup 32-27,” concluded Mr Wahyudi. “It has definitely boosted productivity and delivered cost savings, while simplifying the on-site logistics.”
Other Indopora projects where the Hup has proved itself include the Jababeka Living Plaza Mall and the Indramayu Mall, both in West Java. And for projects where something a little larger is required, the company can always turn to its MC 310 K12 and MC 465 top-slewing cranes.
