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Features Archive
Archive of features from the global cranes industryFeatures By Date
December 2013
In our fleet: Asiagroup
Managing director Steven Poh describes how Asiagroup's three companies offer a range of crane services across Singapore and Malaysia.
Rock steady
When the world famous folk band Mumford and Sons came to Galway in the south of Ireland extreme weather conditions made for a challenging stage construction. Ground preparation materials from Zigma ensured the show went ahead.
Standing with your feet on firm ground
The importance of setting up a crane correctly is vital to ensure that it runs safely and effectively. Crucial to this is process is ensuring that the ground beneath the crane can take the equipment's weight and remain stable. Mats and timber from a range of company's can help users in this process. On this page, Zak Garner-Purkis talks to August Orde Hengel, commercial director of Ko-Mats. Overleaf, we review products from Spartan Mat and DICA.
Enerpac go with the split-flow
Mammoet used Enerpac split-flow pumps on a complex conveyor lift at Mount Tom Price stage lifting project in north west Australia.
Fagioli saves Venice from the sea
Fagioli has installed a series of gates and caissons designed to protect Venice's architectural treasures from the Adriatic.
Proceed with caution
The US crane market has been through some lean times in recent years, but now thanks to a growing energy sector and a focus on value added services the US lifting industry can start looking ahead with more confidence. Zak Garner-Purkis examines the reasons behind the cautious optimism.
Energy rush
With its vast energy resources and reputation as a stable and secure supplier, some energy experts predict that Canada has the reserves to become an energy superpower in the next few decades. While the merits of this opinion are still being debated on Parliament Hill, the lifting industry has been quietly taking advantage of renewed investment and interest in this sector. Jodie Satterthwaite reports.
North America Project round up
This month we review projects from South Carolina, Mexico, NY and Columbia.
Debates and delays
Each year at the SC&RA's rigging workshop meet the US crane industry gathers together to discuss the most important issues affecting the US market. This year there was an atmosphere of anticipation with several major decisions from regulators dragging on and a noticeable changes in the US market yet to occur. Zak Garner-Purkis attended the event to hear what the US lifting industry had to say.
Chunjo's 650t pick and carry
Manitowoc's largest ever crane, the 31000 has completed its highest capacity lift yet, using its novel variable position counterweight (VPC) for the first time on a commercial project. The 2,300t capacity crawler crane performed a pick-and-carry lift of a 650t cold box at the Posco E&C liquefied natural gas plant in Gwangyang, South Korea.
Welex specialise in the production, rental and selling of crane mats.
US manufacturer DICA provides Safety Tech outrigger pads.
Spartan Mats
Spartan Mat provides construction mats to locations and job sites.
In our fleet: Peru
Grúas Alquileres
Taking a test drive in Kentucky
ConExpo's little brother, ICUEE, offers users the chance to put construction equipment, including cranes, to the test.
From factory floor to shipyard
When it comes to special transport, its easy to only focus on those projects involving thousand tonne moves. Often overlooked are jobs that involve less weight, but are equally challenging for other reasons such as restricted space. In this article Zak Garner-Purkis looks at those jobs where precision is as important as power.
Africa: Project round up
This month we review projects from Senegal, Namibia, Angola and South Africa.
Digging deep for sales in Africa
Visiting the first Bauma Africa, in Johannesburg, Will North spoke to crane companies about the opportunities presented by mineral wealth in South Africa and its neighbours, and the political challenges it continues to face.
Telecrawlers prove their worth
Despite their longevity and flexibility, telecrawlers have remained a niche market since their introduction in the 1960s and 1970s. The machines have evolved to offer narrower footprints, lighter telebooms, and better transport features, making them increasingly attractive to contractors. Bernadette Ballantyne reports.
Rapid prototyping
Dutch heavy lift and wind energy specialists BKV diverted their new Liebherr LTM 1750-9.1 from a job in northern Germany to help regular client Lagerwey Wind erect a new design of wind turbine.
November 2013
Wolffs on a flight to the top of an Austrian mountain
Silvrettaseilbahn and Wolffkran Austria have completed the expansion of a ski lift in Ischgl, Austria, using three WK 5015 tower cranes transported to the job site via helicopter.
Tower cranes for wind towers
As wind turbine sites becoming harder to reach with mobile cranes, some rental firms and manufacturers are developing tower cranes to service this market. Zak Garner-Purkis reports.
The Mainz event
Rental firm Riga Mainz has replaced the damaged spire of Mainz Cathedral using a Liebherr LTM 1750-9.1 all terrain.
Southern Europe: Project round up
This month we review projects from Portugal, Spain, and Italy.
Powerful partnership
In two recent deals, Siemens Financial Services has helped crane hire firms in the UK and US purchase high capacity cranes and other equipment, suitable for wind farm work and other heavy lifts. Will North spoke to Gary Amos, head of Americas for commercial finance at Siemens Financial Service, to discuss how Siemens approaches lending to crane owners, and how it builds on Siemens knowledge of its own industrial sectors.
Across the Caspian
Last month, Stuart Anderson looked at the construction markets of western Central Asia. This month, he looks further east, starting with Turkmenistan on the eastern coast of the Caspian, across the enormous landmass that is Kazakhstan and on to Uzbekistan touching the western border of China. All are oil and gas exporting nations of increasing significance.
In our fleet: Australia
Australia Koodaideri
Keep safe when using remotes
Developments in loader crane remote controls over the years have undoubtedly made loader crane operator's jobs easier. However, increased operator mobility has also resulted in a new set of dangers on the job site. New guidance from ALLMI seeks to help keep operators safe when using remotes. Below, we look at new control systems from Autec, Penny and Giles, Arcomet and HBC-radiomatic.
Penny & Giles
Penny & Giles has a range of finger and hand operated joystick controllers, which the company says are designed and developed for smooth, precise control of critical functions where a Human- Machine Interface (HMI) is required. Available in single, dual or multiple-axis configurations and with ergonomic handle styles, each model has a range of selectable options for joystick-to-application matching.
The Supervised Operator System is a new system specifically developed by Autec for applications where safety is of particular importance such as the control of elevating work platforms (EWPs) operating on live overhead power lines.
Technos 2 is a new radio control from HBC-radiomatic. The company says that the new product offer a large number of functions as well as a comprehensive safety package in a highly ergonomic and high-quality design.
Construction crane manufacturing and rental company Arcomet has released a control techniques crane control solution designed to improve flexibility, safety and comfort, as well as deliver significant energy savings, in Arcomet's new rapid assembly Cranes.
October 2013
Emission statement
Fleet owners have always had to pay close attention to what engine a crane has and with new emissions regulations soon to arrive in both Europe and America what's under the hood has never been more important. Zak Garner-Purkis found out how the industry is reacting to the new rules and spoke to manufacturers to find out what solutions they're offering customers. We also review a range of new products.
Waiting for the dust to settle
The city of Christchurch, New Zealand still finds itself deep in the process of deconstruction. In an era of listed buildings and increasingly dense urban developments that take time to demolish. What effect do lengthy urban deconstruction have on the crane business? Zak Garner-Purkis went to the city to find out.
Lifting in the land of fire
In the first of a two part in-depth region report, Stuart Anderson examines the broad economy of Central Asia, and looks in detail at Azerbaijan. Next month's article will look at the countries to the east of the Caspian.
Land of the long white cloud
With a market dominated by secondhand and often smaller machines, New Zealand is often overlooked, but the country plays a leading role in training, and shows how geography can shape a lifting industry. Zak Garner-Purkis visited the local trade association's AGM in Napier, and job sites across the country.
Project round up: Australasia
This month, Cranes Today reviews jobs in Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea.
Going underground
Ensuring the correct lifting strategy is vital to the success of any tunnelling project reports Bernadette Ballantyne.
Allstone moves 1,750t jacket
Heavy transport company Allstone used 60 Tianjie Heavy Industries SPMT axle lines to roll part of the anti-collision steel jacket of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai- Macao Bridge (HZMB) on to a barge.
A spider in the pool
One of GGR's mini cranes, a 6t UNIC URW-706, was used with an MRTA611 Six-in-Line glass vacuum lifter to help glaze the external walls of the London Olympics Aquatic Centre now that seating used for the games has been removed.
A giant slide
Enerpac helped skid a giant rig in Malaysia.
A crane for every niche
Around the world, compact crane manufacturers offer equipment ranging from a few hundred kilograms up to 25t, able to work in cramped environments, often picking and carrying their load.
Eminox's Continuously RegeneratingTrap (CRT) system is designed to virtually eliminate Particulate Matter, Hydrocarbons and Carbon Monoxide from diesel engine emissions. Eminox said that they utilise proven SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) technology to reduce the fourth major pollutant, Nitrogen Oxides (NOx). The combination of these technologies in SCRT provides a system which reduces all legislated diesel engine emissions.
Johnson Matthey
Johnson Matthey said that most of its DPF products are 'full flow' or 'wall flow' filters that are based on ceramic cordierite technology that is obtained from established global producers. One of the main differences between the different Johnson Matthey products is the type of regeneration that is used to clean the collected particulate from the filter.
Volvo Penta
Volvo Penta says that its new range of engines offer complete commonality across the range. All models are developed around the same base engine design and available in stage II to stage IV emission levels, which the manufacturer say puts them in a unique position.
To meet the Off-Highway Emission Standards EU IV and EPA Tier 4 final, as of 2014 Tognum will be offering the newly developed engines of the Series 1000, 1100, 1300 and 1500. These MTU brand diesel engines will deliver outputs ranging from 100–460kW and are designed to power agricultural and forestry machinery, and construction and special-purpose machines. Based on the mediumheavy and heavy-duty commercial vehicle engine families OM 93x and OM 47x, Daimler AG was commissioned by MTU Friedrichshafen to further develop these as off-highway engines. This engine platform is also the base for the Detroit engines DD13 and DD16 as well as the Fuso engine 6R10.
Liebherr said it had undertaken significant modification work in the engine development area in order to ensure that its engines comply with the Stage IV and Tier 4f exhaust emission regulations. This has been an issue of outstanding importance for the manufacturer for a while now.
Loader crane manufacturer Palfinger recently launched Palfinger Hybrid, an engine solution for cranes in sensitive places of deployment.
For EU Stage IV / EPA Tier 4 emissions regulations for diesel engines Cummins said that they fell they can present a product range with a clear advantage for all types of crane and lifting equipment. The regulations require a major reduction in emissions, bringing particulate matter and oxides of nitrogen to near-zero levels.
August 2013
Training in the virtual world
This month's equipment review looks at two simulators from Liebherr and NACB.
Searching for customers
With Europe, the traditonal home of the knuckleboom crane, struggling, manufacturers have had to look for new markets and develop new products, Zak Garner-Purkis reports.
One standard to certify them all
On both sides of the Atlantic, crane user and manufacturers' representatives are working to develop harmonised certification systems. While the US organisation NCCCO has developed a widely accepted certification scheme, the adoption of certification by federal regulator OSHA has been delayed by a row over whether crane capacity should be mentioned on the card. In Europe, mobile crane and tower crane certification harmonisation is being pursued independently, with different approachs to getting member state support. Will North reports.
On the road again
Cranes from Terex Material Handling and Sany worked together on a road project in Brazil.
Project round up
This month's project round up looks at jobs in Panama, Peru, and Brazil
In our fleet: SOPiG, Russia
SOPiG Company has worked in Russian market since 1991. Throughout our history we have been steadily moving forward, extending our fleet of modern equipment, the quality of our services and geographical coverage. From the beginning, we have specialised in heavy and oversized equipment. The development of our company is also tightly associated with the development of new technologies in industrial equipment erection.
From the Andes to the Amazon
The crane market in Latin American has seen a great deal of development in the last few years. As more investors look at tapping into these growing markets Zak Garner-Purkis discusses the current trends in this vast and diverse region.
Bridging the gap
The number of scale of bridge building projects has been on the rise in recent years. But what do these developments this mean for the cranes that inevitably play a major role in such projects? Jodie Satterthwaite finds out. Next month, Bernadette Ballantyne will look at the lifting challenges posed by tunnelling projects.
July 2013
Metro deep, mountain high
It's been more than five years since the world economy dropped through the floor, taking the construction industry with it. The subsequent years have taken their toll on the markets of many countries in Eastern Europe but several have emerged stronger, more resilient and better equipped to meet the demands of the new era. Jodie Satterthwaite reports, finding demand from Prague's Metro to Sochi's ski slopes.
Spider lifts whale
Mini crane specialists GGR Group were hired by Constantine Limited to take on an unusual task at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, as a UNIC spider crane was used to lift their latest exhibit, a sperm whale's skull.
In our fleet: BKL, Germany
Cranes Today first spoke to BKL in 2011. Since then it has gone on to participate in a number of high profile projects as well as developing its fleet. Here managing director Alexander Volz explains the company's development.
Clean, green, load-sensing machine
Liebherr has introduced two new features to its LICCON control system that allow operators to work with outriggers at varied positions, and to adjust engine speed to the load being lifted. The system was on show at Bauma.
Pivots to pixels
RaycoWylie Systems are celebrating the 80th anniversary of the formation of their original company this year. Over those eight decades, their load moment indicators have gone from knife edge pivots to LCDs.
Project round up: Eastern Europe
This month's project round up includes jobs from Slovenia, Russia and Poland.
Running on plenty?
Economic instability has meant a reduction in the amount of work some sectors provide the lifting industry with. Petrochemical projects, however, have maintained a strong demand for cranes, with the regular maintenance of refineries a key driver. Zak Garner-Purkis looks at the importance of the relationship between the petrochemical sector and cranes.
Ready to work
Large mobile cranes such as all terrains are increasingly competing with crawlers for high capacity lifts thanks to their speedy set up, flexible operation and improved safety and accessibility features. Bernadette Ballantyne reports.
Can we lift it? Yes we CANZ
The Crane Association of New Zealand is holding its annual conference this year in Napier Bay, here Cranes Today looks at the organisation and previews the event.
Different climb at One WTC
In May, One WTC, built on the site of the World Trade Center's twin towers, topped out with a spire taking its total height to 1,776ft. The spire was lifted into place by DCM Erectors.
Minicrane and derrick team up to replace Sandy crane
Master riggers JV Trucking & Rigging (JVT&R) used a Maeda MC305-2 minicrane and F&M Mafco Timberland derrick to secure and replace the upper section of a Favelle Favco tower crane left dangling over Manhattan by Hurricane Sandy.
June 2013
In our fleet: Paramount, Trinidad
Over almost seven decades, Paramount has developed its business from moving agricultural commodities around the Caribbean island, to become a heavy lift and special transport expert with a focus on the international oil and gas sector. CEO Ian Lutchmansingh explains how his family's business has grown.
Command and control
This month, we review new control systems from Åkerströms Björbo, Autec, HBC-radiomatic, Ikusi and Magnetek.
Unfolding into the world
An oversupply of self erectors made for challenging times in some markets but newly emerging demand and acceptance in the US, the UK, and Australia is stimulating the sector, Bernadette Ballantyne report.
From spring to summer?
Much of the initial euphoria of the Arab Spring has evaporated as continuing political uncertainty threatens to quell economic revival. But, the region remains increasingly significant to the crane industry. Stuart Anderson reports.
Secondhand demand
Fleet owners have always sold used cranes to a range of buyers to make room for new models. These day's auction houses make use of modern technologies to bring buyers and sellers together from across the world. Zak Garner-Purkis looks at the latest trends in the secondhand market.
For those about to dock, cranes that suit you
The development of Maersk's new Triple E, Super Post-Panamax, container vessels has driven demand for a new generation of higher dockside cranes. Zak Garner-Purkis examines how container crane owners plan for this rapidly evolving market.
Numbers never lie
Fleet management systems are providing companies with new levels of detailed data, however determining what the exact effect is on a company's profit margin can be difficult. Geoffrey Marsh of Marsh Plant Hire believes that he's discovered a way to do it. Zak Garner-Purkis paid the firm a visit in order to find out more.
ESTA awards 2013
To celebrate the ESTA awards, this month's job map looks at some of the interesting jobs that were nominated at this year's event.
Operators and drivers
It's long been traditional to think of Munich's Bauma as the 'European leg' of the trienniale trade show cycle. With Western Europe's economy still in the doldrums after a half decade of debt and austerity, this year's show only highlighted the increasingly global nature of the crane industry. Will North spoke to industry leaders, from the USA, Europe, China, and Japan, about the drivers of international demand, and how they are shaping their businesses' multinational production, distribution and service operations.
All the leaves are gone, but the sky has changed
The sun was shining, but the bushes and trees were still without leaves in grounds surrounding Messe München International conference centre where Bauma 2013 was being held. It was fitting, nature it appeared, was reflecting the state of the Western European lifting industry, still bearing the marks of a tough winter, but for the time being at least, bathing in some long awaited sunshine. The majority of those in attendance from the crane business at Germany's triennieal event agreed that the market was displaying positive signs, but few were getting carried away. Zak Garner-Purkis reports from the show.
A colossal column
Tiong Woon completed one of the largest heavy lift and haulage projects for a single column in Singapore. The Xylene splitter column, which was 108m tall, with a weight of 1,147t, was installed at Jurong Aromatics Corporation's complex in Jurong Island, Singapore, using a 1,600t Terex CC 8800-1.
May 2013
In our fleet: Ainscough
Ainscough was acquired by its management, backed by Bank of Scotland, in 2007. This year new investors acquired BoS's stake. Gareth Jones, commercial director, explains the deal and Ainscough's plans.
Standing against the wind
On this page, we look at how rental firm Hartinger and wind turbine manufacturer Enercon used two of the world's biggest telecrawlers on a wind farm project. Overleaf, we review two new anemometers and manual winch for turbine maintenance.
Low capacity, high competition
The drive to modernise fleets in the wake of tightening engine emissions standards, along with a pick up in construction activity is leading to increased activity in the small crawler cranes sector. Bernadette Ballantyne reports.
Middle East and North Africa job roundup
This month, Cranes Today profiles jobs from across the Middle East & North Africa.
Spreader beams on a roll
In January of this year, Rolls-Royce chose spreader beam manufacturer Modulift to move the world's most powerful gas turbine onto the British Royal Navy's new aircraft carrier the HMS Queen Elizabeth, at Babcock's Rosyth Shipyard, Scotland. Here we profile that job, and highlight two other new rigging products.
A high reach lift
Membrey Transport and Crane Hire recently undertook an unusual lifting project, relocating a rare Rothschild giraffe from the Melbourne Zoo in Victoria to the Mogo Zoo in NSW, 800km away. The firm used a Terex AT-20 Pick and Carry crane.
Bauma snapshots
Cranes Today contributor Ron van der Velpen joined the crowds at this year's Bauma, and captured some highlights of the show. Here, we present photos from him, and others, showing some of the latest innovations in the crane industry.
Zoomlion builds bridges
One of the world's largest cranes, the Zoomlion D5200 tower crane, has been used for the second time, for the construction of the Yingwuzhou River Bridge in Wuhan, China. The bridge over the river Yangtze has a total length of 7.8km.
Hambach mine, Germany
Germany rental firm Breuer & Wasel were nominated in the above 120t lift category for its lift of a 140t bucket at the Hambach mine in Northern Germany. The new bucket, is part of the "290 excavator" one of the largest excavators in the world.
Brussels Regional Express Network, Belgium
Belgian rental company Aertssen Kranen was nominated in the lattice boom category for its demolition of an old bridge over a railway and the installation of new bridge parts in Brussels, Belgium.
iCraneTrax is the new fleet management software from A1A software. The system can run multiple reports that track sales, customers, equipment prices and ultilisation.
Enigma Telematics
The software used by Marsh Plant is Skyline from Enigma Telematics, which provides detailed vehicle and driver reporting, speeding, idling and out-of-hours use data. Enigma says this allows customers to typically reduce fuel costs by between 10-30%.
Fleet Cost and Care
Atom 2.0 is the latest update to the NexGen fleet management software from Fleet Cost and Care. The system allows a user to monitor vehicle activity and tasks from a jobsite using a tablet or smartphone.
Avalon, from Shareworker, aims to manage the daily workflow of a crane rental business company. Developed together with rental firms the system seeks to provide greater usability, speed and mobile access.
April 2013
Zandt Cargo
German Zandt Cargo will have innovations trailer solutions on display, with 10 low loader trailers and tandem trailers also on display.
The company is debuting a new trolley jib tower crane, a new hydraulic luffer, and a newly designed cabin.
UNIC Cranes will be showcasing the battery powered Eco-095 spider crane on wheels, at the Bauma. Designed especially for interior lifting operations in sensitive environments, the 0.995t capacity Eco-095 mini crane will be making its first public debut outside Japan.
TII Group
The group known for brands Scheuerle, Nicolas and Kamag will be presenting SPMTs at Bauma. This includes the new SPMT light series, the new EuroCompact and Superflex, a new generation of MHD platform trailers, MHD G2, and a new transportation system for transporting wind tower segments.
Terex's Bauma 2013 stand will include the first appearance of a brand new family of all terrains. The new all terrain crane, due to be shown in a five-axle variant, will be joined by the first trade show appearances of the company's new Quadstar rough terrain cranes and Superlift crawlers.
Tecsis is presenting a new range of redundant force transducers. The new redundant version also has an additional safety electronic module.
Tadano will be at Bauma with 3 mobile cranes launched in 2012, the ATF 400G-6 all terrain, the ATF 180G-5, and the HK 65 truck mounted crane.
The french anti-collision system system manufacturer is launching Prosite Safety, the first module of its completely new crane management system named Prosite and dedicated to Site Global Management.
The global components supplier plans to debut a new system for detecting whether the lubrication hose is leaking in centralized lubrication systems for construction machines, Lincoln Hose Connection Control (HCC).
Sennebogen is presenting three cranes at Bauma, the new 655 HD duty cycle crawler crane and the 8130 EQ material handling machine for use in ports or scrap handling.
Raimondi Cranes
The Italian manufacturer's newest tower is the MRT144 flat top. It will be displayed at Bauma on a 4.5m cross base with a 65m jib.
Palfinger has announced a new global crane that tops the PK range.
Electro-hydraulic control system group Olsbergs will launch its new, upgraded generation of hydraulic valves, valve Q200 and valve Q300. Q200 and Q300 will replace valve PV91 and valve PV90 in Olsbergs control systems.
MAX Trailer
Max Trailer, Faymonville's standardised trailer brand, is set to exhibit its MAX-100 trailer at a major trade show for first time.
