Manitowoc Crane motorcycle episode premiered on "American Chopper"
Staff -- Associated Construction Publications, 5/7/2008
Crane and motorcycle fans alike celebrated the airing of the "American Chopper" episode featuring the Manitowoc crane inspired ‘chopper’ Thursday night, May 1.
About 200 Manitowoc fans and residents gathered locally to watch the show air at a north-side Manitowoc sports bar and grill. The program was carried by cable television’s The Learning Channel.
After months of planning and coordination, the episode featuring the custom-made bike’s planning, construction and unveiling was finally shown. With the show’s airing, Manitowoc will now have the custom-built motorcycle on public display.
Larry Weyers, executive vice president of the Americas region of Manitowoc’s crane division, said it was gratifying to see the company featured in the show.
"Manitowoc Cranes really fits the show, so it was exciting to see them feature us. The Teutul’s attention to detail and their passion for their work embodies Manitowoc in many ways," he said. "It was interesting how they had adapted so many elements of cranes into this chopper. It was also very enjoyable to see how much the company employees and crane enthusiasts really appreciated this bike."
A visit to the Manitowoc crane manufacturing facility in Manitowoc, Wis., led to the inspiration of many of the crane-related elements on the bike, including front and rear wheel rims which have coiled wire rope; a lattice-boom ‘sissybar’ complete with rope and hook; and handle bars inspired by Manitowoc’s patented mobile hydraulic crane MEGAFORM boom design.
The Teutul sons, Paul Jr. and Mikey, along with a video crew, visited the Manitowoc factory in February. Scenes of Manitowoc’s factory and test yard were shown on the program. The chopper was presented to Manitowoc in a hand-over ceremony on Manitowoc’s stand at the CONEXPO 2008 construction trade show in Las Vegas, in March. That event was also videotaped and shown as part of Thursday’s program.
Manitowoc will display the chopper at regional events and dealerships throughout North America for the remainder of 2008.
Merchandise featuring the Manitowoc bike and the Orange County Chopper logo is available in Manitowoc’s online store, http://www.manitowoccranegroup.com/Store/EN/Store.asp.
The Manitowoc Company, Inc. is one of the world’s largest providers of lifting equipment for the global construction industry, including lattice-boom cranes, tower cranes, mobile telescopic cranes, and boom trucks. As a leading manufacturer of ice-cube machines, ice/beverage dispensers, and commercial refrigeration equipment, the company offers the broadest line of cold-focused equipment for the foodservice industry. In addition, the company is a leading provider of shipbuilding, ship repair and conversion services for government, military and commercial customers throughout the U.S. maritime industry.
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