Once a project outgrows the mid-size MDT 178 class, the next decision on many European sites is between two CCS flat-tops that look similar on paper: the Potain MDT 219 and the Potain MDT 319. Both are topless tower cranes aimed at commercial and infrastructure work. The difference is the size class — and that difference shows up in tip load, jib, transport, and what you pay to own and move the crane. This comparison uses the typical configurations we sell (always verify the load chart of the specific unit).

Design Philosophy: Same Family, Different Size Class

Both models sit in Potain's MDT CCS range: a flat-top (topless) jib, modular mast, and the CCS control system. There is no counter-jib above the slewing platform, which is why MDT cranes are easier to work in overlapping-crane sites than classic top-slewing MC machines. You are not choosing between two design philosophies here — you are choosing how much crane you need inside the same philosophy.

The MDT 219 is the 10-ton, 65 m class workhorse for medium-to-large buildings. The MDT 319 steps up to a 12-ton, 70 m class for heavier lifts and larger footprints. If your heaviest regular loads and required coverage already sit inside the 219 envelope, buying a 319 is extra steel, extra ballast, and extra transport you may not need.

Capacity and Performance Specifications

Potain MDT 219 Specifications

Maximum Capacity: 10 tons
Maximum Jib Length: 65 meters
Design Type: Flat-top / topless tower crane (MDT CCS)
Typical Applications: Medium to large commercial buildings, residential blocks, and sites that need a 10 t class crane with a 65 m jib

Potain MDT 319 Specifications

Maximum Capacity: 12 tons
Maximum Jib Length: 70 meters
Design Type: Flat-top / topless tower crane (MDT CCS)
Typical Applications: Larger commercial and infrastructure projects where 10 t / 65 m is no longer enough coverage or capacity

Key Differences

Lifting Capacity

The MDT 319 is specified at 12 tons versus 10 tons on the MDT 219. Two tons at the hook sounds modest until you are placing precast, steel, or a loaded skip at radius. Check the load chart at your working radius — maximum capacity is not the number that decides most jobs; tip load is.

Reach and Coverage

A 70 m jib on the MDT 319 gives 5 m more coverage than the 65 m MDT 219. That extra reach can remove a second crane position or a later jump. On a tight urban plot the extra jib is often unused, and the smaller 219 is easier to place.

Transport and Assembly

Both are modular CCS flat-tops, so assembly logic is the same. The 319 is the heavier, longer-jib machine: more trucks, more ballast, more time. If you relocate often, that cost compounds. If the crane sits on one job for a year, capacity usually wins.

Project Suitability Considerations

Choose MDT 219 When:

A 10-ton class crane with up to 65 m jib covers your heaviest regular lifts
You want a CCS flat-top without stepping into the next size class
Transport volume and site footprint need to stay contained
You are replacing or pairing with other mid-size MDT machines

Choose MDT 319 When:

You need 12-ton capacity or a 70 m jib for coverage
Precast, steel, or plant lifts sit above what the 219 chart allows at radius
The crane will stay on a large commercial or infrastructure job
Overlapping-crane sites still require a topless MDT, just a larger one

Direct Comparison Table

Specification	MDT 219	MDT 319
Maximum capacity	10 tons	12 tons
Maximum jib length	65 m	70 m
Design	Flat-top CCS	Flat-top CCS
Typical role	Medium-to-large buildings	Larger commercial / infrastructure

Figures above are the typical listings we stock. Load charts, hook height, and hoist options vary by unit — download the chart for the specific crane before you buy.

Conclusion

Stay with the MDT 219 when 10 t and 65 m already cover the job. Move to the MDT 319 when the chart, not the brochure, says you need 12 t or 70 m. Both are CCS flat-tops, so overlapping-crane sites, transport logic, and operator familiarity transfer; you are paying for size, not a different way of working.

See current units on our Potain MDT 219 listing and Potain MDT 319 listing, or browse all used Potain tower cranes for sale. Load charts and spec PDFs are on our technical information page.

Potain MDT 219 vs MDT 319: Which Flat-Top Tower Crane Fits Your Project?