Potain tower crane restores Le Panthéon

Renovation specialist company Lefevre Renovation, based in France, is using a Potain MDT 178 tower crane to help with a restoration project on the historical Le Panthéon in Paris.

Part of the restoration project is to restore the dome of the Le Panthéon building, which dates from around 1790. It was originally a church and is now a national monument.

Work for the 8 tonne capacity MDT 178 includes lifting general construction material and stone. To protect the building from further damage during the restoration work, the tower crane has been mounted on a 300 tonne metal frame that surrounds the tall dome of the building, a company spokesperson said. Using the frame the tower crane can work at the required height without being anchored to the building. It has been configured with a height under hook of 100 metres and a 55 m jib.

Commenting on the planning of the project, Jean-Claude Guiter, key accounts director at Manitowoc, said, “The tower crane brings fluidity to the project. A mobile crane would have to make bigger lifts, less regularly. That takes more planning and increases the risk of damaging this famous building. The Potain MDT 178 only lifts materials as and when required. It offers complete coverage of the site without any risk. It’s the perfect solution.”

The Potain MDT 178 was supplied by tower crane rental company Arcomet, based in France. Ludovic Delcourt, president of Arcomet, said, “This iconic building’s restoration must be faultless and Potain cranes have a long history of impeccable quality and performance.

“The crane also features excellent strength when working in a free-standing configuration, complemented by a small footprint, which is crucial at this cramped job site. Adding to the crane’s capabilities is the responsive team at Manitowoc Crane Care who help out whenever needed. We are proud to be a part of this historic restoration.”

The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2014.