For Bauma 2013 in Munich, Germany, Manitowoc Cranes is unveiling two new Grove rough-terrain cranes, the 45t RT550E and 65t RT770E, and a GMK3060 all terrain. A new industrial crane and one of the first delivery-ready GMK6400 models will also be on the stand. From the Manitowoc brand there is a new crawler crane, while Potain will show several products and introduce a new hoist.
Link-Belt Construction Equipment will display two telescopic crawler cranes and two rough terrain cranes.
Linden Comansa
Spanish tower crane manufacturer Linden Comansa will be displaying on the same stand, F11 1103/4, as its distributor in Germany, BKL Baukran Logistik.
At Stand 809 – 813, Liebherr is showing new cranes, including two new towers, a new duty cycle crawler, and two mobile cranes launched last year.
Hitachi Sumitomo
New for the European market is the 150t Hitachi Sumitomo SCX1500A 3 hydraulic crawler crane, designed for applications including civil engineering, construction, and material handling.
Hirschmann, a supplier of software to crane OEMS and dealers, is launching the qScale I2 telescopic crane control system through its mobile machine control solutions segment.
At this year's Bauma, HBC-radiomatic will launch system with features including colour displays and live video transmission.
Fratelli Ferrari
The Italian truckmounted crane manufacturer will introduce its latest 700 series crane model and new FL stability system.
Enerpac are launching the EVO-Series Synchronous Lifting Systems, a jacking system, and will be at stand F 1305/2. After the prototype was displayed at Bauma China, the company is evolving its offering by combining several of its technologies.
Bocker has several new products on display, including the trailer crane AHK 34/1800 Solidflex for roofing applications.
Russian crane manufacturer Avtokran will present U-shaped booms for truck-mounted cranes at Bauma 2013.
Åkerströms Björbo
At Bauma, Akerströms Björbo is launching several radio remote control products as part of a new product series called Era. This includes a receiver and a transmitter worn around the waist for industrial use. The new product series belongs to the Remotus family of radio control products for safety in industrial and mobile applications.
Fassi is expanding its range in the 10tm segment with the presentation of the F120B and F125A models. It has innovated a lifting link on the joint, positioned between the mast and the main jib (F120B.1) and, possibly, of a second lifting link (F120B.2) between the main jib and the secondary jib. The range will also feature a version with no lifting links, called F120B.0.
Van Beest
Van Beest has announced it has finished development of the ExcelEgrade 10, the latest addition to the Excel 10 range of connecting links.
LSI Robway
LSI Robway, a division of Load Systems International has released a new anemometer, the GS025 Wind Speed Sensor. The device can be used on a variety of jobs, from residential work to marine and heavy industry projects.
Pfaff-silberblau, the German subsidiary of Columbus McKinnon, has launched an application-specific version of the OMEGA manual wire rope winch for wind farms.
Finnish equipment manufacturer MeramaTec has launched a new adjustable lifting beam: The X-Lift beam. For this new beam MeramaTec has developed self-adjusting telescopic ends which are able to maintain balance without crushing the item they are lifting.
The new Gill Wind Observer 65 is a solid-state ultrasonic anemometer that provides wind speed and direction data, that is exported via digital or analogue outputs. Its stainless steel housing carries an IP66 protection rating which makes it particularly suitable for use in salt-water environments.
Ohé en Laak, The Netherlands
Nominated in the above 120t lift category was Michielsens of Belgium for its lift of six floating houses on the river Meuse in the Netherlands. A 450t Grove GMK 7450 was used to load the homes onto an 8-axle low-loader with a lifting frame, this had to move twice in order to lift all the homes due to the limited space on the jobsite. A 700t Demag AC 700 crane and a 500t Liebherr LTM 1500 unit worked together to hoist the first four constructions into the water. The homes were then sailed to the right place and connected to bollards.
Launceston, Cornwall, UK
Nominated in the SPMT category was Vlastuin Transport of the Netherlands for its transportation of a wind turbine generator in Launceston, Cornwall, UK. The generator had to be moved in a vertical position and travel on some very rural roads, where space was particularly restricted.
March 2013
In control
This month we look at new control products from HBC-radiomatic, Ikusi, Jay and Manitowoc'sPotain.
A Bauma bounce?
Bauma in Munich, Germany, will see strong construction sales as worldwide demand grows,particularly for concrete-related products, the organisers predict.
A whale of a job
When a 28t whale beached in Denmark, BKF were called in to perform the tricky job of removing its body.
The heavy mob
Modular construction of energy infrastructure is ensuring that demand remains strong for super heavy lifting solutions. Bernadette Ballantyne surveys the sector
A neat transition
Scheuerle provided a mix of transport solutions to Ambau in Cuxhaven for the delivery of offshore wind turbine transition pieces.
February 2013
Paint it red
Over three weeks in December, paint and blasting specialists Gouweleeuw, in Emmeloord, the Netherlands, painted a 1,600t capacity Terex CC 8800 for Mammoet. The crane was delivered from Terex's factory in Zweibrücken to the Emmeloord paint shop, where it was painted in Mammoet's colours.
Eyes where you need it
On this page, a boat operator trailed a flexible GM Engineering Services (GMES) camera for blind lifts with cranes. Overleaf, two more innovative crane camera solutions
A little helper
Facing narrowing margins on lower capacity tower cranes, HTC is broadening its business with the acquisition of Xena, a manufacturer of compact material handling cranes. Will North spoke to Duncan Salt about his plans for the business
Calling is caring
Stuart Anderson spoke to Bob Hund, Manitowoc executive vice president, Crane Care, about customer service.
Making a plan for preventive maintenance
A new revision to the British Standard BS 7121, Part 2, encourages users to plan for preventive maintenance of their tower cranes. Tim Watson explains
Service please
Too often there's a yawning gulf between promises and delivery on service. Stuart Anderson looks at differing approaches to this problem.
A crane for crane lifts
At Zhangzhou, in China, heavy lift specialist Huisman is putting in place the facilities it needs to assemble some of the world's biggest offshore cranes. That included having a barge crane install a quayside crane, which will itself be used for offshore crane installations.
Emergency recovery
When a helicopter crashed into a tower crane in Central London, crane owners Brookfield Multiplex confounded pessimists by arranging the supply of one of the country's biggest mobile cranes from hirers Ainscough. Will North reports
Chinese cranes get technology focus
China's economic rise has given a boost to regional crane manufacturers. In Shanghai, the location famous for skyscrapers and Bauma China expo, they are focused on product development. Cristina Brooks reports
January 2013
In our fleet
Turkish tower crane firm Tekno Group has had a role in developing the market in Turkey, says its vice president, Sinan Tureyen.
Weighing in
For applications like dockside handling or demolitions, load cells play a vital role in establishing what, exactly, is on the hook.
Winding to the depths
Bridon has expanded its large-diameter rope range, Hydra, letting offshore oil and gas contractors do pipelay abandonment and recovery deeper than ever before. Cristina Brooks reports.
With axle load limits increasingly rigorously enforced in major all terrain markets around the world, it is becoming increasingly difficult to offer cranes that combine capacity, reach and roadability. Will North reports
Key projects in the USA and Canada
A renewal of energy
American crane rental firms are seeing a shift in the business as renewables take their place in the mainstream energy supply.
India on the verge
This year's show calendar kicks off in one of the world's fastest growing crane markets, India.Mumbai's bC India, from the producers of Bauma and ConExpo, promises to be one of the biggest global class construction equipment shows the country has seen.
A changing world
Over the course of the past five years, the combination of the economic crisis of 2008 and the ongoing Eurozone crisis, plus the dynamic growth of the Chinese crane market and manufacturing industry, have had a profound impact on the shape and structure of the global mobile crane market. Stuart Anderson considers the changing shape of the industry.
Weldex's crawler sinks tunneling machine
Weldex has used a 1,350t Liebherr crawler to lower a tunnel boring machine for the new Crossrail line connecting London's Heathrow airport in the west, with Canary Wharf in the east.
December 2012
At your fingertips
New control options have been introduced on hydraulic loader and service cranes by Fassi and Auto Cranes, while Sauer Danfoss and APEM introduced control components.
In our fleet
Load 28 Crane Hire, a crane hire firm started by two brothers in their Adelaide, Australia workshop, has a city crane for any job. Founder and operations manager Marcus Rigney explains
A behemoth on the Black Sea
Sarens used Cavotec radio remote controls to help guide two enormous fuel reactors from the Bulgarian Black Sea port of Burgas to the Lukoil Neftochim oil refinery.
A 280t tight fit
Fagioli was commissioned to replace a 280t stator in Gijon, Spain.
Anything, anywhere
The reach of the 4,000t Bigge 125D AFRD, tested for the first time last July, is changing the ball game for nuclear power build, allowing lifts from any area of the site, any time.
Raising the roof
ALE's unique Mega Jack lifting system was used to raise the roof at an Argentinian mine site, 4,000m above sea level.
Smart loaders
At Italian exhibition SAIE, Italian loader crane manufacturers had some things in common besides battling the Euro slump. As well as launching EU-compliant electronics, their flashiest new features were meant to dazzle clients, even those far overseas. Cristina Brooks reports
LR 13000 ready to work
Mammoet has assembled the world's largest production crane, the 3,000t Liebherr LR 13000, at BP's Whiting refinery in Indiana, USA.
Previously in Cranes Today...
In this new regular feature, we discover what the industry was talking about this month in past decades, as we turn back the pages of the oldest magazine of the lifting sector.
November 2012
Completely hooked
Dutch manufacturer Ropeblock built one of the world's largest hooks, for Sarens' giant SGC- 120 ringer crane. Commercial manager Wim Fabricius explains that the company aims to meet the needs of all users.
In the long haul
Cristina Brooks finds out how the size of crane components can impact on transport costs. At the top end of the market, dealers complain, customers around the world can pay an extra $20,000 to transport oversize parts.
After the flood
In the second part of a two-part series on the impact of disasters in the Pacific region, Stuart Anderson looks at earthquakes, tsunamis and floods in Asia.
Bauma China 2012
New cranes are on the agenda for Bauma China, the International Trade Fair for Construction Machinery in Shanghai this month. Attractions will include the unveiling of new truck cranes from Manitowoc, as well as a redesign of the crawler range from FuWa.
Southern debutantes
At an open day for SC&RA members in Lexington, Kentucky, in September, Link-Belt showed off its factory and three new and improved cranes.
Test early, test right
Will North visited Shady Grove and spoke to director of global quality systems Jim MacIntyre and product verification centre director Alan Calta about the new approach the company is taking to reducing new product delivery times and defects.
Delivering quality
Manitowoc's recently completed product verification centre in Shady Grove aims to help the company deliver new products more quickly, and more reliably, than ever before. Manitowoc cranes president Eric Etchart explains the thinking behind the company's investment in this unique facility. Overleaf, the team responsible for the site discuss the technology available, and the engineering principles used there.
The first time around
The crane market in 1992 mirrored today's. Reviewing conditions in the US, editor Mark Aldwinckle saw an industry at the turning point, but with sales held back by a troubled European economic area. At that time, Asia was struggling as well, leaving crane builders without the option of entering emerging markets. Some, however, found another way to look east.
The view from the top
In 2002, the international cranebuilding industry was undergoing rapid consolidation. Cranes Today spoke to two of the men leading the new US-owned giants, Terex's Fil Filipov and Manitowoc's Glen Tellock, about the major acquisitions that the companies had recently completed.
A frosty job for Fassi
A Fassi loader crane hoists a telescope on the freezing slopes of Antarctica for Chinese, US and UK astronomical research.
Telescopics come of age
In 1982, Cranes Today looked back over the first decade of its life. There were some fairly radical changes in the product itself, with the development of the 'teleboom'. At its birth, in the late 1960s, it had been dismissed by some as a transient novelty. But, like Cranes Today, by the 1980s it was accepted as a key part of the crane industry.
Leading from the first issue
The first issue of Cranes Today opened with a 'thank you' to the magazine's supporters from founding publisher Ian MacLaren. MacLaren and founding editor Chris Wilson had worked together on predecessor Cranes, which ceased publication in the summer of 1972. Convinced of the need for a magazine to represent the interests of the crane industry, the two launched Cranes Today
SC&RA quizes OSHA over $1bn training costs
As the US industry gears up to certify operators ahead of the 2014 implementation of the cranes and derricks rule, SC&RA members are questioning a requirement for capacity certification that could, some say, add a billion dollars to hire firms' training costs. Will North reports
October 2012
After the earthquake
In the first of a two part series on natural disasters, Stuart Anderson looks at the work the New Zealand crane industry has done in the wake of the Christchurch earthquake.
Hanchard Crane Hire
Michael Hanchard discusses the formation of the Brisbane-based crane hire firm.
Super cranes pile on the pressure
Joe Collins, heavy lift manager for Becht Engineering, explains that ground stability systems are increasingly in demand for today's super crawlers, and should be used for some lighter models too.
On solid ground
Manufacturers have been launching innovative technologies for ground preparation and stability this year, whether for soft ground conditions, unstable soils, mud, or slippery areas.
AMENDED: Keeping track of the Asian boom
At Crane's Today's annual conference in Singapore, Cranes Asia, some questioned whether Asian crane production levels could continue indefinitely. Regional dealers spoke out about service needs.
Defining the middle
The mid-range of crawler capacities covers equipment working on jobs from general construction through to specialist engineered lifts. Will North speaks to manufacturers about their latest products, and tries to work out just where the middle lies.
Iron ore patchwork
Australia currently has a patchwork economy, with areas of growth centred on resources and commodity prices, Will North discovers as he talks to CICA delegates.
Building bridges
Balfour Beatty Regional Civil Engineering (BBRCE) used a 1,200t Gottwald AK680 crane and a 600t Demag TC2800 to build North Pilfrey Bridge.
Breaking the circuit
Hugh Pratt explains the dangers, both physically and financially, of powerline contact with crane ropes, and argues that tagline protectors should always be used.
September 2012
Babcock Target Plant Services
Roger O'Callaghan, CEO of Babcock International Group's Africa division, talks about the group's latest acquisition in South Africa, Target Cranes.
Under control
New control technologies available for mobile cranes and towers from Moba, Cavotec, and Hawe the are highlights of this month's review.
Long blades, sharp turns
As wind turbines get bigger, so do their rotor blades. That makes wind energy more economic, but it is a major headache for trailer manufacturers and transport firms. Will North reports
Back on the rails
Mitchell has plans for crawlers that ride the rails, as other manufacturers Kirow, XCMG, Tadano Mantis, Sennebogen and Kirovsky improve their railway cranes. Cristina Brooks reports
Tooling up for exports
For many years, IMT's service truck business has been almost solely based in North America. Now, general manager Jim Hasty tells Stuart Anderson, the company is working with owner Oshkosh to build business around the world.
Turning full circle?
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the design of the world's first telescopic boom truck-mounted crane. Today, Stuart Anderson finds, many customers are returning to cranes mounted on commercial trucks, rather than purpose built chassis.
Lifting closer
Helping build the world's largest wire rope-making closer machine, Mammoet unloaded the 65t capstan from transport, rotated it 90° and put it back on the transport in position for installation.
August 2012
The French connection
Terex is currently moving self-erector production from the historic home of Comedil in Fontanafredda, Italy, to Montceau-les-Mines, France. Will North visited the new production line, and found out how Terex will make the most of the French plant's skills in building smaller cranes, while freeing up space in Italy for big luffers.
Saving the big ships
If Emma Mærsk, the world's biggest container vessel collided with a rock and sunk, salvors using traditional cranes would be in over their heads. To prepare for bigger lifts they're designing new devices.
Racing to Brazil
Brazil's historically unpredictable approach to infrastructure means it has to gear up for the 2016 Olympics and the 2014 World Cup. Kevin Walsh looks on as the crane industry lends a hand.
Put to the test
Terex's much-anticipated flagship 1,200-tonner is currently being put through its paces in the cranebuilder's customer acceptance programme. Ron van der Velpen caught the crane being erected by Neeb in Germany.
Just in twine
Wire ropes are becoming larger, as Bridon launches its expanded multi-strand range. Large diameter rope swagers are on the horizon from American Halo. Verope has also presented its ultra flexible new swaged rope.
The return flight
GGR Group has supplied a crane to help erect a memorial to veterans of the Royal Air Force's bomber command, on Beachy Head, the last spot in the UK many air crews would pass on their way to continential Europe in World War Two.
From Austria to the world
Over the last ten years Palfinger has worked to diversify its product range and internationalise its sales. Will North spoke to CEO Herbert Ortner, and managers of the group's new worldwidebusinesses, during the company's 80th birthday celebrations near Salzburg
A truckload of change
For fifty years or more, Europe's truck-loader manufacturers have dominated world markets with their broad ranges of articulated boom loaders. Now given the serious debt issues facing many of Europe's largest knuckleboom markets, Stuart Anderson asks, what will be the manufacturers' survival and growth strategies?
Job map
Major jobs around Russia, including for the Sochi Olympics
July 2012
Russia keeps on trucking
Local truck-mounted crane manufacturers continue to dominate in Russia. Cristina Brooks reports from CTT Expo in Moscow.
Wagenborg helps scan the skies
Wagenborg Nedlift took part in a historic lift at the Dwingelderveld National Park in the Netherlands where the iconic Dwingeloo Radio Telescope was being restored.
Pragotechnik was established in 1991, right after the Velvet Revolution. It was established byGerman and Czech businesses to trade cranes between Germany and the Czech Republic.
Under-the-hook update
This month Cranes Today takes a look at rigging products developed for wide-ranging industries including light construction, oil and gas, and salvage. The Versabar Claw is designed to quickly remove sunken topsides offshore. Other companies focus on lighter loads, such as Pemco, offering a pipe safety hook. For lifting light loads without electricity, we interview Global Track on a new hook for its manual overhead crane.
Job map
Showing off jobs around the region.
Come on Eileen
This Eileen yoke is used by Siemens and its subcontractors for single blade assembly of wind turbines in Norway.
Wave of installation
Crane vessels are getting stronger and sturdier to enable marine construction in more turbulent waters. Marine contractors A2Sea of Denmark and Scaldis of Belgium discuss how they are making offshore cranes more durable.
Ancient and modern
UK's Ainscough does a royal job; American firm Lomma lifts a shuttle.
Liebherr's heavy hitters
Showing its giant LR 13000 crawler in public for the first time at a recent customer day, Liebherr surprised guests with an unexpected new all terrain, its second biggest yet. Cristina Brooks reports
May 2012
What to expect when they're inspecting
With a number of high profile accident investigations world-wide involving tower cranes now having come to a close, are we really any closer to ensuring it doesn't happen again? Kevin Walsh reports
Watch your step
The death of a 61-year old man in Washington who hit his head as he tripped from a crane deck led the state's department of labour and industries recommend the following ways to avoid falls from height.
In our fleet: Romania
A new line
Belgian trailer manufacturer recently invited customers and the press to its plant in Poland, where it is building a new line of standardised trailers. Next year, the company will expand to Brazil. Will North reports
Tradition matters
In spite of the market difficulties of the past few years, Czech truck-crane superstructure manufacturer CKD Mobilní Jeráby, with its roots in a precommunist- era engineering group, has restructured and started growing its offerings.
CTT Moscow: CTT Preview
The 13th CTT Expo in Moscow, Russia will be held on 29 May–2 June. As Russia gears up for the World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016, manufacturers are rolling out the cranes to do the infrastructure work. Within CTT's grounds is Conexpo Russia, where members of the American Association of Equipment Manufacturers will showcase their best cranes.
Ship to shore,Lift and transport
Nedlift was formed out of seven companies; Ton Klijn was given the job of making them work together. Will North talked to him about the growth of the company, and the market it works in today.
A Parisian hors d'oeuvre
Intermat may not have satiated those hungry for the biggest of crane launches, but it offered a tasty selection of innovations and new developments, and whet appetites for Bauma next year.
Believing in Brazil
As the Brazilian construction industry goes from strength to strength, Kevin Walsh talks to the organisation behind Brazilian Expo M&T, Sobratema about what to expect from the show.
Hüffermann Crane Services
Wilhelm Hüffermann founded an agricultural vehicle building business named Hüffermann in 1913. A crane service grew out of the business, and in 1963 Hüffermann Crane Services (In German: Hüffermann Krandienst) was founded. MD Daniel Janssen spoke to Cristina Brooks.
Rigging:Equipment review
Equipment Review: Rigging
Rough terrains get heavy
Stuart Anderson spoke with Manitowoc Crane Group's senior vice president, global marketing, Ingo Schiller about trends in the rough terrain crane market:
Booming again?
While the Eurozone crisis is most certainly having a significant impact on regional sales of all terrains, crawler cranes, tower cranes and knuckle boom loaders, one segment that – for once – can be somewhat relieved for its limited popularity in much of Europe, is the humble rough terrain. Stuart Anderson reports
Job map
Job map: Western Europe
Through the wurst of it
Despite the Eurozone's imminent second recessionary dip, a strong German market and recovering global demand is giving the Western European crane industry hope it can ride out the worst.
Springtime in Paris?
The last Intermat, in 2009, came as the global financial crisis was hitting the crane industry hardest. Bauma, in Germany, was cast into gloom by clouds of volcanic ash. Could this year's European show be brighter?
April 2012
Track and trace
Performing regular inspections of equipment is a vital part of keeping lifting operations safe, and complying with standards and regulations. This can only be done if you know when each piece of equipment was last checked. Increasingly, RFID and other ID technologies are making tracking of equipment easier to manage.
Don't they go by in a blink
Fifteen years after Sarens first set up its first depot in the UK, general manager Jon Dailey talks about the firm's celebration plans and its place in the community. Kevin Walsh reports.
If you build it, will they come?
Size matters, especially in sectors like refining, metals processing and energy, where bigger nearly always means better. But is there ever such a thing as too big? Kevin Walsh reports
Internationalising Sany
Possibly China's most globally-oriented construction equipment manufacturer, Sany is positioning its American subsidiary, Sany America, as a centre of development and production for its new high-end range of global cranes. Cristina Brooks reports.
AxLoad ties up Mennens deal
Rope and lashing manufacturer AxLoad has bought a majority stake in Mennens Group, a leading provider of wire rope, cranes, lifting products and services in the Benelux region.
February 2012
Viant Crane
Viant Crane is a new subsidiary of Reuben Johnson and Son, a family owned construction company run by president and CEO Todd Johnson which was established in the mid 1950's. Cranes Today spoke to Viant Crane operations manager Nick Minardi.
