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Lenkin Enterprises, a prominent construction firm led by seasoned structural engineer Michael Lenkin, has selected two Potain MDT 809 tower cranes for critical projects in the DC area. These cranes are playing pivotal roles in the renovation of Glenstone, a private modern art museum in Potomac, Maryland and the overhaul of a Georgetown University office building.
The Potain MDT 809, Potain’s largest topless tower crane for the U.S. market, is designed to meet demanding lifting requirements. For the Glenstone project, a crane with a 279-foot (85 m) jib was necessary to minimize environmental impact and reach most of the museum’s perimeter. The MDT 809’s long reach and capacity are essential for this delicate operation, as it is the first crane in North America to feature the ZY854 cross-shaped base, supporting high working heights efficiently.
“The Potain team and the Manitowoc Lift Solutions division worked hand in hand with me to find the right solution so we could adapt the MDT 809 to meet my needs,” Lenkin said. “I was able to get an 85-m jib for the crane with the capacity my client wanted on a static base, despite having to shoehorn this crane into an alcove at the museum. There were a lot of different challenges, but the work of the team at Manitowoc both in France and the U.S. made it possible.”
At Georgetown University, the MDT 809 is central to the transformation of a 40-year-old office building. The crane’s robust capacity is vital for handling heavy granite-clad precast panels and performing significant structural work. It operates with a 60 m hook reach and supports various tasks including demolition and steel setting.
With over 30 years of experience, Lenkin Enterprises has a long history with Potain cranes, but the MDT 809 models mark the first of their kind in their fleet. The cranes’ advanced capabilities and Potain’s dedicated support highlight their critical role in these landmark projects.
