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Potain GMR HD Mobile Tower Crane

Maker:  Conrad
Model No:  2014
Scale:  1:50
Review Date:  June 2005


Conrad Index
Tower Crane Index


Cranes Etc Model Rating
Packaging   (max 10)5
Detail   (max 30)15
Features   (max 20)13
Quality   (max 25)15
Price   (max 15)10
Overall   (max 100)58%

Footnotes

 
The Potain GMR HD with transport dolly.
The box.
The trolley and jib folding cylinder.
Folded for transport.
The crane rigged with a short jib and lifting a giant Potain bucket
This is a model of a folding tower crane of the the type usually used on smaller construction sites.  Although common in mainland Europe, this type of crane is less popular elsewhere.

Packaging

The model is supplied in a long plain Conrad box, and is wrapped in foam.  Instructions are provided which include pictures, and are in three languages, English, French and German.  The review model arrived undamaged.

Detail

The base has four outriggers which can be stowed for transport or unfolded into a 'star' configuration for erection.  Each outrigger has a screw jack to enable the crane to be levelled.  Details are simple on the turntable itself with a slewing motor provided.

The counterweight consists of two heavy individual castings which sit securely on upstanding pins and it effectively balances the crane.

The mast is an unpainted section which has a hoist winch motor attached at the base.  The main transport axle is permanently fixed to the mast, with the dolly axle being removable.

Turning to the jib, it is in three sections, with the middle piece being very short and is used to facilitate the folding action.  The two large sections are each one piece castings and as such in cross-section they are made up of the side lattices with the underside being 'hollow'.  A trolley motor is provided on the inner job section together with 'Potain' signboards.

The trolley is metal and contains two pulleys. The hook is also metal and looks good, although it does not contain any pulleys.

Features

The crane can be folded for transport and looks good towed by an appropriate truck with a tow hitch.

It looks equally good displayed in working mode.  It can be rotated, and the trolley can be positioned by hand at any place along the jib.  The hoist works by adjusting the winding drum located at the base of the mast.

Quality

Casting quality is good, particularly some of the intricate details around the hinge section in the centre of the jib.  Paint and decals are also good.  There are few plastic parts - mainly the hydraulic cylinder bodies and the pendant bars.

Price

The model is good value for money.

Overall

A good version of a folding tower crane, which poses effectively when opened up.

Footnotes

The model first appeared in 1995.  It was withdrawn from Conrad's online model list in February 2006.
 
Outriggers and counterweight.
Plastic Potain sign and trolley winch.
Reasonably straight jib.
Distinctive Potain styling is replicated perfectly.