A rare breed of Lion
Former Wolffkran sales manager Claus Hartmann has developed a range of specialist tower cranes. Heinz-Gert Kessel reports.
Builders think big
Manufactuers have made the world's largest tower cranes adaptable to more sites, and builders are using them on large buildings. Cristina Brooks reports.
When the wind blows…
In March, ESTA will bring together a group of crane and specialised transport industry experts in the field of wind turbine erection and transport to discuss safety. Kevin Walsh looks at the some of the issues to be covered in just one day.
Weldex knows which way the wind is blowing
Weldex has announced plans to open a new depot in Nigg, Scotland, aimed at servicing a new generation of offshore wind turbines, as well as other energy jobs. Equipment used at the site will include a new 2,000t capacity Liebherr LR 11350 with P-boom, one of the first three orders for the cranes sold in this configuration.
China builds for growth
Stuart Anderson recently toured a selection of Chinese cranebuilders on behalf of Cranes Today. He reports on the staggering growth in capacity, and what it will mean for the worldwide industry.
Yousef Mousa Cranes
Jordan's Yousef Mousa talks about almost three decades of work providing cranes for use across Jordan, and the importance of quality testing and certifcation.
Winners sell at home, heroes sell overseas
Exhibitors at BICES, once seen by many as China's 'domestic' construction equipment show, are increasingly setting their sights on export markets. Kevin Walsh reports from Beijing
Built for speed
Industrial cranes are made to travel a long way fast on a smooth floor, making them popular for maintenance and industrial pick and carry up to 30t. But their potential for construction remains unexplored, says Fabio Vercelli Galizia, president of the crane manufacturer Galizia, in Italy, tells Cristina Brooks.
Lifting in the dark
German crane hire company Breuer and Wasel has debuted their latest acquisition, a Liebherr LR 1600/2 crawler crane, on a nighttime lift replacing an outdated railway bridge in Hürth-Fischenich, Germany.
Make it mini
Contractors are sizing up minicranes for saving time and money. Flexible, small fold-up lifters get inside buildings, up lifts, inside crannies, and helicopter to remote places to provide up to 6t of lifting power. Cristina Brooks reports.
December 2011
That was the year that was
At the start of the year, it looked like 2011 might be the year that would mark a turnaround from the global financial crisis. With developed economies in crisis, that hope disappeared. Over the next two pages, Cranes Today's regular writers consider some of the highs and lows of the year.
Crawling on the shoulders of giants
Last month, Stuart Anderson explained how alternative lifting devices built by heavy lift specialists have come to share more and more with crawler cranes. This month, he considers the troubled state of the mainstream crawler industry, the development of crawlers from 100t in 1947 to 3,200t today.
Petrochemical romance
As rising oil prices outpace the gradually recovering demand for petrochemicals, companies in the sector are courting hire firms in an effort to get more bang for their buck. Kevin Walsh reports.
On top of the world
The economic thaw in Sweden, Norway and Finland in recent years has allowed more renewable power, oil and gas, and infrastructure construction projects, with government spending supporting construction. Lifting firms hope the Eurozone economic crisis won't break their winning streak. Cristina Brooks reports.
Complete control
In the final controls equipment review of this year Cranes Today reviews new joystick controllers for mobile applications, along with a radio control receiver and a device for splitting hydraulic power between tools while still powering a crane.
Precision eye surgery
Shackle load cells and hand-held indicators are playing a vital role in the refurbishment of the London Eye. Overleaf, Cranes Today looks at two innovative shackles.
November 2011
Building big in Belgium
A new dealer agreement will see Manitowoc and NIBM looking to build their business in Belgium. Will North spoke to both companies about the deal, and their plans for the country.
Vertical Vienna
Liebherr tower cranes advance on two major construction sites within Vienna, Austria, with the construction of the new University of Economics and Business, called "Campus WU", and the Central Station.
The road to recovery
James Bond might be the first name that comes to mind when one thinks of Aston Martin, but a new high-yield bond is the current financial hero of the company. Carl Friedmann met Aston Martin CFO Hanno Kirner in the company's state-of-the-art facility in the English countryside to discuss its plans to drive long-term growth in the current economic climate.
October 2011
Crane builders rush onto the road to Oz
It is hard to think of a significant maker of mobile or crawler cranes not presently active in the Australian market. Viewed from Europe or America, Australia's economy, stability and prosperity look pretty wonderful. Stuart Anderson reports
Hiap Tong Crane and Transport
Hiap Tong Corporation started trading in 1978, selling motor vehicles, before specialising in crane rental and heavy transport ten years later. From there the family-owned business has moved on from focusing solely on the saturated Singapore construction equipment market to set up locations in China, India and Malaysia. Kevin Walsh interviewed Patrick Ng, executive director of operations and sales, Hiap Tong
Rated capacity indicators ready to test
This month, the equipment review section of Cranes Today focuses on operator assistance devices. More specifically we'll be taking a look at some of the most recently released rated capacity indicators available for mobile hydraulic cranes. Kevin Walsh reports.
Exploring all new terrain
As some manufacturers progressively modernise their all terrain product portfolios, filling every niche of the application spectrum from the lower capacities up, the scarcity of upper mid-range cranes is looking inviting to others. Kevin Walsh reports
Talking cranes in booming Asia
The Asian crane industry is booming in 'turbulent times' said international crane expert Stuart Anderson at the Cranes Asia conference held on 7–8 September by Cranes Today Magazine.
Making the right choice
Rope discard does not just apply to all cranes. "Most people apply this standard to any scenario where a rope comes off a drum and passes over or around a pulley/sheave," says Adrian Kirkham, a training manager for Certex. Cristina Brooks reports.
September 2011
Transport trailblazers
On both sides of the Atlantic, special transport firms are awarded each year for their safely and cleverly overcoming the obstacles of moving loads. This passing April and June, ESTA and SC&RA awarded five trailblazing transport companies for an outstanding achievement in the hauling category: 'Job of the Year'
More power to you
As a boom in big energy projects increases the size of components passing through ports, users must decide between mobile harbour cranes, crawler cranes, and ancillary equipment to suit the lifts. Cristina Brooks considers the options
Transportes Montejo
Transportes Montejo, a logistics firm managing special cargo transportation and lifting with cranes, has been ranked the 55th largest transport company in the world, with five facilities in Colombia, Panama, Venezuela, and the USA.
BICES preview
The 2011 Beijing International Construction Machinery Exibition (BICES) is expected to feature more than 880 exhibitors and attract more than the 78,600 visitors that came to last year's exhibition. With so much to see, savvy visitors will pinpoint the cranes they want to see ahead of time.
Revolutionary rigging
Two companies have recently demonstrated revolutionary new rigging technologies. On this page we review RUD's innovative RFID equipment tracking system; overleaf, we look at a new spreader bar system developed by Modulift to east lifting of wind turbine blades.
Debt drama derails growth
The year started well in the US, with manufacturers and users reporting the first signs of growth. After a summer of squabbling in Washington and instability on Wall Street, a lot of that optimism is receding. Nicole Robinson reports
Negotiating the border
It's been a long time coming but the well-established campaigns for uniform regulations on international special transport are making headway, slowly but surely. Kevin Walsh speaks to ESTA and the SC&RA to find out the current state of play.
Uniting against political lobbying
Build it and they will come
World Routes takes place in Berlin, Germany, from 2-4 October – just nine months ahead of the formal opening of the Berlin Brandenburg Airport. Hosted by Berlin Airports, the conference will offer delegates the chance to experience this major new hub first-hand on a series of exclusive tours.
Making room for a bigger boom
Newer and bigger offshore wind turbine construction sites, such as the London Array that A2SEA is building in the Thames estuary, will place unheard-of demands on turbine construction. Cristina Brooks talks to Liebherr, GustoMSC, and Neuenfelder Maschinenfabrik (NMF) who are all racing to build the innovative crane vessel for the job, the crane-around-the-leg (CAL).
Investing in Russia
Russia has seen a recent surge of investment, both locally and from overseas. Stuart Anderson looks at some recent deals.
Local heroes
Stuart Anderson assesses the fortunes of local crane builders in Russia and the CIS since the fall of the Soviet Union
Are you ready to rescue?
If a tower crane operator is taken ill or injured in his cab, his life may depend on a speedy rescue. Generally, it will be up to the contractor to ensure a rescue can be conducted safely. Cristina Brooks reports
Remotes on review
This month's quarterly remote controls equipment review rounds up a selection of new and upcoming product releases looking at remotes, transceivers and safety equipment.
July 2011
Mediterranean explorers set sail for new worlds
Facing stagnant domestic demand Mediterranean crane companies are revising their sales strategy and looking to exports. Murielle Gonzalez Oisel reports
Regulatory overload
Regular overload testing will soon be extinct as changes in crane design make it costly and impractical. In Europe, regulations are changing across EU borders as manufacturers send out the message that regular overload tests have to go. The FEM is releasing a position paper that will help hirers kick the habit. Cristina Brooks reports
Swaged ropes on multi-layer drums
Roland Verreet, founder of Wire Rope Technology Aachen in Germany, presented research at the recent 16th North Sea Offshore Cranes and Lifting Conference recommending the use of compacted strand, swaged Lang's lay ropes on multi-layer drums to increase rope life.
On the job testing
Ansys, a firm in South Africa, is developing a Continuous Rope Monitoring System (CRMS) to increase the rope life on mining hoists by halting them before failures occur.
Picking the right rope
MRE Matron Rope and Wire Rope Engineering, an Israeli firm, has developed a test to show how a specific crane might be fatiguing its rope with the aim of improving rope life.
Heavy knuckleboom hits the road
The revision of the knuckleboom standard EN12999, launched this year, recognises the increasing use of the cranes for lifting as well as loading, and the risks involved. One manufacturer, Turkey's World Power, has been developing very heavy knucklebooms mounted on all terrain carriers, targeted at this sector. Kevin Walsh reports.
June 2011
Cristina Brooks looks at safer hooks
What a difference a year makes
Researching this year's Fleet File, Nick Hart spoke in detail to several companies about their experiences over the last year. Here, he compares stories from rental companies around the world.
Betting on Brazil
With sustained demand expected beyond one-off events like the Olympics in 2016, and a position at the heart of South America, Brazil is proving an attractive market for investment by overseas crane manufacturers. At ConExpo, Will North spoke to Manitowoc's EVP for the Americas, Larry Weyers, about the company's plans for the country.
Credit where credit's due
Crane rental firms are no different than most in that they need a strong economy to survive and thrive.
Explosive growth
Murielle Gonzalez Oisel finds out how mining investments worth $74bn are pointing the way to recovery in South America's leading economies.
Built in Austria by robots
Liebherr-Werk Nenzing is the home of the Liebherr-MCCtec maritime division, but also handles the lion's share of crawler crane production for the manufacturer.
May 2011
Canadian Space Agency
10 years of Canada's space crane
Remote Controls
Five new remote control products
Careful climbing
Climbing a tower crane to increase its height relies on meticulous planning, good communication and the skill and dedication of the erection team, if it is to be completed without mishap. The consequences of a collapse are often loss of life, delays to construction programs, criminal prosecutions, loss of reputation and massive costs for all involved. Cristina Brooks reports
Australian connection
In Australia's two-speed economy, rental firms who've relied on residential construction have suffered. Those with the fleet to fulfil the infrastructure needs of the country's booming minerals extraction and energy sectors have flourished. Kevin Walsh reports
Polish crane industry rises from recession
Following the regional pattern, Poland's construction industry was hit by the economic downturn, pulling down the country's crane industry as well. However, recent signs of improvement suggest that the rapid recovery of the private sector and government-funded infrastructure projects ahead of the Euro 2012 football championship could put the local crane market back on track, reports Jaroslaw Adamowski.
Bringing in the orders
At ConExpo in Las Vegas this March, there was an air of confidence among exhibitors unlike anything in recent years. A couple of months after the show, many exhibitors are now confirming orders.
April 2011
Nordic Crane Group
Equipment review
Crane mats are used to provide machine access and stability in areas with difficult ground conditions. They also help to spread axle weight pressures evenly across the ground. Cranes Today takes a look at a selection of environmentally-friendly crane mats.
Outrigger mats go green
Since 2002, crane and outrigger mats made of tropical hardwoods, such as Azobe, Cumaru Dabema, Greenheart, Mora and Wamara, have been sustainably produced in Guyana by Guyana Timber Products (GTP), a sales organisation run by Dutch shareholders. It sells timber products that come from sustainably managed forests. Cristina Brooks reports.
Big, bigger, biggest
As the world's petroleum reserves dwindle, oil and gas platform operators need larger rigs to work further offshore and drill deeper. ALE gave Kevin Walsh a sneak peek at its new Mega Jack system, which will help assemble these rigs.
Seizing the opportunity
Abu Dhabi's Manitowoc Potain dealer NFT Cranes has responded to Dubai's construction crisis by entering new markets and end user sectors. Will North spoke to managing director Nabil Al Zahlawi
Doing business in turbulent times
Stuart Anderson looks at crane sales data in the Middle East and asks which cranes are selling
Building bridges
The derrick continues to be an efficient bridge building tool, despite the perception that it is outmoded. The beauty of the derrick's simple tripod structure is that it is lightweight and easy to operate, but it must compete with larger capacity, heavier, more specialised equipment. Cristina Brooks reports
The turning point?
After volcanoes and economic crises slowed business at the last two trade shows in this three-year cycle of global construction equipment events, hopes were high for this year's lead event, ConExpo in Las Vegas. While the show might not have matched the feverish energy of 2008, it did largely meet expectations
March 2011
Power up
Power up Power generation, whether it is wind farms or nuclear plants, coal powered stations or transmission lines, seems to be one of the most resilient sectors for lifting. Kevin Walsh assesses how strong it really is
BC India review
At the first BC India, the new show from the organisers of Bauma and ConExpo, Partha Basistha examines the state of the market and sees new cranes from local and global manufacturers
Planning a successful lifting operation
When crane incidents occur, the cause can often be traced back to mistakes made in the planning of the lifting operation. Indeed, rather too frequently, the problem lies in the complete lack of any meaningful planning. Simple, routine lifting operations can be safely carried out without a written plan, provided the personnel involved are properly trained in their respective roles. They will have a mental checklist to automatically run through before they start and will keep it in mind during the operation. However, for a lift of any complexity, a written plan is essential. Derrick Bailes, chief executive of the LEEA, shares his expertise on writing an optimal lifting plan.
The world comes to India
A new show from the organisers of Bauma and ConExpo, BC lndia, brings international lifting manufacturers and users to one of the worId's fastest growing economies. Partha Pratim Basistha reports.
Pinnacle Cranes
Rough and ready
Rough terrains are the workhorses of the crane industry in many countries. Will North spoke to two manufacturers who are taking radically different approaches to these cranes.
Down by the riverside
Chicago crane operator and photographer Ken Derry has been working on the installation of a new lock gate in Chicago.
A return to growth?
Recent results from American crane builders suggest an uptick in the last few weeks of 2010. The question now is if this is a blip, or the start of a sustainable recovery. Will North reports.
ConExpo 2011
An overview of new products at the upcoming international show. Cristina Brooks reports.
February 2011
On schedule in Sakhalin
Aker Solutions is using five Potain tower cranes to help it keep to tight deadlines as it builds a gravity base structure for Exxon Neftegas at Russia's Sakhalin Island.
Wolffkran heads for Mecca
Wolffkran has supplied 44 cranes for the construction of 1,000,000 sq m of accommodation for pilgrims to the Islamic holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Can we fix it? Yes, we can
In boom years, repaired and refurbished cranes can make it easier to maintain and build your fleet when order times are long; in harder times, they can offer a cheaper option than buying a new crane. Kevin Walsh reports on the segment's outlook for 2011.
January 2011
Audi Transport
Rope pull: Wire rope product news
WireCo WorldGroup - Van Beest - Cosalt
Chinese revolution
While the rest of the world continues to struggle, the global financial crisis barely caused a break in China's stride. At Bauma China, Will North spoke to Chinese and global industry leaders about their strategy for making the best of the country's surging demand and immense manufacturing capacity
Compact class
The minicrane is a niche that is becoming mainstream. In many cases, its ability to get in close to where a load needs to be placed means it can rival bigger cranes. Phil Bishop reports the latest developments
BC India Show Preview
Hoping to capitalise on India's growing importance to the international construction machinery market, Messe Muenchen International have partnered with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers to hold the first joint Bauma/Conexpo trade fair on the subcontinent.
High wind load, high workload
Increased awareness that wind turbine components behave differently when being lifted to when in use means crane operators must be proactive in gathering lift-critical data, as Kevin Walsh reports.
December 2010
High safety on the high seas
Offshore construction poses the same challenges as onshore, but with all of the added risks of a marine environment. Alice Attwood speaks to end users and suppliers about improving safety.
Signs of a thaw in the frozen north?
The tangible effects of the economic downturn have been a mixed bag across Northern Europe. Kevin Walsh reports.
Basic training
California-based National Crane Training was recruited to provide NCCCO training and testing for crane operators at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan. Will North reports
November 2010
Full time for construction?
In recent years, South Africa has been deemed a risky location for investment. However, the World Cup construction projects have gone some way in proving the use and skill set of South African firms. But how are these companies faring in the aftermath of the sporting extravaganza without the glare of global media attention? Alice Attwood reports
The turn of the screw
A recent stator installation called for Fagioli to use its simple but elegant screw jack system. The compact system allows for steady positioning of heavy loads in confined spaces. Will North reports
Winds of change
Supply and demand is an ever-changing landscape in any sector. Kevin Walsh looks at the future for mid-range crawlers.
Punching above its weight
Despite its relatively small size, Locatelli has been a market leader in introducing modern approaches to crane manufacturing. Will North visited the company's Mapello production plant.
The new old crane builder
The PC Produzioni brand of rough terrain cranes may be new, but it has its roots in a crane component and design company with decades of experience, and its sales and technical departments are lead by former Rigo staffers. Will North reports
Fassi takes aim at rivals
At the company's annual press meeting, Fassi owner Giovanni Fassi and commercial director Luigi Porta discussed the state of the market for loader cranes, where they think rivals are going wrong, and their hopes for an eventual return to peak conditions. Will North reports
Setting the standard
For over 65 years Valla has grown from humble origins as a dealer in war surplus equipment to one of the most well known manufacturers of pick and carry cranes. Will North visited the company's Piacenza headquarters, and spoke to sales and marketing manager Giuseppe Guglielmetti.
100 per cent value
Amco Veba has its roots in the cost competitive, lower capacity, brand of the Copma knuckleboom group. Today, it owns high features specialist F'lli Ferrari, and shares ownership and distribution with global group Hyva. The focus, MD Giancarlo Perego tells Will North, is to offer a value product to customers around the world.
Cobo 3B6-Copma 2000-Cormach-Effer-F'lli Ferrari-Fassi-Faymonville-Galizia-Hiab-IMET-Locatelli-Ormig-Palfinger-PC Produzioni-PM-RF-TCM
October 2010
Bauma China 2010
Kevin Walsh previews product offerings ahead of the international trade fair
Gas fuelled
The Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) industry is not new to Australia: the North West Shelf Venture that holds the greatest known reserves of LNG in Australia marked its twenty-fifth anniversary of domestic gas production and twentieth anniversary of LNG exports in 2009. Australia's LNG industry is currently centred around gas fields off the coast of north-west Australia. Greg Keane reports
A Wolff pack in London
As London's skyline again begins to bristle with the signs of a slow recovery for the construction industry, one familiar firm's name is present from the outskirts to the heart of the city.
Fontanafredda future focus
Based at the foothills of Monte Cavallo, the Fontanafredda based Terex tower crane plant has had to adjust its' strategic focus over the past few years. Why and how has that affected the product range and those working here? Alice Attwood visited Italy to gain an insight into this Terex branch.
Train to Crane?
Even with a gamut of infrastructure projects underway across the UK, and major projects like Crossrail and the Olympics managing to dodge the coalition government's cost cutting axe swings, tower crane hire firms could be forgiven for feeling a little pessimistic. Kevin Walsh reports
Spending for the future
US construction crane builders and rental companies, who didn't get the push that they expected with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) economic stimulus programme, are hoping that they will get the boost they need should the federal surface transportation legislation, commonly known as the highway bill, be reauthorised soon. Unfortunately the odds of this occuring by the end of the year are dwindling. However, it's possible that an about-turn will surprise the industry, in the aftermath of the lame duck legislative session, following the mid-term Congressional elections in November.Myra Pinkham reports
Mammoet floats boats
Mammoet has purchased a new multi-purpose pontoon, the Schelde, and put it to work on two boat load outs.
Down on the bayou
Between storms and swamps, Louisiana's Berard Transportation have their work cut out for them. As operations manager Braedon Berard tells Will North and Alice Attwood, they've been building a reputation for reliable engineering expertise since 1945.
Turbine transport
Rapid advancement in wind turbine specs means transport options must ring the changes. Kevin Walsh reports
Docking without a dock
Often, cargo needs to be transferred between ships without docking. A recent Liebherr order demonstrates the state of the art; and research by the US Navy points to the future. Will North reports
London link
The upgrade of London's underused Thameslink railway, and construction of a new line linking the City to Heathrow, has provided work for a range of different lifting equipment. Adrian Greeman reports
Russia revs up again
Demand for cranes in Russia and neighbouring countries ground to a halt two years ago. However, it is recovering quickly and back on its growth trajectory. Phil Bishop reports.
Into the groove
The Lebus brand is synonymous with parallel spooling systems. Since the patent on that concept expired, the company has moved from being a general supplier, to trading on its expertise for special applications. Will North visited the company's plant in Germany
Lucky sixes
When the first very six axle all terrain, Liebherr's 160t capacity LTM 1160 hit the market 25 years ago, even the most enthusiastic advocate of the potential of large all terrain cranes could not have imagined the massive change that this crane represented. Stuart Anderson reports how customers in Western Europe quickly voted with their order books, and how the crane builders have responded.
Fast hoists
Manitowoc is moving hoist production from its 80-year-old plant at La Clayette to a new lean production line at Charlieu. Will North toured the plant
July 2010
Compact but powerful
Vehicle mounted cranes may not perform the most exciting of lifts, but they play a vital role in tens of thousands of jobs, making road maintenance and small construction tasks safer and more efficient. Nicole Robinson reports on one specialist manufacturer, Penny Hydraulics
Virtual world
The use of training simulators for crane operators is growing, and not just for newcomers learning the trade. Nicole Robinson provides an overview of the sector and looks at the products and services on offer and the variety of applications they simulate.
