Three Potain MC 480 tower cranes have completed a key stage in the construction of the Luding Dadu River Bridge in China, overcoming high winds, difficult terrain and tight working conditions to help deliver the project on schedule.
The bridge is part of the Sichuan–Tibet Railway and spans 1,060 metres across mountainous terrain. The cranes, purchased by dealer Xiamen Vigors Mechanical Equipment in 2016, began work on the project in November 2022 and finished in May 2026 after completing construction of the bridge’s main pylons.
China Railway Major Bridge Engineering Group selected the cranes for their stability and lifting performance in the demanding environment. Throughout the project, the contractor received technical support, servicing and spare parts from the Potain factory in Zhangjiagang, together with local support from Xiamen Vigors, helping to maintain consistent uptime and reliable operation.
The three cranes worked in a deep V-shaped canyon where strong winds and restricted space created significant challenges. Configured with jib lengths between 40 and 60 metres, each crane operated at its maximum lifting capacity of 25 tonnes.
Construction became more complex as the bridge towers rose. A 21-metre steel formwork section provided no tie-off points for the cranes, requiring them to work around the structure as it climbed higher. At the same time, the cranes operated with only 10 metres of clearance between their jibs during staggered lifting operations. Despite these conditions, the cranes completed the bridge’s 262.8-metre and 255.8-metre main pylons on schedule.
The project also demonstrated the long-term durability of the cranes, which had been in service for several years before being deployed on the bridge. According to Manitowoc, their low maintenance requirements and reliable performance support extended use across multiple projects.
Wang Zhiwei, head of engineering at Manitowoc China, said: “This project highlights the reliability and performance that customers expect from Potain cranes. The MC 480 continues to deliver the lifting capability and durability required for demanding infrastructure applications.”
