Potain MD 345 L12

The Potain MD 345 L12 belongs to the upper segment of the Topkit hammerhead crane range and was developed to meet the lifting needs of major infrastructure and high-rise construction projects. With a maximum lifting capacity of 12 tonnes and an extended jib that can reach up to 75 meters, this crane combines exceptional load-handling capability with reach performance, offering 3.2 tonnes at maximum radius—ideal for handling heavy prefabricated components, steel structures, or rebar cages at significant distances.

At its core, the MD 345 L12 uses a 2-meter mast system that enables robust freestanding operation. Depending on the mast base configuration and anchoring system used, the freestanding height can be extended significantly, ensuring adaptability across different job site constraints. The most common base configurations include the V60A and ZD46A, both well-proven for supporting heavy topkit models.

The crane’s hoisting system is engineered for both speed and endurance. It is typically equipped with either the 75 LVF 40 or 100 LVF 40 winch, with the former providing rope capacities suitable for up to 1,000 meters depending on reeving. These winches allow for maximum lifting speeds of 88 m/min and maintain optimal performance across the load spectrum. Trolleying is managed by a 6 D3 V45 mechanism with adjustable speeds, while slewing is controlled by the RCV 185 slewing unit, delivering smooth rotational movement with fine control—ideal for congested or precision placement zones.

One of the standout features of the MD 345 L12 is its jib strength across distances. For example, it handles 9.4 tonnes at 30 meters, 5.7 tonnes at 45 meters, and still manages 3.2 tonnes at its full 75-meter reach. The crane employs modular counter-jib ballast configurations ranging from approximately 18 to 26 tonnes, depending on the jib length and load case. The base ballast requirement varies by setup but often reaches beyond 100 tonnes for tall free-standing configurations, emphasizing the crane’s heavy-duty nature.

The Potain MD 345 L12 adheres to CE safety and noise standards (CEI 38, IEC 38) and requires a power supply of 400V / 50Hz with generator compatibility. Total electrical requirement typically ranges from 110 kVA to 140 kVA depending on the installed equipment package.

This crane is frequently deployed in major city development projects, power plants, and infrastructure like bridges or stadiums, where large loads must be placed accurately at extended radii. With its blend of high lifting power, long outreach, and structural resilience, the MD 345 L12 remains a mainstay in Potain’s heavy-duty lineup for the most demanding applications.