Being competent
Operator certification is set to go nationwide in the USA. Might the European Union follow its lead? Phil Bishop reports
Mediterranean winter
With the first rays of sun showing through the clouds of recession, will demand return to Southern Europe? Nicole Robinson tours the Mediterranean to get regional perspectives.
What's on the hook?
A new guide to safe use of lorry loaders reminds users to think about risk based on the job they are doing, not the crane they are using. Will North reports
June 2010
More about rating and shackles
As the series of articles about lifting accessories continues, Derrick Bailes looks further into rating and shackles.
Brazil's growth goals
Anyone fed up hearing about the doldrums of the global economy need only look to South America where a different, optimistic, story is being told in Brazil. Nicole Robinson reports.
Safer by design
A new revision to the European tower crane standard, EN 14439, aims to make tower cranes safer for operators, riggers, and those around the crane. Will North spoke to the standard's developers, and looks at what it means for crane designers.
Dam big cranes
Seven Potain tower cranes, including five special application cranes, are playing an integral role in the construction of the Son La Hydropower project in Vietnam.
May 2010
Nuclear renaissance
For many years, safety concerns hampered new nuclear plant construction. In the late 1990s and start of the new millennium, new political priorities came into play. In the second article of a two part special, Will North looks at the lifting challenges posed by new power plant designs, and the giant crawler and special lattice boom cranes that have been built to meet them
Improve your fleet's leverage
The growth of crawler cranes to deal with increasingly larger jobs hasn't been restricted to bigger superstructures, with attachments also on the rise. David Pittman reports
Strength in numbers
The creation of Gastel Zurawie SA as a major crane hire firm in Poland was intended to tap into the potential of the market. David Pittman looks at the creation of the Polish giant
April 2010
River dance
A gantry crane is being used to lift and carry large precast concrete shells that will be set in the Ohio River as part of the construction of the Olmsted Dam, Illinois, USA.
Working on the railroad
Lifting on the railroad demands highly specialised cranes. Stuart Anderson examines the history of cranes in this sector, and the state of the market today.
Derrick does the job
Using a derrick to take down a Liebherr tower crane avoided the need for Sellen Construction to close busy Seattle streets. That was just one advantage, as Nicole Robinson discovers.
Atoms for peace
In the late 1970s, the nuclear plant construction sector was one of the first to use modular construction techniques. A series of accidents halted new construction, and the lifting industry switched to helping with refits. In the first of a two-part special, Will North looks at heavy lifting and transport in this sector. Next month, the series continues with a look at how a new generation of plants are driving demand for very heavy crawlers and special cranes.
Future trends
Middle East Cranes 2010 provided much food for thought for those intrigued to know how business will develop in the future across the Middle East. David Pittman reports
The first tower builders
Long before the powerful cranes of today, derrick cranes built the skyscrapers of cities like Chicago and New York. Even now, they are still in demand. Nicole Robinson reports
Safe rigging at height
Are mobile crane manufacturers doing enough to eliminate the risk of falls from height? Phil Bishop reports
Textile slings and rating assumptions
In the latest of a series of articles, Derrick Bailes, technical consultant, Lifting Equipment Engineers Association, explores textile slings and rating assumptions.
March 2010
Fitting the bill
The Raptor 84 articulating jib tower crane, developed by Sweden's Artic Crane in conjunction with London's City Lifting, fits the bill for those looking for a fast and efficient lifting solution on restricted jobsites, according to the men behind the crane. David Pittman reports
Rebuilt for success?
In the current economic climate, does buying a rebuilt tower crane make good business sense? David Pittman speaks to the companies 'recycling' tower cranes, and safety professionals, to find out the benefits and risks associated with breathing new life into older equipment
Rising to the challenge
Wilbert's new factory had just started full operation when the tower crane industry was hit by the worldwide recession. But instead of complaining about the difficult market for standard tower cranes, the family-owned business adapted to the new situation by concentrating on innovative new crane designs. Heinz-Gert Kessel reports
Standing tall in Ottawa
At Ottawa's new convention centre, Morrow erected one of Canada's tallest freestanding towers on the roof of a working parking garage
Growth in the Gulf
Demand for construction cranes in the Gulf of Mexico, while better than the depressed levels seen in many other areas of the United States, was down last year and continues to be weak. Some market observers say that there was a slight pickup in the past month or so, but it will likely remain depressed for a while yet. Myra Pinkham reports
In Our Fleet - EnerMech
EnerMech Limited was established in 2008 in Aberdeen. While the EnerMech group is a relatively young company, the component parts of the business and the experience of our management team and staff have a legacy going back more than 20 years.
Bauma 2010
With the year's big show just weeks away, Nicole Robinson considers what Bauma will mean for the international lifting industry.
Rigging essentials
There are always people using lifting equipment for the first time and, as new equipment comes onto the market, there are some 'old hands' who need updating. Derrick Bailes introduces a series on lifting accessories.
Thawing climate?
With spring on its way and temperatures set to rise in north-west Europe, is demand also warming up? Ruth Ling reports
Timeless utility
Rough terrain cranes were the first form of telescopic cranes to be built with their own wheeled carrier. Despite the age of the basic design, they still offer plenty of scope for innovation. Will North reports
February 2010
Big ropes for big cranes
The world's biggest crawler cranes need a lot of rope, spooled on big drums and extensive reeving. Doing that while keeping components easy to transport and light is a serious challenge. Will North reports
January 2010
Excon 2009
There were few new launches at Excon 2009 in Bangalore. However, exhibitors shared heightened business confidence. Partha Pratim Basistha reports
Asia rising
The first Cranes Today Cranes Asia conference drew together leading names from across the Asian and Australasian crane and lifting industries to discuss the latest and best products and practices in the region. David Pittman reports from Singapore
In our fleet-BS Group
With our 35-year anniversary next year, Bok Seng (BS) began with a small fleet of transportation vehicles before becoming a leading total logistics solutions provider
Rayco-Wylie brings RCIs to CanBUS
Rayco–Wylie's newest member of its i3000 range of indicator systems integrates with a modern crane's onboard CanBUS network
Mobile ops get anti-collision
SK Group and Honeywell have introduced an anti-collision system for mobile cranes
Lyon safe with Smie
SMIE has installed anti-collision systems on a job site in Lyon, where more than twenty cranes are working on a project bisected by a busy railway line
Small but mighty
New mini cranes have been developed to meet the demand for small machines capable of operating in tight spaces, whether in glazing, machine building or any of a range of other applications. Nicole Robinson reports
Perfectly formed
From the roof of the Met Museum in New York, to Marion Island close to the Antarctic, compact cranes are finding a range of new uses. Nicole Robinson reports
In Our Fleet - Claxton International
The first thing to say is that we are not a rental company; we are an engineering firm
In Our Fleet - Tutt Bryant Crane Hire
Tutt Bryant has its trading roots dating back to 1938, when it commenced operations as an equipment distributor. The group comprises of three divisions: crane hire and heavy haulage, construction equipment sales and general hire
A Russian bear wakes
Avtokran's achievements are as big as its Russian homeland. Now that it has rebuilt its home market dominance, it is looking overseas. Ruth Ling reports
Dam fine work
A temporary alternative lifting solution kept work moving on construction of the new bridge spanning the Colorado River next to the Hoover Dam
New York marathon
With New York City's annual crane moratorium approaching, ABLE Rigging had five days to take down three cranes at the heart of the busy city. Will North spoke to master rigger Robert LaChapelle about the jobs, and about the tower crane industry in New York
Budapest calling
Hungarian crane company Ács-Gép Generál Zrt is working on two major construction projects for the country's capital using its fleet of tower cranes
Bridging the gap
Gantry crane systems can provide an alternative lifting solution in the most difficult and demanding of environments. David Pittman reports
Economies of scale
A really big crane needs a really big potential market. ALE Projects managing director Michael Birch talks to Will North about developing the 134,000tm SK120, and building a global business big enough to use it effectively
Going underground
A new Terex crawler is playing a vital role at an underground construction project in New York, where it is lowering construction equipment and supplies into a 100ft pit
What is left?
On a tour of AmQuip sites in Philadelphia, Will North sees the decline in tower crane work, and finds out what jobs are left
Big oil
LaPrairie Crane recently completed its biggest ever lift, using a Manitowoc Model 16000 to lift two evaporators at the Algar Oil Sands Project, in Alberta
Banking on investment
Investing in your crawler crane fleet could pay dividends when the market recovers. David Pittman reports
December 2009
Small city players
It's often easy to overlook cranes at the lower end of the capacity scale. However, competition among city cranes, small cranes that share characteristics of both all terrains and rough terrains, is as fierce as anywhere else in the industry. Will North reports
Italian Invention
Italian crane firms have to think smart to cope with the narrow streets and steep hills of the country's medieval cities. Ruth Ling reports
Light at the end of the tunnel
Ruth Ling reports on the state of the Italian market, and finds some light at the end of the tunnel
September 2009
Hot iron, heavy towers
The popularity of pre-cast building in the Netherlands means the country uses unusually high numbers of heavy tower cranes. Will North compares the Dutch market with its regional neighbours, and finds out how one award winning building demonstrates the advantages of pre-cast construction.
Dutch tailoring
When it comes to really big cranes, some of the biggest are built by specialist custom builders like the Netherlands' Huisman. Will North reports
Ship to shore
Würzburg, Germany-based Babcock Noell has completed the largest transport operation in its history:moving a 200t containment liner for the reactor building of a new-build nuclear power station from Poland to Finland
Singapore slings
Fagioli and Yew Choon performed more than 550 special transport moves, crane lifts and alternative lifts for a job on Singapore's Jurong Island. Nicole Robinson reports
Going for green
Green technologies are central to most modern gantry crane systems. David Pittman reports
Boom trucks
A new class of super heavy mobile cranes uses telescopic booms so big that they must be transported in two parts, requiring special transporters for the second boom. Nicole Robinson reports
Terminal Velocity
A new containerised transporter makes it easier and quicker to move 2,000t gantry cranes around busy container terminals. Will North reports
Moving on up
Yantai Raffles is waiting for designs to become reality as it plots the future for its 20,000t capacity gantry crane system, Taisun. David Pittman reports
August 2009
Power surge
Global demand for new power plants will call for specialist tower cranes. Will North reports
A new view
Two technological developments, both in the academic field, could pave the way for better inspection and fault detection of wire ropes. David Pittman reports
Treating telehandlers as cranes
New Australian standards will see telehandlers subject to the same scrutiny as cranes, when they perform crane-type lifts. Stuart Anderson reports
Australian market showing signs of early rebound
Australia's crane market was riding high until late last summer, when it suffered not only the impact of the global financial crisis and subsequent credit crunch but also a severe devaluation of the Australian dollar that rapidly drove up the cost of imported cranes and equipment. Stuart Anderson reports
July 2009
Appointing the right person
The role of an Appointed Person (AP) is an important one in the UK crane industry today, taking responsibility for the planning and execution of safe lift operations. David Pittman looks at the role and its US counterpart, and sits in on the theory training behind the qualification.
Rough trough
The market for rough terrain cranes is in free-fall, although there remains some demand for higher capacity machines. Phil Bishop takes a look at the world market and reports on new product development in the sector.
Lessons learnt
Ten years ago, Japan's economy and construction industry were struck by a combination of a regional financial crisis and the collapse of a property speculation bubble, similar to the crisis that affects the world today. Will North spoke to Kobelco's Tatsuo Maruo about the lessons learnt from that crisis, and the company's business today.
Slinging techniques
In the latest of a series of articles on complex rigging situations, Derrick Bailes looks at various techniques for attaching slings to the load and adjusting the sling length to achieve the correct geometry.
June 2009
US cranes get a lift
The US federal stimulus package is now being allocated by local state officials. The benefits are not immediate, but, as Robert Ebisch reports, some of the billions available should soon trickle down to crane users.
More cranes, less parts
A new modular approach to design, developed in the car and aviation sectors, promises crane buyers more choice and cheaper cranes, with fewer parts, faster delivery times and simpler staff training. Two of the world's biggest crane builders have demonstrated their commitment to this strategy by appointing senior engineers from the aviation industry. Will North spoke to them both.
Talking telematics
Manitowoc is hailing its CraneSTAR asset management system as a major breakthrough for the crane industry. David Pittman looks at the history of telematics and its role in the increasingly global crane market.
Size matters
Many best selling crawler crane models have seen sales and orders decline over the past year. However, as David Wheeldon reports, there is work out there for bigger units.
Sling geometry and forces matter
In the first of a series of articles on complex rigging situations, Derrick Bailes looks at the slinging arrangements required to lift awkward loads.
May 2009
An eye to the future
Eastern Europe is suffering the ill-effects of the global economic downturn, but there is strong feeling that the area will be important when the recovery begins. David Pittman reports.
High design, low tech
Kaliningrad's Optim Crane commissioned Art Lebedev Studio to design a new crane cab that offers an all-round view, without demanding complex manufacturing processes. Will North reports.
Knuckle down
The abrupt end of the building boom in Europe wreaked havoc on the knuckleboom industry: order intake, and then sales, both dropped dramatically. Manufacturers, and their employees, have seen tough choices made. But, as Will North reports, the industry is doing much to ensure it is ready for the inevitable, if far off, upturn.
Facing facts
In the second of a series of interviews with high profile members of the industry, Manitowoc president and general manager Eric Etchart gives his take on the downcast market to Richard Howes.
Counting faults
Australia's CraneSafe assessment programme has produced a detailed database of faults, across all crane types and makes. Stuart Anderson analyses the data and identifies the main areas of concern for crane owners.
Action at a distance
The modern remote control market is highly competitive and driven by innovation. Manufacturers have responded to customer demand by improving display screens and control features, with an emphasis on safety and interference prevention. David Wheeldon reports.
Bridge crane replacement USA
Deadline: May 25, 2009
Materials handling equipment, USA
Deadline: May 12, 2009
April 2009
Crane overhaul, USA
Deadline: April 24, 2009
LTM 11200 goes to work
First launched at Bauma in 2007, Liebherr's 1,200t mobile has now demonstrated its benefits in the field, with a string of impressive jobs, including a tandem lift in Cuxhaven, Germany.
On land, at sea
Offshore wind farms require the lifting of heavy loads, both on land and at sea. David Pittman looks at the equipment involved.
Slimmer, faster, cheaper
A new containerised gantry system developed by Hydrospex for US heavy lifting firm Burkhalter lifts 1,000t loads, and can be largely assembled from the ground without a big assist crane or guy ropes. Will North reports.
Heavy lifts for bridge and tunnel
Heavy lifting by barges with winches and floating cranes are the key to construction of the new Busan-Geoje crossing in South Korea, writes Adrian Greeman.
Very heavy metal
Crawler cranes now have the capacity to deal with the most demanding of loads. David Pittman reports.
They have a plan
Modern lift planning software has allowed 3D video simulations to supersede hand-drawn sketches. David Wheeldon reports.
Arabian wolf
For some crane suppliers, the Gulf has been seen only as a sales opportunity, not somewhere to set up a second home. Wolffkran has been among those who've made a real commitment to the region. Will North spoke to Wolffkran Arabia managing director Mark Evans.
Emirates towers keep climbing
Despite a faltering market in Dubai, the skyscraper construction business across the UAE and the wider Middle East region is still going strong. Potain dealer NFT is working on two key projects in the Emirates. Will North reports.
Safely onwards and upwards
Richard Howes speaks to Alex Mullins, the general manager of Al Jaber Heavy Lift & Transport LLC, based in Abu Dhabi, UAE
Middle East Cranes
Now in its third year, Middle East Cranes gives the crane industry in the Gulf region a forum to exchange ideas and experiences. Will North reports.
March 2009
China's custom-builder
Most Chinese tower cranes encountered outside of China will have been series-produced, hundreds at a time, in large factories. Heinz-Gert Kessel profiles a Chinese tower crane manufacturer that specialises in very large-capacity models, which made only 17 cranes in 2007.
The service elevator
New developments in the tower crane's best friend, construction hoists, speed up material flow and improve site safety, reports David Wheeldon.
Making Macau
Yongmao tower cranes help raise casinos in the Chinese Las Vegas, reports Emma Gritt
Stafford rides the storm
In the face of a depressed Irish market, tower crane rental specialist Stafford Tower Cranes is looking to eastern Europe, the Middle East and the USA for business, reports Heinz-Gert Kessel.
Tracking towers
High profile crane accidents in New York and London have led to pressure on regulators to establish public registers of tower cranes. Earlier this month, both the UK HSE and the New York Department of Buildings announced they would require tower cranes to be registered. Will North reports.
Recession? What recession?
Will North speaks to manufacturers working in India, and to one of the country's biggest end users, and finds out that many in the country's lifting industry expect a good year, despite recessionary pressures.
The path to better rigging
As the NCCCO launches its certification process for riggers, long-time rigging instructor Dan Cashin, of Atlantic Crane Inspection Service, offers his personal views on what constitutes rigging competence, and the training that is necessary to get there.
Rigger foundations
Dan Cashin argues that the industry needs to invest in its riggers
Are safety factors dead?
Anatoly Zaretskiy, the chairman of ISO's TC 96 subcommittee for crane testing, argues that designing cranes to meet safety factors does not adequately take into account how unpredictable loads can be. As the ISO 8686 crane safety standard begins to be revised, he argues that crane design should switch to limit state design, based on statistics.
February 2009
Capacity cutbacks begin to bite for workers
Since the current economic crisis began to hit the crane industry last summer, crane makers have said that they would need to lower capacity in response to reduced demand. In the last month, the need for capacity cuts have begun to hit workers, reports Will North.
Tilt-up looks up
Tilt-wall construction uses on site formworks to cast walls on the ground, before lifting them into place with a heavy crane. Formerly a speciality of southern states, tilt-up has spread across North America in recent years. Robert Ebisch reports
Roof extension
Roof extensions are a handy way to gain a bit more space in crowded cities. In Chicago, they do things a little bigger. Will North reports
Mexico thinks big
For most of 2008, Mexico continued to develop and industrialise rapidly. Although the worldwide slowdown has affected the country, unprecedented public and private investment mean Mexico still has some bright prospects for 2009, Will Dalrymple reports.
Hans Kong
Although Liebherr runs crane service facilities around the world, it had never built its cranes outside Europe, until 2007. In that year, a small workshop of a minor subsidiary quietly began making two models of duty-cycle crawler cranes, reports Will Dalrymple
Tipping point
A planned revision of the European standard for knucklebooms will require safety systems that monitor the stability of the entire crane. This is likely to have major effects on manufacturers and users in Europe, Will North reports
Vehicle cranes reduce risk of handling injuries, says Penny Hydraulics
Vehicle-mounted cranes eliminate manual handling, and reduce the risks of handling-related accidents and lost working days, argues Richard Short, sales director, Penny Hydraulics.
Dutch ministry buys 20 Hiab knucklebooms
The Dutch Ministry of Internal Affairs has spent EUR5m on 20 Hiab XS 111 knuckleboom cranes and 100 hooklifts for the Dutch Fire Brigade and Highway Police.
Hiab sells 95 knucklebooms into Iraq
Hiab is supplying 95 units of its 20tm class XS 244 loader crane and cargo bodies to the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity, General Directorate for the Middle, for EUR16m.
Fratelli Ferrari refreshes small crane range
Fratelli Ferrari has expanded its lower capacity range with three new models at the upper end, the 6.7tm 561, 7.3tm 571 and 7.9tm 581.
Amco Veba knuckleboom mounts in drilling platform
National Oilwell Varco in Canada has kitted out a new design of temporary drilling platform with an Amco Veba 946F loader crane.
Flli Ferrari sells 42 loaders for Kazakstan job
Fratelli Ferrari has sold 42 units of its new 3.5tm 350 model to TechnoProject for building a pipeline in
Palfinger promotes heavy crane + truck package
Palfinger North America was planning to show the largest model of crane in its heavy crane package, the 117tm PK 150002 mounted on a 2009 Kenworth T-800 Twin Steer Tri-Drive at this month's World of Concrete show in Las Vegas.
Know-how saves ropes
?The crane operator's knowledge, experience, care and attention is the most important point when operating a modern crane. Dr Frank Jauch, general manager of Pfeifer's wire rope department, says that how operators use a crane's ropes, sheaves, and multilayer drum have a vital influence on the job, and the crane's service life??
January 2009
Controls start with screen
Operators of upcoming European cranes are likely to be using even more sophisticated computer displays in the cabin of cranes. New control systems launched by German electronics firms Hirschmann and Inter Control are both linked to better and more complex control screens, reports Will Dalrymple
Rental points the way
In a climate of economic downturn, two tower crane company executives are confident that rental offers better opportunities than sales for tower cranes in Germany, reports Will Dalrymple
Dockside cranes
The HafenCity re-development project is currently Europe's biggest inner-city construction project. Crane manufacturers Liebherr and Wolffkran have more than thirty tower cranes working on the site.
From India to the world
Although Tractors India inherited its connection to the crane industry from a generation ago, its current plans to export components to global manufacturers are as forward-looking as any in the industry. Partha Basista reports
Boom extension
Boom manufacturer Vlassenroot has moved beyond bending steel into assembling complete booms and building mobile crane chassis and upper structures. Will North reports
Tower cranes at Bauma China
Tower crane manufacturers at Bauma China have set their sights beyond the boundaries of China. Most of these exhibitors have export managers and have already sold some cranes outside of China, although rarely to the USA or Europe. There were large luffing-jib, flat-top and saddle-jib towers.
ATs and truck cranes at Bauma China
Asia's largest AT is now the 500t XCMG QAY500 all terrain, with a seven-section, 84m main boom with single-cylinder pinning system.
Small crawler cranes at Bauma China
At least eight different manufacturers exhibited small crawler cranes at Bauma China.
Big crawler cranes at Bauma China
Four Chinese manufacturers launched new crawler cranes with lifting capacities greater than 250t. The show's largest crane was the 1,000t Sany SCC 10000. There was a 650t crawler from XCMG, a 500-tonner from FUWA (previously known as Fushun), 320t crawler from Foton Lovol, 280t crawler from Sany and a 260t crawler from Zoomlion.
