Manitowoc

Manitowoc’s CraneSTAR telematic system uses the Orbcomm satellite network and GSM cellular systems to communicate data that informs decisions unique to managing cranes. CraneSTAR equips each crane with a Manitowoc-engineered control unit that monitors operating data via the crane’s proprietary CAN bus network or RS232, including information from the load moment indicator. Information is transmitted via global GSM cellular data networks to a secure database, which crane owners access from any Web-connected computer or handheld. Manitowoc says CraneSTAR is the first construction-equipment telematic system to use a global SIM card, which works on cellular networks worldwide. If no GSM cellular network is available, CraneSTAR automatically switches to upload data via satellite. The system will gradually become standard equipment across Manitowoc product lines beginning later in 2009, with Manitowoc paying for the initial years’ service charges.