Manitowoc 888

The Manitowoc 888 crawler crane made its debut in 1995 at the Bauma trade show in Munich, Germany, as part of Manitowoc’s next-generation crane lineup. Designed to modernize the 200-ton lifting class, it quickly became the fastest-selling model in Manitowoc’s history, even surpassing the sales record of the legendary 4100W. Its blend of robust build quality, proven components, and adaptable boom configurations made it the most popular 200-ton class crawler crane in the western world at the time. It was so successful that it reached 200 shipments faster than any other model the company had ever produced.

Built for performance and reliability, the Manitowoc 888 is powered by a 246 kW (330 HP) Cummins M11 diesel engine at 2,100 RPM. This engine drives a closed-loop hydraulic power transmission system consisting of six individual pumps: two for the main and auxiliary hoists, one for the boom hoist, one for swing motion, and two for the crawlers. These allow for completely independent and proportional operation of each crane function. The electronic-over-hydraulic controls are modulated by Manitowoc’s EPIC system, providing microprocessor-driven logic, diagnostics, and performance feedback directly to the operator through intuitive joysticks.

The 888 features a rugged rotating upper deck made from high-strength steel and fitted with two wide hoist drums, each 49.5 cm in diameter and powered by variable-displacement hydraulic motors. The boom hoist operates via a grooved drum and planetary drive with a bi-directional brake. Swing is controlled through a fixed-displacement hydraulic motor and planetary gear with a locking mechanism. The fully enclosed operator cab is mounted on a vibration-dampening frame, featuring large windows, ergonomic controls, climate control, and Manitowoc’s signature comfort and visibility.

Underneath, the crawler assembly consists of an 8.59 m long steel structure with sealed cast steel track pads. Each crawler is independently driven by a variable-displacement motor and is quick-connected via Manitowoc’s patented FACT™ assembly system. Optional hydraulic jacks facilitate self-assembly of the upper structure and carbody, making the 888 easy to mobilize and deploy. The counterweight system includes up to 101,200 kg of total counterweight, split between carbody, center, and upper side weights, with options for self-installation via hydraulic gantry.

The crane was offered in two main versions. The Series-1 model weighed 154 metric tons and had a maximum boom length of 79.2 meters with a rated lift capacity of 196.8 metric tons at a 4.6-meter radius. The heavier Series-2 model came in at 190 metric tons and could reach up to 88.4 meters in boom length with an increased capacity of 208.6 metric tons at the same radius. With boom and jib combinations, the Series-2 can achieve up to 131.1 meters of total reach. Importantly, the Manitowoc 888 uses the No. 22E and 22EL boom system, which shares inserts with the 4100W and 4000W, creating excellent interchangeability and reducing the need for additional boom inventory.

A major competitive edge was its performance across short to mid-range radii. For instance, with a 21.3-meter boom at a 5.5-meter radius, the 888 lifts 174.9 tons compared to Kobelco’s 162 tons. With 76.2 meters of boom at 15 meters radius, it can lift 38.9 tons versus 26.5 tons for the Kobelco 7200. However, at extended radii, the Kobelco overtakes the 888—lifting 6.2 tons at a 58-meter radius with a 76.2-meter boom, compared to the 888’s 2.4 tons.

Further enhancing its versatility, the 888 can be fitted with Manitowoc’s patented Ringer system. This attachment increases the crane’s capacity dramatically, allowing it to lift up to 600 tons and extend its boom to a maximum of 130 meters. The crane’s modular design and extensive list of optional jibs, inserts, and counterweight configurations make it a favorite for contractors who require both flexibility and heavy-lifting performance.

Overall, the Manitowoc 888 is a benchmark crawler crane in the 200-ton class. Its rugged design, high resale value, wide range of configurations, and trusted Manitowoc components have made it one of the most successful cranes in its class globally.