Zoomlion: 35 branches by 2010 and 60% export revenue goal
Executives at Chinese crane manufacturer Zoomlion underlined the importance of export in public comments at the Bauma China show.
Manitowoc shows China and India operations at Bauma China
"Going forward, we actually intend to raise our commitment to the Asia Pacific region even further, as this is the region where we can expect most growth in the coming decade," said Gilles Martin, Manitowoc executive vice-president, Asia-Pacific.
Bauma China review
Despite the current credit crunch, Bauma China organisers report that visitors, exhibition space and numbers of exhibitors at Shanghai's Bauma China show were all up 40% compared with two years ago to 113,000. The show organisers reported 17,000 came from outside China, primarily India, Russia and Japan.
December 2008
?The kangaroo of the crane world??
Australian pick and carry cranes are like the continent's well-known marsupials: they are rather funny-looking, but they are good at what they do and wholly adapted to their environment. Greg Keane reviews the history and the future of these multi-tasking articulated cranes
Crane rental in China
Although most cranes are still bought by end users, an increasing proportion are being bought by crane rental companies from domestic players, and by joint ventures funded by international firms keen to get in on the action, reports Will Dalrymple
In our fleet: Irga Group, Brazil
Lupércio Torres Neto, president of Irga Group, talks to Cranes Today about his company and its fleet
ITC makes Olympic record
For contractors ITC Construction Group and MetroCan Construction, a project to build 12 apartment blocks for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics was a race against the clock. The project also saw Canada's first tower crane anticollision system, reports Will Dalrymple
K10000 rises again
The contender for the world's largest tower crane, Krøll's K10000, has been erected for a plant upgrade at Canada tar sands firm Syncrude. Will Dalrymple reports
Remote release
New remote-control hooks help workers get out from underneath loads and can also improve the efficiency of jobs that require a lot of hooking and releasing, reports Will Dalrymple
Vacuum power
Vacuum lifters find applications across the construction industry. For cladding and glazing installation, they are a vital tool. Will North reports.
Tall ship cranes
Potain and Liebherr have both recently supplied giant tower cranes to shipyards.
November 2008
Crane Industry Council of Australia lifts of the year
There were two winners, and two runners-up, in CICA's annual crane jobs. We present all four.
Building giants
Construction of the first units of Liebherr's giant MTC 78000 ship crane is progressing well, as guests of the company saw on a tour of its Rostock, Germany, facility. The 78,000tm crane will lift 1,600t to 35m, and 600t at its 70m maximum reach.
Boom trucks spread their wings
Boom trucks are the sturdy, reliable, workhorse of the US crane industry. Now, manufacturers are seeing new opportunities for the cranes, both by expanding their use domestically, and by finding new markets for export. Will North spoke to three companies who are doing both.
C-DAC finally arrives
More than six years after the US crane industry prompted the country's health and safety agency, OSHA, into revising standards that had been mostly the same since 1968, and four years after a group of experts agreed a draft, OSHA has finally published the proposed rule in the Federal Register, and formally started a public consultation process that will run until 8 December 2008. Will North and Will Dalrymple report.
Fagioli scales it up
It all looks fairly ordinary until you see how tiny the cars and people are. Fagioli was intimately involved in one of the biggest alternative lifting projects ever, on a giant offshore regasification terminal assembled in huge modules in Spain. Will Dalrymple reports
October 2008
RI's jacking trolley
Rigging International used a custom-built jacking trolley on its vertical pole system to replace a reactor vessel head, pressuriser and two steam generators at the Fort Calhoun nuclear power plant for Omaha (Nebraska) Public Power for client Bechtel Power Corp. ???
What strand jacks stand on
The launch of two new modular towers demonstrate that these unglamorous steel structures are as important as the hoist or strand jacks that they support, reports Will Dalrymple.
Taking a load off
Knuckleboom cranes have been sold in the UK for years as 'loaders', but are now taking more of the work of standard mobile cranes. Standards are shifting in response to require that knuckleboom users plan jobs in the same way as for mobile cranes. Will Dalrymple reports.
Virtual rigging
Riggers can use rigging calculators and 3D software to plan particular lifts. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, reports Will Dalrymple.
Emmert delivers generator by rail
US special transport firm Emmert International transported a 413 US ton generator almost a thousand miles from Houston, Texas, to the Comanche 3 power station in Pueblo, Colorado in a job whose planning ultimately took two years to complete.
All in a night's work
Fagioli used SPMTs to install a motorway bridge in a single night??. Mike Clark reports.
TNT Crane and Rigging
TNT Crane and Rigging has been hiring cranes in Texas for 25 years. Co-founder Randy Dobbs reviews the company's history, and new investor Mike Appling describes future plans.
September 2008
Klintsy keeps up
?Russia's third-biggest mobile crane maker celebrates its 80th birthday with a 40-tonner and a U-profile boom manufacturing line, reports Will Dalrymple
Liebherr's little buddy
?A new control system from Liebherr brings its own remote control for crane set-up functions, or even more as an option, reports Will Dalrymple??
Speed demons
?Customers of the very latest remote controls can now adjust the speed of crane motions themselves, reports Will Dalrymple??
RTGs hit the road
?Rubber tyred gantry cranes offer versatility beyond traditional materials handling applications, which users may not have considered, reports Phil Bishop.??
A mutual history
May's article 'A history of tower crane remotes' (pp41-2) glossed over an interesting supplier-manufacturer relationship, the 15-year partnership between radio manufacturer HBC-radiomatic and tower crane manufacturer Liebherr-Werk Biberach, both of Germany. As Liebherr rolls out a new generation of radio controls, we examine the companies' shared programme in more detail.
Liebherr-Bauma China 2008
The 500t capacity, eight-axle LTM 1500-8.1 mobile crane is on show. With a seven-section 84 m telescopic boom this crane provides outstanding lifting height and outreach. First introduced at Bauma 1998, the LTM 1500 has become a very successful crane for customers throughout the world and still represents a state-of-the-art lifting machine. In September 2008, Liebherr delivered the 200th unit of the LTM 1500-8.1 to a German customer. The crane relies on a wide, oval boom to resist buckling. The Tele-matik telescoping system developed by Liebherr, which is based on internal locking of the telescopic sections, allows the boom to be extended fully automatically to any length.
Terex's African union
?Terex sells cranes alongside mining equipment in sub-Saharan Africa through a single dealer. This may provide a blueprint for its distribution in other emerging markets, Will North reports??
Shanghai shows off
Exhibitors at Asia's biggest construction equipment show have applied for registrations for 20 crawler cranes and 15 revolving tower cranes by early September, according to the organisers.??
Zoomlion-Bauma China 2008
Five mobile cranes are on show, including all terrain cranes, truck cranes and crawler cranes.
ZF-Bauma China 2008
On show is a version of the TC Tronic crane and heavy vehicle transmission called TC Tronic HD (heavy duty). The TC Tronic transmission is particularly intended for crane trucks and heavy trucks with trailers. It combines the 12-speed AS Tronic automatic transmission with a torque converter clutch (WSK).
XCMG-Bauma China 2008
With 16 factories and 16,000 employees, Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group Co., Ltd. (XCMG) has been the largest company that produces construction equipment in China since it was integrated in 1989.
Manitowoc-Bauma China 2008
Three new Tai'an Dongyue truck cranes are launching on the stand, the GT-10, with a 10t capacity; GT-18, with an 18t capacity; and the GT-25, with a 25t capacity.
Tadano-Bauma China 2008
An all-terrain crane, rough terrain crane and aerial work platform are on show with the Japanese crane manufacturer Tadano, which is exhibiting with Chinese joint venture BQ-Tadano (Beijing) Crane Co.
Sichuan Yibin Push-Bauma China 2008
There are currently four crawler cranes (60t, 80t, 160t and 260t capacity) in the range of newbie, established in Yibin, Sichuan in 2007 by Wuliangye Group.
Sichuan Jincheng-Bauma China 2008
A 260tm luffing-jib tower crane is on show. The new JCD260 luffing tower crane fills the national market gap of luffing tower crane with 60m jib and load moment between 250tm-300tm, says the company, which adds that it has made great efforts to develop luffing-jib tower cranes since 2006.
Sichuan Construction Machinery-Bauma China 2008
Two new top-slewing (M1200 and M1500) and one luffing-jib tower crane (D328) are on show, as well as concrete pumps and construction hoists.
Scheuerle-Bauma China 2008
A four-axle EuroCombi and two-axle InterCombi platform trailer are on show. All three have robust lightweight construction, manoeuvrability and large number of combination possibilities, says the manufacturer.
SANY-Bauma China 2008
The SCC2800WE crawler crane with large chassis, over-lift counterweight, full boom telescoping and traveling functions, launched in 2008, joins 45 other units of construction machinery on a 3,500 sq m stand outside
NBB Controls-Bauma China 2008
The radio remote control HyPro 6 comes with bellows protection for joysticks to protect them from very rough and extreme operation fields.
Penny + Giles-Bauma China 2008
The STT280 measures tilt in harsh environments. The solid-state unit, which measures +/- 60° of tilt, has a IP68 sealed housing, power consumption of less than 6.5mA, built-in moulded cable and is said to be priced competitively.
Hitachi-Sumitomo-Bauma China 2008
A new wheeled crawler based on the UCX300 is on show, as is a 275t SCX2800-2 hydraulic lattice boom crawler crane.
Goldhofer-Bauma China 2008
The latest development is the new heavy-duty modular system type PST/ES-E, based on the 2,430 mm container width in order to secure loading into containers or flat racks.
Fushun Excavator Corp-Bauma China 2008
On show is the largest-ever crane from the northeastern Chinese manufacturer, the 500t QUY500 hydraulic crawler crane. Also on show is the CMD-850 crawler for diaphragm wall construction.
Cometto-Bauma China 2008
Since 1954 Industrie COMETTO S.p.A. has been producing trailers, semi trailers and self-propelled vehicles. Customers include Hyundai Heavy Industries of Korea, Nippon Express of Japan and Fagioli of Italy
Comansa JIE-Bauma China 2008
Formed of gear manufacturer JIE Holding and Spanish tower crane manufacturer Linden Comansa, Hangzhou Comansa JIE Construction Machinery Co has developed the CJ flat top tower crane series.
BQ Tadano-Bauma China 2008
The 55t-capacity GT-550E truck crane is on show. The GT-550E is the company's first model to feature a hydro-pneumatic transmission.
Autec-Bauma China 2008
On show are the new pushbutton handsets MK 06 and MK 08, which join the MK 10 and MK 12 in the Modular series. This series includes handsets and joystick controllers. The series is certified for functional safety by Tuev Sueddeutschland (category 3 EN 954-1 for stop circuit protection, and for protection of unintended actuator movements).
?Crane hire in the Maghreb
?There are two sides to the crane hire industry in North Africa. On the one hand there are international oil and gas companies requiring modern equipment to be managed and operated to international standards. On the other, there are small, but possibly developing, taxi crane rental operations using older equipment. Phil Bishop reports.??
UVN Technika sets up at Kremlin
Russian mobile crane rental company UVN Technika set up two cranes, Liebherr LTM 1300 and LTM1150, near Moscow's Red Square, on the inauguration day of Dmitry Medvedev as Russia's president on May 7.
The Soviet crane hangover
Over supply of old Russian cranes is putting pressure on rental rates in the Baltic states. Arturas Piulskis, managing director of P&P Ltd, explains
The return flight
As the American Doug Friesen heads to Germany, the Italian general manager of Terex's Bendini rough-terrain crane brand Marco Gentilini is moving to the USA to head up Terex Cranes' North American business.
August 2008
The political storm
In 2007, Manitowoc's Glen Tellock remarked that the crane industry was experiencing'a perfect storm' of markets around the world all booming at once. Now, in 2008, the US industry has suffered many crane accidents, and with them heard accusations and recriminations. As a delayed federal rule is about to be released, and some individual states are deciding to go their own way, election-year politics has taken up the issue of crane safety. It remains unclear who wins and who loses when the dust settles, reports Will Dalrymple
Interview: Doug Friesen
The new vice president and managing director of Terex-Demag, Doug Friesen, spoke at the opening of Demag's new UK sales and service facility in early August. Will Dalrymple spoke with him at the event.
Credit crunch hits cranes
Those crane rental companies with good credit remain largely unaffected by the credit crunch. For the rest of us, the cost and hassle factor of borrowing have increased. All the more reason to look more carefully at your debt, reports Will Dalrymple
Pekkaniska's artificial islands
Finnish crane company Pekkaniska is also working on a major offshore wind farm project, in the Baltic sea. Jere Penttinen, vice president of Pekkaniska Group, explains, "What makes it notable is that the wind turbines are set up on artificial islands built near seashore. In this job we have to transport the LR 1750 and a tailing crane LTM1200-5.1 to the islands on a large barge, as well as all wind turbine material."
Sarens goes to sea
At Thorntonbank, 30km off of the coast of Belgium, Sarens is installing six 5MW wind turbines. Before it could place the 120m-high towers, lead contractor DEME had to carry out six 2,800t bases and lower them to the sea bed. Will Dalrymple reports
Lowering problems hit large cranes
Sooner or later, wind turbine components, such as blades or generators, will need to be lowered to the ground for replacement or overhauling. The owner will call a crane company, specify a 300t-class crawler or large telescopic crane and perform the lift. No problem, right? Wrong, say wire rope experts. Without extra preparation of the crane's wire rope, the lowering operation could shred it to ribbons, if it does not tip the crane over completely. Will Dalrymple reports
Welsh bridge demolition
Demolition specialists Cuddy used an LTM 11000 DS heavy lift crane from Ainscough to remove beams from a 60-year-old pre-stressed concrete bridge, in Abertillery, Wales. Will North reports
Earthquake rescue
When Sichuan province, in China, was hit by a massive earthquake, the nation's construction equipment manufacturers came together to help rescue survivors from the rubble of thousands of buildings. One of the biggest challenges they faced was entering the devastated landscape, reports Linville.
July 2008
Fassitec leads Swiss knuckleboom market
The Fassi Group has been on the Swiss crane market for over 30 years, with a significant market share that is currently around 20%. The important position held in Switzerland by the Italian knuckleboom loader crane manufacturer, is also due to the choice of partners, as is the case of Fassitec, which is today run by Thomas Notter.
Self-erectors outside Italy
There are more self-erector manufacturers in Italy than anywhere else in the world. SAIE, in Bologna, this autumn will provide a great chance to see more from the Italians. In the meantime, non-Italian manufacturers continue to improve transport, and introduce telescoping elements in relatively low-capacity cranes, report Phil Bishop and Will Dalrymple.
Searching for synergy
Scandinavian crane rental companies have to divide their energies between project work and taxi hire, industry and construction, cranes and access platforms, and, most importantly, staying afloat in a market that is sinking. Will Dalrymple speaks to four entrepreneurial firms that have reduced their exposure to local economic conditions by crossing borders and entering new market sectors.
Lunar self-erector
Will Dalrymple reports on a prototype of the first-ever crane designed for another planetary body.
The rope pillow
Plastic fillers inside wire ropes, such as Diepa's B63, at right, cushion the harsh strand-on-strand grind that wears them out. Plastic-filled ropes almost certainly last for longer than ropes that go without, but most construction crane users should still probably not use them, reports Will Dalrymple
Mr Saigon
Four Potain tower cranes are at the heart of construction on the Saigon Pearl development in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
All in Aarhus
HMF introduced a new range of mid capacity knuckleboom cranes to the press, at a factory tour in early July. Will North reports
African towers lean on Germany
Liebherr Biberach head office plans tower park for 2010 World Cup stadium
Paris match
General contractors Vinci, Hines, Icade Capri and Nexity and a public-private consortium are working side by side, building apartments, offices, schools and shops in metropolitan Paris's largest brownfield site, the former Renault car factory in Boulogne-Billancourt, Will Dalrymple reports
Interview: Take a step back to compromise
Liebherr Ehingen design engineer Hans-Dieter Willim speaks to Cranes Today magazine about the FEM's plans to try to resolve differences between the USA and Europe on the LMI manual override changes in crane design standard EN 13000.???
US industry responds to accidents
The US crane association, unions and safety engineers have held press conferences, testified to Congress and published safety reports, in the wake of a series of crane accidents in the USA.
June 2008
Inside Fassi
A tour of Fassi's network of factories around Albino, close to Bergamo, gave visitors a chance to see how new technology will improve delivery times for both cranes and parts. Will North reports. A full photo tour is available on Cranes Today's video page.
American service comes to Europe
Service trucks have been a popular tool for construction equipment technicians in the US for many years, but have not yet found a market in Europe. At ConExpo this year, however, some manufacturers said they were looking to bring the trucks across the Atlantic.Will North reports.
No crane for two years, and now no price either
Risk of volatility in raw materials pricing is making cranes even harder to buy. Waiting lists of more than two years for a new crane is old news, but the rising prices of cranes and manufacturers' reluctance to fix prices at the time of order, seems to be a newer trend, reports Will Dalrymple.
Hiab takes the direct route to customers, indirectly
Scandinavian firm Hiab has a wide product mix that has brought with it a complicated dealer network. Recently, the company has started buying out dealers to go direct. The list includes Bowman in South Africa, BG Crane in Australia, Bay Equipment Repairs in the USA, and Berger in eastern Europe. The purchases are part of a recent strategy to increase the service business and develop emerging markets, Hiab president Pekka Vartiainen tells Will Dalrymple.
Riva uses modular trailers
Argentinian firm Transportes Rivas SA has received two six-line units of Goldhofer THP/SL modular trailers from importer Sudamericana de Equipos. The company now has a total of 22 THP/SL lines.
Heavy haulage set to grow in Brazil
Heavy haulage is set to grow for the next five years in South America, reports Will Dalrymple.
Vintage crane manuals offered
We have received two vintage UK cranes operator manuals, from the 2t-capacity Coles Cranes EMA Mark II and 6t-capacity Thorneycroft Coles WF8.
Towers double-team cable-stayed bridge
???Two towers have teamed up to construct a major cable-stay bridge in São Paolo, Brazil. The two cranes were a Potain MC85A from Brazilian dealer and rental company Locabens, and a Brazil-made 120tm Pingon BR 120 from Rio de Janeiro firm Pingon.
Market blossoms for Brazil towers
São Paolo, Brazil's housing market is booming, in contrast to the situation 4,000 miles northeast in Miami, and local companies are scrambling to keep up with demand, reports Will Dalrymple
Soft touch for heavy loads
Peinemann won the ESTA award for innovation 2008 for its hydraulic bundle lifter, which launched in May. Will Dalrymple explains how it works
May 2008
Custom crawlers
At ConExpo this year, two companies showed crane models using specialised tracked chassis, that make them suitable for use in difficult rural environments. Will North reports
Crawler lifts extra-large piles
The crawlers have also been working at Mostyn Dock, Flintshire, north Wales, loading heavy-duty steel piling sections onto transfer boats for two windfarms off the coast of Wales.
Big crawler sets up dockside
One of four new 550t Kobelco SL6000 crawler cranes owned by Inverness, Scotland, based heavy-lift specialist Weldex has been working to dismantle the two historic landmark cranes at the Swan Hunter shipyard at Wallsend on Tyneside.
Chinese crawlers enter America
Throughout the recent boom in demand for cranes, Chinese manufacturers have sought to position their cranes as a cost-efficient alternative to those from backlogged western firms. At ConExpo, a number of crawler manufacturers promoted their products to North American customers. Will North reports
What to do in a slump
Spain's ten-year long residential construction boom has hit a wall, taking domestic crane sales with it, and signposting one possible future for the global industry. However, local manufacturers are showing that taking an international view can help you ride out the bad times. Will North reports.
Yantai Raffles' big gamble
First Brian Chang built the Yantai Raffles shipyard. Then he built one of the world's biggest gantry cranes for assembling offshore platforms. Super-sizing his crane, he bets, will save shipbuilders time and money by reducing ship assembly to a couple of big lifts. Now all he is waiting for is customers to build platforms in a completely different way, reports Will Dalrymple
Cranes reach into Delhi's belly
Partha Basista reports on how cranes are helping extend Delhi, India's metro system in congested city-centre job sites.
Telecrawlers come of age
The telescopic boom crawler crane is a concept whose time has come, say the believers. Phil Bishop reports
April 2008
The tower entrepreneurs
Will Dalrymple talks to two Australian tower crane rental companies changing their business, and the two manufacturers new to Australia that support them
SA French's slow burn
Although SA French has sold and rented Potain tower cranes in South Africa for 25 years, business really picked up a few years ago. And it has now been six months since SA French listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Cranes Today catches up with operations director Warwick Van Breda.
The mechanical chimney sweep
When the French chimneys of a luxury Australian home would not draw properly in some wind conditions, builder Rod Cull (Artform Builders), crane contractor Laurie Patterson (Patterson Crane Hire) and engineer David Allison devised a unique solution, writes Greg Keane.
A short history of tower crane remotes
Radio remote controls are now standard equipment on most self-erecting tower cranes, and are even becoming common in some parts of Europe for top-slewers. Will Dalrymple asks how they have come to be like a complete crane cab in a box.
London climber
Since a Wolff 320BF killed three erectors when it collapsed during climbing in London's Canary Wharf business district in 2000, only two companies in the UK have regularly rented tower cranes that need to be jacked up with a climbing frame: Harrington Tower Cranes and Select Plant Hire. Now a third company has joined them, Will Dalrymple reports.
Outlook for Australia: long-term winner
Australia offers the growth of Asian construction markets, albeit at a more modest pace, with the lower investment risk associated with a developed, Western style economy. The Australian economy has benefited from the growth of China, particularly in supplying the raw materials necessary for China's export engine. As such, Australia is exposed to any US downturn that might reduce American demand for imported goods from China.
Flat-tops take over the world
What started as a way-out alternative by a few maverick tower crane manufacturers has now become so popular that it is the default position for some new manufacturers, reports Heinz-Gert Kessel.
In Our Fleet-Belgium
We used to offer bare hire, but not in a structured manner.
Former staff reminisce
Over the last few months we spoke with former staff about their time on Cranes Today
Readers' anniversary letters
Over the last few months we have asked long-standing readers and crane people to write in. Here is a selection.
Happy 400th to us!
Like all good stories, the history of Cranes Today starts in the middle of something else. Cranes Today was born out of 1960s predecessor called Cranes. First editor Chris Wilson explains Cranes Today's early origins.
Two Chinese wheels
In 2006, China completed The Star of Nanchang, which at 160 meters high cut short the 135-meter London Eye's tenure as world's tallest. But it is a traditional, compression-braced Ferris wheel built in the middle of nowhere. Nanchang was sleepy backwater until Ford built an automobile factory in 1995. The city got rich overnight and the city fathers commissioned the project, perhaps in a fit of civic pride.
March 2008
US giants look to emerging markets
At ConExpo, the US's two crane-building giants both stressed the importance of emerging markets to the future of their businesses. While the goal of becoming truly global players is the same, Terex and Manitowoc approach the problem in different ways. As Manitowoc announced the acquisition of a 50% stake in a Chinese mobile crane manufacturer, Terex explained how a 'campus' strategy will form the core of its expansion.
Zoomlion gears up for export
China's number two manufacturer of mobile cranes has reorganised its operations into mobile crane, tower crane and concrete pump divisions, and is gearing up for export.
Hoist keeps forms level
Rigging safety company Signal-Rite has developed a way to lift out a concrete form when one end has been covered by cast concrete, reports Will Dalrymple
Homebuilders feel the crunch
US crane dealers and manufacturers watch for signs that market uncertainty will spread from residential to commercial construction, and from mortgages to crane finance, reports Will Dalrymple
Plugging gaps in safety
The best intentions might not always protect crane companies from accidents. Will Dalrymple reports on a way to prove whether everyone in a company thinks the same way as its managers do.
US construction forecast: short-term bad news
Economic indicators thus far in 2008 suggest that the US economy has entered a recession that will extend through the first half of the year. While mild in depth and short in duration, this recession nevertheless bodes ill for construction spending over the next 18 months.
A place for everything
Derrick Bailes, chief executive of the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association, explains why, and how, a well-designed rigging store can make lifting operations safer, regardless of the size of the business
Australia's big wheel
Construction is well advanced on the 120m high Southern Star observation wheel at the Waterfront City development in Melbourne, Australia. When completed in late 2008 it will become the largest such wheel in the southern hemisphere, reports Greg Keane
Singapore flyer
Since the London Eye was erected in 2000, large, modern, Ferris wheels have captured the imagination of city planners. Glenn Smith reports on three recent wheels in China and Singapore; On page 35, Greg Keane reports on another in Melbourne.
Colour coded
Airbus Filton uses 10,000 separate items of loose equipment, many of which leave the site for long periods. Rigging manager Jason Sutton faced a challenge to make sure all of this equipment can be properly tracked. Will North reports
Pull together
Gebr. Markewitsch has built a successful business specialising in plant installations. As part of the MultiLift group, it has access to an extensive range of lifting and transport equipment. Will North spoke to joint managing director Robert Markewitsch.
February 2008
SED preview
The UK's annual equipment show usually holds some points of interest for the country's crane market. Two trends have emerged during production of the preview.
SED Universal
Crowland Cranes' sales division Universal Cranes is showing three new models, including two new cranes from Chinese manufacturer Zoomlion.
SED NRC Plant
Hitachi-Sumitomo dealer NRC Plant is launching the 150t capacity Hitachi-Sumitomo SCX 1500-2 lattice-boom crawler crane to the UK market.
SED EH Hassell & Son
UK Sennebogen dealer EH Hassell & Sons is showing three cranes.
SED Cranebusiness
Cranebusiness is showing two models of its Logicrane telescopic crawler crane, 25t and a new 55t capacity crane.
Beyond wind
A tower crane erection job in Germany shows the new GTK 1100 isn't just a wind turbine erection crane. Will North reports
Loaders take on truck cranes
Crane rental companies are buying lorry loader cranes to rent out for small-scale lifting and transport, reports Will Dalrymple
ConExpo Grammer
Two new seats for construction machinery are on show. Each has a different means of support.
ConExpo Scheuerle
The new Wide Combi Trailer is on show.
ConExpo Leica Geosystems
Promised is a new range of job site measuring equipment including "the most advanced precision machine control technology, laser-based solutions, the hottest GPS-guided tools and high-performance robotic systems."
ConExpo AEM
Teams of students will build construction machines that must accomplish lifting and moving tasks at the AEM's stand (L3224) as part of the AEM's Construction Challenge.
SMOPyC preview
As Spain's economy spins down, its manufacturers are looking to export. The definitive construction show for the southern European country is the Zaragoza, Spain triennial show of public works, construction and mining machinery (formerly in Spanish Salón internacional de Maquinaria para Obras Públicas y Construcción).
SMOPyC IED Electronics
Spanish electronics manufacturer IED Electronics is showing a range of construction crane safety devices.
SMOPyC ANMOPyC
The Spanish Manufacturers' Association, ANMOPyC, is offering information regarding Spanish equipment for the construction and mining industries and its services.
SMOPyC Spain Crane
UNIC dealer for Spain, Spain Crane, will be displaying the full range of UNIC mini cranes, including the new 706, which will be making its debut appearance in the Spanish market.
SMOPyC Ravioli
On show will be the Italian electric safety equipment manufacturer's range of rotary limit switches and radio remote controls.
SMOPyC Hiab
Hiab's 405 sq m stand in Hall 8 (Stands C-D/15-24) will show both the large HIAB XS 1055 E-8 HiPro and the small T-range 033 T3 loader crane.
SMOPyC HBC-radiomatic
HBC-radiomatic is launching its new Technos transmitter, intended for construction cranes, loader cranes and industrial cranes. The plastic housing has a protection class of IP 65, rollover bars and fits neatly against the body with a hip or shoulder belt
Thoemen holds steady
Hamburg rental company Thoemen had to work from a barge to erect two tower cranes on the banks of the Elbe.
Crane or forklift?
A reader in the Middle East writes in to ask advice. His facility moves sea containers in an industrial site, and wants to know whether to buy a reach stacker or mobile crane.
ConExpo Haulotte
After launching in Europe in 2007, Haulotte brings the first model of its new telehandler range to the USA, the HTL 90-55.
ConExpo Hiab
On show is the 44tm XS 477 loader.
ConExpo Terex
On the Terex Group stand, Terex Cranes shows four mobile cranes and a tower crane.
Working under the hook
Last month, John Spanswick, chairman of the UK's Strategic Forum for Construction, challenged crane operators to design worksites so that tower cranes never lift loads over workers (Cranes Today February pp21-2). Select Plant's Ken Turner, lifting operations manager at the new Terminal 5 at London's Heathrow airport, responds to the proposal.
A rough ride for RTs in Australia
Crane companies scramble to acquire rough-terrains in Australia's resource boom, writes Greg Keane
Will knuckle booms ever break into the USA?
The penetration of knuckleboom cranes into the US market remains low. Robert Ebisch finds out why
January 2008
Outlook for construction markets in Japan
Japan offers the world's second largest construction market, behind only the United States. However, it is also one of the slowest growing markets with less than one percent compound annual growth over the past five years.
Hawaii Crane's surfboard solution
Facing almost impossible site conditions, Hawaii Crane and Rigging designed, built and operated a clever cantilever beam system to install two filters. The graceful solution tested the operator's skills to the limit, reports Will Dalrymple.
Cleaner crane hire
How committed is the crane hire industry to sustainability and environmental protection? Phil Bishop reports.
French fry crane
Scott Powerline used a vegetable-based hydraulic fluid to avoid the risk of damage from leaks in a sensitive environment, Will Dalrymple reports
Between a crane and a hard place
Fort Worth Fire Department engineer Mike Walters describes a tricky crane rescue
Is biodiesel worth it?
Biodiesel has been presented by some as an answer to the environmental problems caused by fossil fuels. For the crane industry, the challenges and limitations of the fuel may undermine its benefits, Will Dalrymple reports.
Crane recalls in Japan
Stuart Anderson explores Japan's crane paradox: why a country with such skilled crane manufacturers has just passed through the world's largest-ever crane recall.
Safety leaders
John Spanswick, the chairman of global construction contractor Bovis Lend Lease, heads the UK's Strategic Forum for Construction, which last year set up a tower crane working group. He and Shelley Atkinson-Frost, safety manager for UK crane customer association the Major Contractors Group, speak to Will Dalrymple about the process of improving the tower crane industry from all sides.
Long pipe lifting
A modular spreader bar system has saved a contractor almost half of the cost of lifting equipment to raise long pipe sections.
Outlook positive for Middle East construction markets
In the first of an occasional series of regional construction industry reviews, analysts Global Insight examines the economic outlook in the Middle East.
Vanguard holds its beer
South African transport and installation specialist Vanguard used a tailor-made gantry system to lift eight tanks into place at a Tanzanian brewery. Will North reports
Big viaduct lifted by bigger crawler
Japan crane rental company Uchimiya used a Kobelco 7800 SHL to set a viaduct girder weighing more than 240t.
December 2007
Long-lost cousins
A shared ancestry going back a thousand years has given a boost to Turkish contractors working in Central Asia. Will North reports
Comansa's new luffer finds work in Ireland
Linden Comansa's first LCL-500 luffing jib tower crane was sold to Ireland dealer Stafford Tower Cranes and was working on a factory expansion of concrete supplier Irish Cement in the suburbs of Dublin, Ireland.
A long reach to take down tower
Bovis Lend Lease UK needed to employ police support to help rental firm Ainscough Crane Hire manoeuvre a 500t Liebherr LTM 1500.1.8 into Cambridge city centre. The crane was to be used to dismantle Comedil tower cranes supplied by Select Plant at the Grand Arcade, a £220m (EUR169m) retail development.
Wilbert's 280-item to do list
Franz-Rudolf Wilbert has turned expertise in using tower cranes into a successful business building them, using standard industrial components.
Planning a lift on your phone
Every new crane now comes with a computer. In the future, every lift supervisor may have one as well.
Electronic kerb feelers come to cranes
The US Navy in Pearl Harbour, Hawaii, has installed two camera systems to mount on Grove GMK 3055 all terrains to improve visibility when reversing.
View from the tip
Northern Crane's Ft McMurray, Canada, branch has been using boom-tip cameras on two crawler cranes working in industrial facilities run by Canadian oil producer Syncrude for almost two years, reports Will Dalrymple.
Jumeirah Lake Towers accident
A luffing-jib crane collapsed recently at the Jumeirah Lake Towers development in Dubai, UAE. Cranes Today understands that the operator reported that the luffing brake had failed. The question is, why did the jib drop so catastrophically?
Chinese crane makers meet to discuss goals
Lucia Wang reports on the October meeting of the annual conference of the hoist branch of the China Construction Machinery Association (CCMA), which attracted 76 guests from most of the Chinese crane-makers, and some multinationals too.
Hiab's virtual safety cage
After several loader accidents in Australia, Swedish manufacturer Hiab has launched a working area limitation system for small loader cranes
Jost steps up a gear with latest designs
Jost Cranes has innovative designs and experienced partners, but above all it has the imagination of Franc Jost. Phil Bishop reports
November 2007
Excon 2007, Bangalore, India
Twenty crane manufacturers took part in Excon 2007, twice as many as in 2005. P.P. Basistha and Will North report.
Migration limits Polish construction
EFH Zurawie Wiezowe is one of Poland's leading tower crane rental firms, and distributes Terex-Comedil cranes in the country. Managing director Piotr Guzowski says, "EFH Zurawie Wiezowe has more than 40 employees, and owns 96 tower cranes: over half are made by Terex-Comedil, but we also have some from Wolffkran and Liebherr. Our firm offers customers complex service: the rent of the crane together with the assembly, the technical reception and the service of operator.
Loads of boom
A new segment of rough terrain cranes with capacities over 90 US tons and long booms are taking the US by storm, reports Will Dalrymple
Made in Bulgaria
Loader crane manufacturer Palfinger now makes most of its booms and hydraulic cylinders in one of the newest members of the EU. Far from being the poor cousins of the west, eastern European countries have become hot destinations for crane manufacturing. Will North reports
Barcodes on steroids
RFID tags are claimed to speed up tracking and inspecting rigging gear, reports Roger Lindley
Back to Sea
Kurt Thomsen, the Danish man who made constructing offshore wind farms feasible, is back in the business with a new venture, Gaoh Offshore Ltd. He speaks to Phil Bishop.
Seaside cranes get a grip
Adrian Greeman reports on an unusual outdoors use of vacuum lifting in two coastal defence projects in the UK, one of the first civil engineering uses for the technology.
October 2007
Interview: Ainscough's third generation
Ainscough Crane Hire announced in October that Martin, James and Brendan Ainscough, sons of founder Gerald, have sold the 31-year-old business for GBP 255m (EUR 372m). The new owners are Ainscough's senior managers and the Bank of Scotland, which provided an integrated debt and equity package.
All loaders great and small
Product development seems to be continuing at all levels of the loader crane marketplace. At the SAIE show in Bologna, Italy in October, most of the innovation was concentrated at the largest and smallest capacities. Will Dalrymple reports
Field service crane
Cincinnati, Ohio, USA Fratelli Ferrari dealer Venturo Manufacturing has received orders for 120 Ferrari 310 loader cranes for mounting on US military vehicles.
Chinese crawlers on verge of a boom
At BICES, Chinese manufacturers showed how they are meeting demand for crawlers, reports Will North.
Baring his soul
Ron Schad, chief executive of Essex Crane Rental, brought in his manufacturing expertise to reengineer crawler crane rental. But it took an improved business cycle to put his work to the test. Interview by Will Dalrymple
Link-Belt rethinks
Will Dalrymple tours a newly-reinvigorated Link-Belt truck crane factory
All MoDern conveniences
Loader cranes are a key part of two big orders of military service trucks for the UK's Ministry of Defence, reports Will Dalrymple
Trailer push
When a ramp was not up to the job, Crane Rental Corp managed the awkward job of lifting a trailer into a loading bay. Will Dalrymple reports
Six cranes share the load
UK crane rental company Hewden used six 100t-capacity Demag AC 100 all-terrains to lift a 76t, 5,200 sq m, roof section, reports Will Dalrymple
Rapid retreat
Retiring baby boomers leaving large employment holes to fill. By Nic Pappas
Airport deconstruction
Mediaco used a huge crawler to take down a damaged Paris terminal, reports Will Dalrymple
Nuttall swaps one for two
A big Gottwald 1200t heavy lifting crane, rather than two 500t machines, saved time and eased traffic congestion on a bridge project in Northern England, reports Adrian Greeman.
Bridge over troubled waters
A Liebherr LR 1800 is lifting sections of a dramatic bridge at the entrance to Jerusalem, reports Will Dalrymple
Potain steps inside the Iron Curtain with Slovakia factory
Manitowoc announced its plans to purchase an old factory building in Saris, Slovakia to manufacture Potain tower cranes, and eventually Grove ATs and Manitowoc crawlers, for the Russian market. Cranes Today speaks with project manager of Manitowoc Crane Group Slovakia facility Eric Pommier about the factory.
View from the top
Alex Lowe, managing director of UK tower crane rental firm HTC, explains to Will Dalrymple why the UK industry needs a taste of his medicine
September 2007
CPA: 'Think twice about Olympic jobs'
At the CPA Crane Interest Group's annual open meeting, chief executive Colin Wood delivered a stern warning to the Greater London Authority (GLA) of the cost of not coming to an agreement on diesel particulate filters. Will North reports
Above the crane line
Two recent high-altitude tower crane installations show that the sky is the limit for tower cranes
Your second chance
Near misses offer a valuable opportunity to investigate problems, say Phil Hooper of US rigging and machinery moving firm Southern Industrial Contractors, and consultant Terry Young of Construction Safety Experts
Tagging towers
Counterfeit components and high utilisation rates require crane owners to get serious about tracking their mast and jib sections, argues crane consultant Tim Watson. With RFID technology, owners need only wave a wand around the yard to check in vital parts
Forming at the Firth of Forth
A big Potain tower crane is the logistical centre for formworks and concrete casting on the second longest bridge launch project in the world, reports Adrian Greeman
Rope trick
While crane designs have developed in leaps and bounds, wire rope for lifting has remained essentially the same for around 100 years. The demands of passenger elevators and mining may bring dramatic changes to lifting ropes, reports Will North
High- wire act
Overwhelming demand for cranes is also making scarce its single most important lifting accessory, wire rope, reports Will Dalrymple
Hoists' helping hand
Six construction hoists are helping two Favelle Favco M440 tower cranes on Hong Kong's tallest tower, the 118-storey International Commerce Centre.
Interview: Yuchun Zhang
Lucia Wang speaks to Yuchun Zhang, general manager of Xuzhou Heavy Machinery Co., Ltd (XHMC), China's market leader, about its plans to export Chinese-made cranes
Inside the world's biggest market
Lucia Wang profiles the market for mobile cranes in China, which sells more cranes than any other single country in the world
Liebherr's helicopter ride
Swiss building firm Liebherr Construction Machinery, a subsidiary of the German equipment manufacturer, installed a Liebherr LC 30 tower crane on a mountain peak with the help of a helicopter.
August 2007
SAIE Bologna
Show information
Mediaco rescues railcar
French crane rental company Mediaco was contacted two days after a freight train accident on the Culoz SNCF (French National Railway Company) railway bridge, France on 24 July 2006.
Interview: Potain India
Will Dalrymple spoke to the new president of Potain India, the company formed by Manitowoc's acquisition of Indian licensee and dealer Shirke, a few days after the deal was done
Chinese takeaway
With order times for mobile cranes mounting, some European distributors are looking to China for new cranes. Will North reports
Northern China shows its stuff
Although the most authentic of all the Chinese construction equipment shows, BICES fits awkwardly into the exhibition calendar.
Hiap Tong Crane & Transport
We have a fleet of 150 cranes, including rough terrains, truck-mounted & all-terrain & crawler cranes. Our smallest RT is a 20 tonner and the largest mobile crane is the 800-tonne Liebherr LTM1800 which we purchased in November 2006. This is one of the largest cranes in Southeast Asia.
The thin end of the wedge
Will Dalrymple asks: Should the Japanese clip the dead end of the rope to the live one?
Emmert moves the tube
Emmert International moved a 229,000 lb (103t), 118 ft (36m) long column 300 miles (480km) from Vancouver, Washington to Moses Lake, Washington, reports Zack Grant.
Tranzcarr takes the night shift
In only five nights, New Zealand heavy haul firm Tranzcarr transported a 377t turbine 100km (66mi).
Loco rides with Kuebler to final destination
Kuebler Spedition planned and transported a 90t steam locomotive to the Mannheim, Germany Museum of Technology and Work
Crane Rental Corp lays down turbines
Crane Rental Corporation hauled four industrial turbines from a ship to a lay-down yard in July.
Ejar's emergence
At a time when waiting lists have never been longer, a new rental company is managing to build up a huge fleet of cranes with remarkable speed. Phil Bishop reports.
Middle-age mobile makeover
A 20-year-old Grove receives a new lease of life—and a rebuilt boom—from Lampson Australia, reports Greg Keane
Seeing through customers' eyes
Terex Cranes president and CEO Steve Filipov explains how its new product development system is helping the company meet the needs of different markets
Building up in Bahrain
New rental company Sarens Nass has grown rapidly on the back of the Gulf construction boom. Phil Bishop reports
Three-piece bridge
Fagioli won the contract to install a sleek new bridge on Venice's Grand Canal. The company used a huge crane, trailers and hydraulic gantries–all on barges–to install the footings, and main span, reports Mike Clark
Ainscough takes the train
When a Virgin train came off the tracks in Cumbria, northern England, Ainscough was called in to remove the wreckage. Will North reports
The dune buggy
Scheuerle has built two transporters to a unique design, to carry 66 115t radio telescope antennas to a new observatory, 5km above sea level in the Chilean Atacama desert. Will North reports
July 2007
J Martin Benchoff, 1926-2007
J Martin Benchoff will be widely remembered as a larger-than-life figure who devoted his life to his twin passions of Grove Manufacturing Company and big game hunting. He was an iconoclastic storyteller, and a bold and visionary leader, recollects his friend and colleague Stuart Anderson.
Acquire and conquer
Eurogrúas 2000, GAM and Euroloc are taking different paths to building a major Spanish brand, reports Will Dalrymple
Reds hit the gas
A Spanish construction company used Manitowoc crawlers to assemble an offshore platform
Interview: AmQuip
AmQuip founder and owner Joe Wesley has sold the majority of his business to private equity firm Bard Capital, advised by Hudson Capital. A week after the deal, Will Dalrymple spoke to AmQuip president Frank Bardonaro and Bard Capital managing director Michael Carrazza.
Loaders extend their reach
Unlike many European markets, the UK has been slow to take up the use of lorry loader cranes for full lifting operations. Will North sees how some UK users are using bigger loaders.
Cranes phone home
Some high tech crane manufacturers can tap into the computers running their crane and diagnose, and sometimes fix, faults from a distance. Although most people agree this is the future, not everyone is convinced that the service is worth the trouble, reports Will Dalrymple
Loader crane fights fires with grab
The Sundsvall-Timrå, Sweden, fire brigade has helped design a loader crane equipped with grapple claws for firefighting work.
Cranes build in remote controls
Remote control manufacturers stand to gain from a greater technical connection between the crane and radio remote control, reports Will Dalrymple
Stability starts below
Although few cranes work on shifting sands, many soils can give way unexpectedly. Predicting when the ground is safe is not easy, argues Landmark Engineering's professional engineer Ron Kohner
Shang high
Jonathan Robson visits the cranes at the top of the world's third tallest skyscraper
June 2007
A Korean phoenix
The BKT tower crane brand has disappeared from the market in the years since Potain bought it in 1998. But those three letters resurfaced a few years ago in a new company, set up by BKT's Korean dealer, reports Heinz-Gert Kessel
Cranes on computer
Two lift planning software houses have recently expanded their range of AutoCAD modules to cover both mobile and tower cranes.
Beware of the (copy) cat
A tower crane manufacturer tested imitation mast sections and found dangerous shortfalls in structural safety, reports Will Dalrymple
Dangerous steel
Tower crane engineer Felix Weinstein argues that steel impurities are threatening the safety of cranes. Steel produced in ingots from recycled steel is most at risk to contamination, but the only solution is extra testing
Citizen of the world
Eric Etchart might just have the perfect résumé for his new role as president of Manitowoc Crane Group. Profile by Phil Bishop
May 2007
A troubled giant
Over the last decade, Brazil has undergone a remarkable recovery from years of turmoil. Will North sees how the country is developing, and how the crane industry is sharing in this success
It's good to talk
At Crane Safety 2007, speakers explained why communication is key to safety. Will North reports
Found at sea
Smit removed the last container from the foundered MSC Napoli in the English Channel. As the operation gears up to refloat the ship, Will Dalrymple speaks with the project managers about how the job was done
A wave of renewal
Well planned maintenance and testing can extend the life of aging cranes, cutting costs overall by reducing the need to buy new equipment. Will North reports
Bauma is for luffers
Will Dalrymple reports from the biggest show in the world
Liebherr promotes carbon-fibre straps at Bauma
At Bauma 2007, Liebherr-Werk Nenzing managing director Walter Länge and Liebherr Nenzing Crane Company vice president Gernot Schranz explained how, and why, the company has developed new carbon fibre pendants for two of its newest crawler cranes.
Spierings four- and seven-axle debutants
Spierings showed two new cranes at Bauma: a 269tm seven-axle model, and a 103tm four-axle crane. The larger crane, the SK2400-AT7 (pictured left), can lift 5.5t at its maximum radius of 42m, at a hook height of 37.7m. Closer in, the crane can lift 18t at 15.6m, using four parts of line. With the jib luffed back to 30 degrees, the crane can lift 3.4t to a height of 56m, at a radius of 38.6m. The crane carries 23t of counterweight.
Jost claims Singapore victory
The Malaysia-based dealer for tower crane manufacturer Jost, Jost Maschinenbau Sdn Bhd, which trades as Jost Cranes Asia, has sold its first Jost topless luffing-jib tower crane in Singapore. The crane is the 120tm-class JTL 108.6. Owner Franc Jost told Cranes Today that the deal was significant because the Singapore market is conservative, and will not consider a crane unless it can see it on site in Singapore.
Wilbert's new luffer
Wilbert has shown the WT205L e.tronic luffing-jib tower crane. Although the crane uses WT200 mast sections, the rest of the 200tm-class crane is new. It has variable-frequency controls on all motions, 45kW hoisting and luffing motors, and reeving from one to three falls, according to saleswoman Christine Wilbert. Maximum load is 12t, and it can lift 2t out to 60m jib-end. Maximum tower height is 77.8m.
Wolff's big luffer
Wolff has launched a 355tm 355B luffing crane. It connects to Wolffkran's 2m TV 20.4 tower section, and can be used for internal and external climbing.
Interview with Koichi Tadano
Bauma review
Interview with Hans-Georg Frey
Will Dalrymple speaks to the Liebherr Ehingen sales managing director on the eve of his departure for Jungheinrich after nearly six years at Liebherr, and to his interim replacement, Ehingen finance director Mario Trunzer, about their plans for the future.
Interview with Glen Tellock
Manitowoc's new CEO, Glen Tellock, talks to Will Dalrymple about the GTK, service and delivery
Liebherr towers
Liebherr has launched the smallest unit to date of its K-range of self-erecting tower cranes, the 26 K.1, which has telescoping lattice towers for varying hook heights, and a jib that can be raised hydraulically.
Kobelco launches 110t-capacity crawler
Kobelco Cranes is planning to launch a new 110t-capacity crawler crane, the CKE1100, in the "early part" of 2008. With a maximum rated capacity of 110t at 3.6m, and a 15.2–70.1m main lattice boom, the new CKE1100 fits between the existing CKE900 and CKE1350 models.
April 2007
Heavyweight contenders
For years, Lampson, creator of the unique Transi-Lift series of very high capacity cranes, has been the undisputed champion of the 2,000t plus weight range. In a few weeks though, it will face a challenge from Terex-Demag's CC 8800-1 Twin. Will North investigates the largest cranes in the world that can crawl
Oz firms pick the fruit of Brambles
Greg Keane explores the lessons Australia's crane rental leaders have learnt from the growth of early innovator Brambles
XCMG crosses the Pacific
The first XCMG truck crane in North America is expected to arrive this month at the Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada-based crane rental company Can-Pick Crane, Will Dalrymple reports.
The battle for XCMG
US private equity fund Carlyle Group's marathon negotiations on acquiring Chinese construction machinery manufacturer XCMG has been widely seen as a barometer of the Chinese government's attitude toward foreign mergers and acquisitions (M&As) of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), reports Olivia Chung.
Nooter strings its harp
US contractor Nooter Construction strung up a web of 64 chain hoists from a Lampson Transi-Lift to raise a 50ft (15m)-diameter air grid plate at the Philadelphia, PA Sunoco refinery. Will Dalrymple reports
The go-faster option
Why the sudden interest in truck cranes in Europe? Phil Bishop explores.
Gone in 96 hours
Wheelers Cranes in Australia removed and replaced an entire rail bridge under a tight Christmas-break schedule. Greg Keane reports
Terex's long march into China
Stuart Anderson speaks to Steve Filipov about Terex's plans for Changjiang, and looks at the history of the Chinese manufacturer
Brevini Power Transmission
Brevini gear units and winches are used for crane arm slewing and load lifting winches
March 2007
Moving megablocks
Special transport trailers are not only used for transporting finished fabrications. Korean shipbuilders Daewoo and Samsung have purchased transporters to move around ship sections during the manufacturing process.
C-DAC rises to the surface
The US crane industry will get its second look at its comprehensive new crane and derrick law later this year. In preparation for the new draft, Will Dalrymple reviews the main points of the document that the industry wrote, and agreed, in 2003-04
Rigging bombs out at nuke lab
A rigging accident injured two workmen at the US laboratory that developed the atomic bomb during World War II. It was caused by a series of management failures, an internal investigation has found. Will North reports
Light load
A Mediaco mobile crane proved instrumental in creating a special show for the Festival of Lights in Lyon, France, in December 2006, reports Will Dalrymple
Licence to rig
Will Dalrymple speaks to Graham Brent about CCO's plans to develop rigging and signaller certifications
Rentakran raises Potains over Moscow
Six months after our feature article (Cranes Today August 2006, pp23-28), the Moscow construction boom continues unabated.
Crawling through Manhattan
In The Big Apple, crawler cranes are gaining in the continuing construction boom, reports Nic Pappas
Riggers of America unite
About 120,000 ironworkers in the USA and Canada belong to the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental, and Reinforcing Ironworkers, through some 170 local halls in the USA and Canada. The union runs one of the largest training programmes in the USA for riggers, with 13,000 apprentices on its books.
A clash of cultures
With many users sceptical of the efficacy of anti-collision systems, new EU regulations may go some way to making them easier to fit. Will North reports
Modular transporters for modular construction
Engineers are using modular construction techniques on projects where space, time, or available labour is limited. However, the technique requires the use of special transport vehicles capable of positioning immense loads with millimetre precision. Will North reports
The safety network
Two new load moment indicator systems have found alternate high-tech ways of linking up sensors to the crane computer, reports Will Dalrymple
The comeback kid
Three years after starting up Anthony Crane Rental for the second time, Ray Anthony is opening his second new depot in six months, and entering the heavy haulage business for the first time. Will Dalrymple speaks to a man well up the comeback trail
Give us a break
UK tower crane operators are calling for relief operators to allow them to take breaks. Phil Bishop reports
Bracht speaks
Dirk Bracht, managing director of Franz Bracht, talks about high demand and low supply in Germany
Blade lifter
German crane rental company Markewitsch Bros uses a 220t capacity Tadano ATF 220G-5 to lift and connect 36m-long windmill blades. The crane lifts 220t over the rear with special equipment. It can lift a maximum of 109t through 360° at a radius of 6m with 71t of counterweight.
The burden of proof (testing)
For many years, UK tower crane companies have tested newly-erected tower cranes with a proof load of 125% rated capacity before they are commissioned. This practice was questioned recently at a UK trade association meeting, reports Will Dalrymple
Checking bolts
In January, the UK HSE warned crane users to check the high-tensile bolts that hold together tower cranes. This is a summary of that guidance.
Tower alert in the UK
With two high profile accidents over the past year alone, the UK Health and Safety Executive is closely watching the country's tower crane business. Will Dalrymple reports on its examination requirements, and a notice to check high tension bolts
The history of Wolffkran
Will North reviews Wolffkran's corporate biography Between Heaven and Earth
New house builder
A Grove rough terrain crane is working on a large scale construction project at one of the biggest US military training areas outside the USA.
Where are the towers going?
Recent national statistics show the flow of tower cranes from exporters to importers, reports Will Dalrymple
Your guide to Bauma 2007
Welcome to the online version of our Bauma preview, your guide to the biggest equipment show on earth.
Grinding away
Proper grinding helps both inspection and repair of steel structures, argues Richard Seals
Sany is presenting the 155t capacity SCC1500C lattice boom crawler crane. The variable boom system is 35m to 56m long and an auxiliary boom is 13m to 31m long.
SSAB Oxelosund
SSAB Oxelösund will present the first customer application utilising the world's strongest construction steel, Weldox 1300, with a yield strength of 1300 MPa. This allows designers to design cranes capable of lifting heavier loads, have a longer outreach or to produce lighter cranes with the same lifting capability compared to yesterday's cranes.
Bauma preview
Ascorel develops and implements safety devices on civil engineering machines, and especially on lifting equipment. All systems are based on microprocessor hardware.
3B6 designs and manufactures electronic systems for mobile machines, focusing on earth moving and lifting. 3B6 offers total collaboration beginning with definition of system specifications, supplying the hardware, developing the software, interfacing with electronic power trains, aftersales data logging and management, and GPS vehicle localisation.
Itowa will present its new supervision and control interface at Bauma. The new system allows for the control of any machinery or industrial process. The data can be managed and monitored from any computer through the Itowa web site, thanks to GPRS technology.
Rayco-Wylie Systems
Rayco-Wylie Systems will be showing its rated capacity indicator i3000. The i3000 provides at-a-glance interactive information of crane configuration and all essential parameters of operation.
Broshuis plans to show a number of trailers on its stand at Bauma 2007. The transport specialist has not yet confirmed which of its products will be on show, but has said that they are likely to include a low loader and a semi low loader, fully equipped with ramps and riggers.
Faymonville will show new semi-trailers and dollies in its 3-axle Multimax series that are equipped with a double hydraulic ramp. The ramps are always fully extended before contacting the ground. Between the ramps is a free space for the arm of a lifting platform.
Tadano and Tadano-Faun
Bauma preview
PM is going to present several new cranes and jibs at Bauma 2007, including the new 33SP (Platinum line) and new hydraulic jibs with four extensions.
Goldhofer will present eight different products at the 28th BAUMA exhibition. These will include a four-axle lowloader, the TU4, and a three-axle semitrailer, STN-LS 3, with a gross combination length of 16.5m. It will also show a self-propelled modular transporter, the PST-SLE.
Jost Cranes
At Bauma 2007, Jost will launch the JTL 68.4 luffing crane without tower top, powered by a hydraulic ram, and the JT 132.8 saddle-jib crane.
ZF will be arranging its display around four product 'islands', and a fifth service 'island'.
Scheuerle will show the SPMT (self-propelled modular transporter) 3000-SPIC heavy load module as a self-propelled vehicle complete with hydrostatic drive. The SPMT 3000-SPIC is 3m wide, has a driving position of only 1,190mm high and is electronically steered. In addition, the SPMT 3000-SPIC is compatible to the range of pulled heavy load units from the Scheuerle InterCombi programme.
Fassi will show four new models in its heavy range, the F500A, F560AXP, F600A and F660AXP. In its light range it will launch the new L061 hydraulic jib.
In 2006, BigMove co-developed special trailers with the manufacturers Doll, Meusburger and Scheuerle for BigMove's special efforts and core businesses. About fifty of these new trailers were bought by the group to join its the haulage fleet. Together with MAN, BigMove co-developed a vehicle, of which ten were bought for the group to keep up with Europe's technical state of the art.
The Linden Comansa Group will present a new tower crane, together with a range of new accessories and systems.
MKG will show a new knuckle boom crane, model HLK291, a 30t capacity crane with 360° continuous rotation. This model offers up to eight hydraulic jib extensions. MKG will also show a 60t foldable crane and a 24t telescopic recovery crane.
Hitachi Sumitomo (HSC)
Hitachi Sumitomo (HSC) will show four crawler cranes at Bauma 2007. The SCX-2 series features a new winch design with specially tailored power increase control system, to maximise engine output in the whole range of engine speeds. Wider front and rear main operating drums are able to wind more cable on the drum's first layer, to improve cable life. The cranes feature HSC's own LMI.
Wolffkran will show an entirely new luffing jib crane. The jib crane portfolio will be supplemented with a new class. The trend for new Wolff cranes is toward topless saddle jib cranes for all loads up to 224tm.
HMF will show a completely new range of models in the 12–16tm category. Three models will be replaced by a total of eight new models. Features such as tare weight, lifting capacity, outreach, space requirements and peripheral options are tailored to customers' requirements.
Hiab will be showing its recently launched new CombiDrive2 control unit with three graphical displays, and two new loaders, the XS 377 and XS 477.
Genie will launch the GTH-6025R rotating telehandler at Bauma and introduce several other models to Europe including the GS-3232 scissor lift, the Z-40/23N self-propelled articulating boom and the S-60HC high capacity telescopic boom.
A round-up of mobiles, crawlers and tower cranes from this German manufacturer
HBC-radiomatic will launch its new technos transmitter at Bauma. "Of course, we don't want to say too much at this moment", says sales director Karl-Heinz Guenther, "but we are sure that this new transmitter will attract a great deal of interest." Because of the transmitter's comprehensive equipment and innovative design, "technos offers an innovative display as a standard. Furthermore, it comes with a large number of other cleverly designed features. These include, for example, the new iCON multifunction switch, which offers entirely new possibilities when it comes to display configuration and navigation."
Palfinger will launch its new PK 74002 Performance loading crane at Bauma 2007. Also on display alongside the new crane will be an Epsilon E 140Z recycling crane with cabin, a PK 8501 Performance and a PK 25001 EL long-boom crane. With up to five hydraulic extensions they have a lifting moment of 7.9tm and a hydraulic outreach of 14m (PK 8501 Performance) and 10.1tm and a hydraulic outreach of 14.2m (PK 10501 Performance).
Hirschmann highlights at Bauma will include a scalable crane controller based on a new console generation as well as new controllers from the iFLEX family.
Sennebogen will show a crawler, a telescopic boom crane and a new product in its Multicrane line.
Terex Cranes and Terex Atlas
At Bauma 2007, Terex Cranes is presenting a total of thirteen cranes at the joint Terex booth. The exhibit will feature new products and highlights in the fields of telescopic cranes, tower cranes, crawler cranes and container stackers. This also includes the new Demag AC 100/4, Bendini RC 60 and PPM TC 40 L cranes.
Rotzler will present hydraulic winch solutions for numerous applications. Whether for loading cranes, telescopic handlers or other crane applications, Rotzler offers hoisting winches that, it claims, make life easier.
Ormig is an Italian company, manufacturing mobile industrial pick and carry cranes since 1949. The present range covers cranes with capacities from 10t–60t, with diesel or electric power in compliance with anti-pollution regulations. On show are the 25t capacity 25tmE electric crane, the new 16tmE electric crane and the 804AC truck-mounted crane.
Kobelco continues its programme of improving its 300t–800t cranes with the launch at Bauma 2007 of the SL6000 (See Cranes Today December, p6).
Orlaco is exhibiting a new super wide angle CCC 131 compact colour camera. The new compact colour camera has a 131° wide-angle lens. With the help of this single camera, the operator is assured visibility of the large work area around his machine. This new camera will be on display and shown on the new DDIN Orlaco monitor. The DDIN monitor can be fitted with just one movement into a DDIN slot. A minimum amount of time is therefore needed for installation and the monitor should fit perfectly into the dashboard.
Link-Belt will focus on the North American HTT-8690, 81.6t (90 US ton) telescopic truck terrain crane, which features 'job proven' rear-steer capability for operating in tight, congested areas for optimum crane manoeuvrability, both on and off the job. Link-Belt will share exhibit space 1202/4 with its sister company, Hitachi Sumitomo.
February 2007
Crane alternatives
Contractors who only need to raise light loads are turning to multipurpose equipment such as excavators (front-end loaders) and telehandlers to get the job done. Will Dalrymple reviews their legal situation and looks at some recent models.
January 2007
Autec is launching a tower crane management control called Converter.
The Logicrane 65.40L, on Marchetti's stand, is a collaboration with Dutch firm Cranebusiness, which sells the firm's MG mobile cranes and Trio boom-down city rough terrain cranes in the Netherlands.
Liebherr latest
We have an early picture of Liebherr's 300t capacity LR 1300. This crane closes the gap between the firm's LR 1280 and LR 1350/1 models. Liebherr says that the crane is one of the largest so far to use a new design of hydraulics that improve operating comfort and reduce maintenance.
Is your crack showing?
Inspector Richard Seals introduces non-destructive testing techniques and explains where to find fatigue cracks
Hydraulic pioneer close to death in Venice
British charity Venice in Peril is working to restore the sole survivor of Armstrong Mitchell's pioneering hydraulic cranes. Will North reports
Estuary Mobile Cranes
Over the last two years Gottwald has developed a new pontoon-based version of the harbour mobile crane, and Liebherr is also now offering floating HMCs.
One crane fits all
Harbour mobile cranes can both complement specialist gantry cranes and bulk handlers at large ports, and replace them completely at smaller harbours. Will North reports
Laser scanning for lift planning
Laser scanning systems offer surveyors and lift planning specialists a powerful tool for modelling complex environments. Will North reports
Kobelco continues China growth
Since Japanese manufacturer Kobelco opened a representative office in Shanghai in July 2004, it has sold more than 60 cranes in China.
Model 16000 gets MAX-ER
Manitowoc's 400t Model 16000 crawler now comes with a derrick mast, the MAX-ER attachment.
Now Terex American jumps in with 230 US ton crawler market
One of the most contested markets this year will be in 230 US ton crawlers. A third manufacturer has jumped in to the fray: Terex American. Its new HC (which stands for hydraulic crane) 230 competes directly against the new Link-Belt 298 HSL and Manitowoc Model 14000 (see article, November p. 19).
The ICC building
The International Commerce Centre is under construction in West Kowloon as part of the Union Square project built on top of the Kowloon mass transit railway (MTR) station, overlooking Hong Kong harbour.
Stonecutters bridge
Stonecutters Bridge, scheduled for completion next year, links Kowloon on the mainland with Tsing Yi Island, carrying traffic across the Rambler Channel over the Kwai Chung container port.
Across the Pearl River Delta
Although Hong Kong's crane rental companies have struggled in the decade since handover to Chinese rule, building on the gambling island of Macau, 70km (45mi) away is booming. Phil Bishop reports
Bauma reveals Chinese giants
A display of the biggest Chinese cranes ever suggests that even if these manufacturers cannot build many of these cranes, they certainly have ambitions, reports Will Dalrymple
Locatelli is launching a larger sibling of the ATC 20, its city-class rough terrain crane. While the 20t capacity ATC 20 has a 24m boom, the 40t capacity ATC 40 has a 35m (115ft) boom. With the longer boom, it can reach a tip height of 50m, 15m higher than that of the ATC 20. The 24t two-axle crane has a minimum turning radius of 6.5m and is allowed to travel at 70kph (43 mph).
Yongmao, represented by Jin Long Europe, will launch a new tower crane at Bauma. The STT113 is the smallest of the Yongmao CE-approved fleet. The flat-top crane can lift 6t to 17m and 1t to 52.5m. Its maximum free standing height is 44.76m; or, 130.26m when anchored. It can be supplied with fixing angles, cross base or travelling bogies and can be operated from the cab or by remotely. It can be transported on 3 trucks.
December 2006
All terrains for all people
100t (110 US ton) all terrain cranes form the backbone of the industry. With at least two more 100 tonners launching at Bauma next year from Grove and Terex-Demag, the class will continue to dominate mobile rental fleets, reports Will North
Getting closer with remotes
The back end of the crane control system that enables radio remote controls to show information on a small display has some other future possibilities for crane users, Will Dalrymple reports
Dubai site safety
Safety improvements are following the Dubai construction boom, Will Dalrymple reports
Doha's do-it-yourself tower crane
Gordon Stewart, chairman of the tower cranes committee for Standards Australia, recently travelled to Doha, Qatar, and found an interesting, if alarming, tower crane. He reports what he found
Frond seat
The first beams are lifted in Dubai's first railway
Safe slinging
Although slings made of wire rope are vulnerable to being deformed by sharp bends, and may be out of fashion in Europe, they are still used commonly in job sites around the world. Derrick Bailes of the UK's Lifting Equipment Engineers Association and Howard Kaplan, safety manager for US crane rental firm Southwest, debate the shoulds and shouldn'ts, and their criteria to discard a damaged rope
CMTM party
Traditional musicians entertain guests at Chinese construction magazine CMTM's dinner party.
Tricky towers
Statoil, an international energy business with oil and gas extraction and production facilities across the Norwegian continental shelf and around the North Sea, recently began building a new fuel reduction plant at Kalundborg, near Copenhagen. The EUR67m new plant will be able to extract 30% more fuel oil from crude than the current plant.
Shanghai salutations
Bauma China review
GJJ's rooster top
Construction hoist manufacturer GJJ, short for the Guangzhou Jing Long Engineering Machinery Co, showed a tower crane rooster top from its new three model-range of saddle-jib towers.
Zoomlion's new truck spread
Zoomlion launched a range of four hydraulic truck cranes - the 32t QY30V-1, 40t QY40V, 55t capacity QY50V (42m boom length) and 70t QY70V (44m boom length) and the 160t capacity QAY160 AT.
Trio of BQ Tadanos
Three BQ Tadano truck crane models for Asia were on show, each with a Japan-made boom and a different carrier. BQ Tadano is a 50:50 joint venture between Tadano of Japan and China's Beijing Crane Works.
SYM's big luffer
Sanyo Heavy Industry Group (SYM) showed a luffing-jib tower crane with lifting capacity of 3t at 50m jib-end. The crane can pick up a 10t load out to 20m.
Huba's new tower
Tower crane manufacturer Huba Construction Machinery Co has launched the 200tm-class H7030A saddle-jib tower. The crane can lift 3t at 70m jib-end and can raise loads to maximum hook height of 52m.
Comansa opens Chinese JV
The Spanish tower crane manufacturer has bought a Chinese tower crane company.
Changjiang update
Jean-Marie Coutant, Terex Changjiang integration director, speaks about the process to integrate Changjiang Cranes, Terex Cranes' latest acquisition announced earlier this year, with its new family
Cattron Unity
Cattron has launched what it claims to be an international crane control unit for markets around the world.
Rise of the rising tower
While Grove calls its GTK 1100 telescoping mobile crane concept - whose prototype will be on show at Bauma - a brand new type of crane, it might be more accurate to say it is extending an old idea. As Heinz-Gert Kessel reports, this concept has been used before to bring extra height to conventional cranes operating at their limits
November 2006
Bologna's best
SAIE showcased some of the best in the Italian market - primarily towers and loaders. We report back on some surprises that greeted the 176,000 visitors that attended the show
The CRESME report in more detail
According to Italian construction research firm CRESME, the Italian construction market has entered a period of stagnation
Fushun's first in Europe
Although Japanese cranes have been used in Europe and North American markets for decades, the island nation's large eastern neighbour - China - has only recently begun exporting cranes to the West. Will Dalrymple talks to two importers of cranes that are, coincidentally, from the city of Fushun, China: Cranebusiness, an importer of Fushun Excavator Co crawler cranes, and Jin Long Europe, distributor of Fushun Yongmao tower cranes
XCMG speaks
Stuart Anderson speaks to XCMG vice general manager Yin Sheng Du
The biggest in the world
Stuart Anderson visits the biggest mobile crane manufacturer in the world
The floating container crane concept
A container crane mounted on a pontoon could double the rate of unloading the largest container ships, according to Jan van Beemen of port engineering consultancy Royal Haskoning and B. A. Pielage from the Delft University of Technology
Booming Emirates
The United Arab Emirates has one of the world's fastest growing economies. Construction is booming and crane fleets are growing quickly. Phil Bishop reports
October 2006
Duelling crawlers
Within two weeks, the USA had two new 220-ton capacity crawlers. Will Dalrymple compares preliminary specifications of Link-Belt's 230 US ton 298 HSL and the 220 US ton Manitowoc 14000
The government's view
Miami-Dade county commissioner Audrey Edmonson set up the workgroup six months ago. She speaks to Will Dalrymple about what she thinks is going wrong in construction in the area, and what the government can do about it.
Boom group
After a high-profile accident in the city of Miami six months ago, county commissioner Audrey Edmonson set up a crane workgroup from the crane industry to recommend safety improvements, reports Will Dalrymple
Underwater shift and lift
Australian engineers wanted to remove a chunk of a concrete dam wall - 70m below the surface. Once they finished drilling out the section, they needed to find a way to pull it out and lift it to the surface. The job required a rig that could shift and then lift a 12t load (17t out of water) in near complete darkness, reports Greg Keane
Threading steel
Strand jacks can offer a flexible way to move the largest of loads, from sections of bridges to entire oil rigs. Although, like winches, strand jacks pull a wire rope to lift, the comparisons end there. William North looks at their uses and examines trends in the market.
Fleet feet
Terex-Atlas UK's service business relies on speed and cover
Retrofit remotes
The popularity of radio remote controls for loader cranes continues to grow. Although remotes are of course shipped as standard, many radio remote control manufacturers make a retrofit kit that adapts hydraulic loaders for radio remote controls.
Loaders in demand
It is not just mobile and tower cranes that are experiencing record demand. Knuckle boom truck loaders have never been so desired either. Phil Bishop reports on how the makers are coping
Anatomy of a failure
M Neil James of the University of Plymouth, UK works backward from a broken wire rope to the reason why it broke
From tower to hoist
Mucking out for two parallel tunnels in Vancouver will use a specially devised shaft head hoist developed from Liebherr tower crane parts, reports Adrian Greeman
September 2006
Building the birds' nest
While visitors plan their trips to Shanghai for Bauma China, some contractors continue to work on high-profile domestic projects. Mammoet provided three cranes for the 100,000 seat Olympic Stadium Beijing, the track and field stadium for the 39th Olympic games. The stadium measures 330m long, 220m wide and 69m tall.
LR 1750s twin up to lift bridge
Demolition firm Max Wild brought in two heavy crawlers to hoist, and remove, two old bridges over the River Lech near Augsberg, Germany. The Weiland Crane Company from Lampertheim, Germany, took charge of a theoretically simple job - to raise the bridge, hold it while it was being cut in two, and then swing the halves around and lay them down on the riverside to be cut to pieces.
Nuke lift gets the reach
Ainscough Crane Hire used one of the largest-ever AT cranes for a lift at a nuclear plant.
Zoomlion's towers
The Zoomlion construction group builds not just mobile cranes, but also tower cranes. Following his visit to Potain's new factory near Shanghai ('Potain's Plant', Cranes Today July), Stuart Anderson returns to a wholly Chinese-owned factory of approximately the same production volume.
Cranes to spare
As Western manufacturers quote new crane delivery times of a year or more, China's second-largest maker of truck cranes, Puyuan, has cranes to spare. Now that Chinese producers have caught up with domestic demand, Puyuan is looking outside China for truck crane buyers, reports Stuart Anderson
Knowledge is power
William North examines remote controls with graphic displays, and finds they vastly improve an operator's knowledge of lift conditions, and their power to control a crane efficiently.
Multi-level lifting
Two recent job show how cranes can rig up in tight spots to get the job done, reports Greg Keane
Showtime in China (again!)
Six months after the launch of challenger Conexpo Asia, Bauma China returns with the European contingent of Western exhibitors
Ainscough works around otters
Ainscough Heavy Cranes recently completed a series of challenging lifts in Newport, Wales, to install a pedestrian bridge across the River Usk.
Bay bridge deck rises
Specialist heavy lifting contractor Bigge Crane & Rigging, of San Leandro, California has installed the second of a pair of 2,000 ton steel bridge deck sections on the New San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.
Steel mill improvements in Rio
Repair and modernisation work of High Oven 3 of Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional (CSN)'s Volta Redonda steel mill, near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was accelerated when a maintenance problem shut down the plant, Latin America's largest. Crane rental company Locar supplied a 500t capacity Liebherr LTM 1500 all-terrain, and LR 1750 and LR 1800 crawlers, for contractor Usiminas Mecânica.
On show are a total of six cranes from China's number two producer in terms of truck crane production volumes.
With plans advancing for its own Shanghai office planned, Ikusi is showing its TM 60 and TM 70 range of remote controls and some new extras. The new CB70 battery charger is now available for the TM 70 range. It has been redesigned to be more robust. A new software pack includes support for pulse signal input, such as from an anemometer, for analogue inputs, and for four digital inputs per module.
The Chinese-made SCX 700, and the SCX 2800 lattice-boom crawler cranes are on show. The SCX 700 has a maximum lifting capacity of 70m at 3.7m radius. The SCX 700 features several unusual operator controls. A speed-control dial enables the operator to reduce boom hoisting and lowering speeds down to 20% of maximum for fine positioning. Operators can keep swing speed nearly constant regardless of engine speed. A lever-mounted drum rotation sensor is claimed to enable operators to feel drum rotation in their fingertips. Prime mover is an Isuzu engine.
August 2006
Kato's long-reach city crane
Kato recently launched a new City-class rough-terrain crane, the MR 350SL, for the Japanese market.
Japan takes the next step
Now that Japan's construction market is rising, rental companies are buying bigger cranes and the government is clamping down on road weights and emissions. Will Dalrymple reports
Ten crane lift
W. O. Grubb planned and executed a ten-crane lift in record time, reports Will Dalrymple
Wind power
Wind power has become an increasingly important element in energy supply over the last ten years, and looks likely to continue to grow. However, as William North reports, it presents a unique set of challenges for installation contractors and crane manufacturers.
SAIE: Tower time
Probably the most important show for tower cranes, world wide, is the Bologna, Italy-based SAIE show, coming this October.
Radio remote control manufacturer Elca has moved. The new production and office facilities, now located in Mussolente ( Vicenza ) in north east Italy, measures more than 3000 sq meters.
The new 305 City Flat is on show.
The JEKKO Minicrane will be on show.
Liebherr Biberach
Among other cranes on show are the Liebherr EC-B flat-top, launched at Intermat, and the 42K.1 self-erecting crane.
The SOFT and SOFTPlus series of radio remote controls are on show beside the existing range, MICROPiù. The transmitters are available with either nine or 13 push-buttons and a receiver in standard or two-way versions (SOFTPlus model only).
Terex Italia
The the TCC40 telescopic crawler crane, and the RC 45 and A600 rough-terrain cranes are on show at the Terex-Bendini stand.
Liebherr Ehingen
On show are the 1040-2.1, a 1070-4.1 a 1095-5.1, and a 1200-5.1. The first and last are presented to the Italian market for the first time.
On show are a range of models, including the new 34000E, and the 6800 E3, 12000 E3, 16600 E4, 19000 E3, 22500 E6, and 28200 E8. There will also be a Basket 32 and the 125000 E9F.
A new 160t-capacity four-axle recovery crane is on show from Italian manufacturer TCM.
The 55 TL tower crane is on show on the 100 sq m stand of Spanish manufacturer Sáez, part of the GFS Industrial Group.
Amco Veba
Amco Veba has replaced its 32tm and 35tm loaders with new 33tm and 36tm models. Although heavier capacity, the cranes are actually lighter owning to the use of finer steels.
How to plan a lift
Without sufficient planning and supervision, crane accidents can happen. If something goes wrong, the consequences are likely to be disastrous - severe damage to property with risk of injury or loss of life is a real possibility. Good planning protects cranes and the people working around them, explains Ian Fisher, director of Ainscough Training Services, a sister company of the UK's largest crane hire company
World's largest luffers
Like big saddle-jib cranes, luffing-jib cranes over 1,000tm were developed to help build dams and power stations. Their popularity continues today in China, writes Heinz-Gert Kessel
Some of the biggest luffers were customer-built single units, such as the Krupp 'stationary luffing jib erection crane' manufactured in 1978 for construction of the reactor building of the Neckarwestheim, Germany power plant.
Large legacy
Favelle Favco earned a worldwide reputation with the delivery of eight STD2700 internal climbing luffers for the Twin Towers in New York in 1968 - cranes that also paved the way for even larger top-climbing luffers yet to come. Although the company has had a rough ride in the intervening years, Favco has now found a market for its large cranes, reports Stuart Anderson
July 2006
A three-point safety plan
Soeren Jansen is the managing director of Danish crane rental company BMS, and shared his views of safety at the Crane Safety 2006 conference in London in June.
Nelson's boom trailer
Although launched eight years ago, Nelson's boom launch trailer is undergoing a boom of its own, with six sold just this year.
Faymonville Euromax
Faymonville is launching a prototype of a new 7.6t tare weight semi-trailer.
Combex purchases from Broshuis
Dutch abnormal load specialist Combex Transport has received two new low loaders from Broshuis.
Broshuis's new City Runner
Broshuis has developed a tandem axle, hydraulically steered, semi-low loader, the City Runner, type 2ABSD-38.
The BigMove trailer
The BigMove group of 12 special transport companies in Germany and Austria has teamed up to commission a new type of low-bed semitrailer from Nicolas and Scheurle. BigMove bought eight in 2005, and called them "a genuine quantum leap in payload and agility for the 80t payload class." They are now sold as the Eurocompact model.
Twelve angry men
Twelve German-language special transport companies have banded together to form an alliance that cooperate on jobs, refer each other business and help specify new trailers. More than two years in, chairman Horst Wallek speaks to Will Dalrymple
SLIs in the real world
The Crane Safety & Management 2006 conference in London included a session hosted by Stuart Anderson, president of Chortsey Barr Associates, based on his article in the May issue of Cranes Today 'The missing SLIs mystery' (pp 18-21), regarding how many of the indicator systems installed in the 70s, 80s & 90s are still functional.
Goodyear's new truck crane tyre
Goodyear has announced a new range of regional haul steer tyres, the RHS II, which will replace its current RHS tyres. The tyres are designed for trucks and truck-mounted cranes with a capacity of up to 40T. They include a raft of new features and technologies designed to improve performance and decrease wear.
Tired tyres
With lead times as long as six weeks for a set of spares, all-terrain crane operators need to be more careful than ever to care for their tyres, reports Will Dalrymple
Rigging right
Rigging's contribution to half of all crane-related accidents put it at centre stage at the Crane Safety 2006 conference. Phil Bishop reports
Harbour demand
While construction is booming in Moscow, Russia's ports and harbours also have needs for new and upgraded lifting machinery. Container traffic through the sea port of St Petersburg rose to 1.12m teu (tonne equivalent units) in 2005, close to double the 650,000 teu that it handled just two years earlier.
Boom-town Moscow
With its capital going through a construction boom, Russia's growing crane rental industry is thriving. Phil Bishop reports
Ehingen opens its doors
Liebherr Ehingen showed off its expanded AT, crawler and truck crane factory to several thousand customers and dealers, and editor Will Dalrymple, during its customer days in June
June 2006
FB Gru
The new 'compact' GA 136 and the topless GHS 160 are on show.
Climbing high
UK contractors are relying on climbing operations to keep up with high-rise skyscrapers, reports Will Dalrymple
Emmert's road trials
Emmert International won two hauling categories, Over 160,000 Pounds (72.5t) and Under 160,000 Pounds, with two different jobs.
PSC's turntable
PSC Crane & Rigging won the Rigging Job of the Year for a contract worth less than $150,000. The Piqua, Ohio-based machinery moving and crane rental firm managed the installation of a 323,000 lb (146t) generator.
Barnhart raises Shuttle pad
Barnhart won the over $750,000 job to lift a NASA space shuttle launch pad.
Fagioli totes Toti
Italian special transport firm Fagioli won the moving category of the SC&RA Hauling Job of the Year with its 57mi (90 km) move of a Cold War-era submarine.
Excel hook comes with shortener
Forges de L'Eminée has launched a hook with integrated chain shortener. The Excel-brand product makes it easy to adjust the length of a chain leg without having to lower the hook block. A spring-loaded clamp keeps the chain in place.
SpanSet's shorteners
SpanSet has launched a round sling shortener that does not reduce the sling's lifting capacity. The forged steel adapter enables users to hang two, or three, hooks from a single round sling, without a reduction in the sling's lifting capacity. The Vario-Sling adapter is available in load capacities of 1t and 2t. Users wrap the sling around the adapter and hook the end of the sling into a central hole, or holes.
Modulift's mini spreader bar
Modular spreader beam manufacturer Modulift has launched a small modular spreader beam with pin connections rather than bolted flange connections.
Rud's economy line
Hook and rigging gear manufacturer Rud Kettenfabrik has launched an economy line of chain, chain slings (1, 2 and 4 legs), hook with safety latch, shortening clutch and master links with permanent captive fittings.
Close to the load
When a contractor needs to use a tower crane every second of the day, radio remote controls will not be an economical option. On the other hand, tower cranes that are used less may benefit more, reports Will Dalrymple
Potain's plant
Stuart Anderson visits one of the newest tower crane factories in China
Small substitute
In downtown Vancouver, Canada, a Koenig K43 self-erecting tower crane is being used mounted on a 6m-high frame to renovate a building and add two further storeys.
Small and nimble
New product development in self-erecting tower cranes ensures that they maintain and enhance their reputation as being easy to transport, set up and use. Phil Bishop reports
Ace's high
ACE Cranes is capitalising on India's increasing demand for construction industry machinery that reduces construction costs, reports David Hayes
Super-size me
With China's immense dam and bridge building programmes, huge cranes are once again popular. Given these continuing demands in Asia, coupled with the West's growing reconnection with nuclear power, today's builders of super heavy tower cranes have every reason for optimism. Stuart Anderson reviews the rise, fall and current rise in popularity of large saddle-jib tower cranes
Yangtse towers
Large cable-suspension bridges are a Chinese speciality. When they wanted to build the biggest one of all, they ordered two gigantic Potain MD 3600 tower cranes. Stuart Anderson sails across the Yangtse to visit the cranes up close
May 2006
Turning the key
When a German safety body questioned the safety of the load moment indicator's manual override, the European industry banded together to come up with a solution, with surprising results, reports Will Dalrymple
On land and water
A floating crane barge was central to construction sequences at the new Finniston bridge in Glasgow, and gave a chance to develop innovative partnering between the contractor and the steel erector, reports Adrian Greeman
Signal failure
The absence of safe, universally accepted methods of verbal communication between crane operators and banksmen is causing concern in the US, as Richard Howes discovers
Rome power station
At the Torre Nord power plant in Civitavecchia, 50km northwest of Rome oil-fired systems are being replaced by steam turbines and a new power station is being built.
Raising windmills
Close to the city of St. Leon in Manitoba, Canada's largest wind farm has been constructed by contractor HB White Canada, a subsidiary of White Construction USA.
Piling at a dry dock
Main contractor Farrans (Construction) Ltd. of Belfast is on schedule in a complex contract to change the No.1 Slipway at BAE Systems Govan shipyard on Clydeside in Scotland into a dry dock.
Katrina clean-up
In the southern states of the USA crawler cranes are much in demand for the continuing clean-up and reconstruction effort to repair the damage inflicted by hurricane damage last year.
Lattice landmarks
Commodity prices at record levels, an insatiable global appetite for electricity, and ever increasing demand for transportation in all its forms - each of these factors contributes to current strong demand for lattice boom crawler cranes. Phil Bishop reports on new product development from the crawler crane manufacturers
Reporting accidents
Safety starts with knowledge
Platform decommissioning
When offshore platforms die, they must be removed
Three-asy does it
There are three main areas of concern when lifting offshore, says Richard Howes
Postcard from Paris
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity…" Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities
A tight squeeze
Lifting in confined spaces is always a challenge. LGH has overcome it in different ways on two recent contracts
Alternative lifting in El Paso
El Paso
April 2006
"Terex Cranes rates the Intermat Paris as having delivered: Terex customers purchased 17 mobile cranes between 30 and 700 tonnes plus a large assortment of slewing tower cranes," the company said.
Manitowoc Group
Grove unveiled its new four-axle all-terrain crane, the GMK4100 (GMK4115 in the US). The crane is a brand new design and has a rating of 100t (115 US ton). One of the primary highlights of the crane is its new operator cab which boasts a modern design based around functionality, ergonomics, and comfort (revealed in Cranes Today May).
Smiling faces
Users and suppliers met up in the Paris sun.
Raimondi showed its new 243 MRT topless top-slewing tower crane.
Cranimax was showing a new module to its 3D software module, ToM 1.0 Tower Manager.
The new MRT3050, which can lift 5t, is Manitou's tallest rotating telescopic platform, and its addition means the Manitou range now offers lift heights from 14m to 30m.
French construction equipment company Haulotte, whose products include a range of telehandlers, has opened a new factory in the Cantabre region of Spain to increase production capacity.
Dieci, which is based in Montecchio Emilia, Italy, unveiled its largest rotating telehandler – the Pegasus 50.21 – with a lifting capacity of 5t and a maximum working height of 21m.
JLG introduced its 14-model range of telehandlers covering lifting capacities from 2.6t to 4t.
Nooteboom chose Intermat to introduce its Pendel-X Euro low-loader, which boasts an axle load capacity at 30mph of 15t per axle. The low-loader comes in widths of 2,540mm, 2,740mm, and 2,840mm, and the trough is always 550mm deep.
Italian radio remote control designer Imet has launched two new radio remote control families – Zeus and Thor. Both can incorporate a data feedback display containing 20 characters on four lines. The display can show functions such as wind speed, distance of the trolley from the tower, and the hook position.
UNIC Europe
UNIC Europe, best known in Europe for its mini crawler cranes, used Intermat to showcase a straight-boom truck mounted crane – the V500 – from its parent company, Furukawa Unic Corporation of Japan.
Jacking made easy
Lampson supplied the engineering and equipment for a jacking project in Australia earlier this year
Bardex rises to challenge
California, US-based Bardex Corporation designed an unusual lifting system to hoist 350t steel catenary risers offshore on two buoys in the Gulf of Mexico
Wembley winner for Modulift
UK engineering company Modulift played a key role in erecting the White Horse Bridge, part of the Wembley Stadium development in west London
Mystery of the missing SLIs
Electronic safe load indicators started appearing on cranes more than 30 years ago. But, asks Stuart Anderson, how many of the systems installed in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s are still functional? And what of the countries where these safety systems are still not mandatory?
Tying up the loose ends
In the third and final part of a series on detecting the signs of wire rope damage, Roland Verreet and Dr Isabel Ridge run through 'birdcaging', how damage can be caused by the sheaf and drum, and other phenomena such as fractures and loop formations
Reigning Spain
With good products and a focus on service, Spain's tower crane manufacturers are kicking down the door to the premier league, reports Phil Bishop
AT a glance
New product development in the all-terrain (AT) segment is as healthy as ever. Phil Bishop reports
TT Control
TTControl supplies electronic control systems for special vehicles and off-highway equipment.
Terex Cranes (including Bendini, Comedil and Demag) preview
Terex will display a range of construction equipment in an area of more than 3,600 sq m. Lifting equipment will include six mobile cranes and two tower cranes. The Terex Demag AC 70 City is described by the company as "the most compact 70t mobile crane, with a mere 9,96m transport length".
Motec's latest colour camera, the MC6000C, offers image angles of 70° and 90°, and is said to provide clear, high-contrast images, while an integral heating system is designed to prevent moisture generation.
Tyre technology has remained fairly predictable over the last few decades, but perhaps Michelin's new TWEEL concept reveals the shape of things to come.
The MethoCAD computer program uses 2D and 3D graphics to help in lift planning for tower cranes.
Manitowoc Crane Group including Grove and Potain (preview)
Manitowoc Crane Group plans its largest display ever at Intermat with 11 products including Grove mobile cranes, Manitowoc crawlers, and Potain tower cranes.
Liebherr (preview)
The 62m telescopic boom on Liebherr's new LTM 1160-5.1 mobile crane (successor to the LTM 1150-5.1) is 6m longer than the boom on the previous model, and lifting capacity is said to be up to 30% higher. The new crane can lift up to 11.5t with its telescopic boom, and has a maximum ballast weight of 46.5t. At an axle load of 12t and a gross weight of 60t, 6.5t of ballast can travel by road on the crane itself.
Kobelco Cranes Europe (preview)
Kobelco claims to have maintained its position as crawler crane market leader with an estimated market share of 35-38% worldwide.
March 2006
Ready, willing
and stable
Delegates at a recent meeting of the UK-based Tower Crane Interest Group were told about two new publications on tower crane safety, and heard the industry's response to criticism from a construction management company. Ian Vallely reports
Moving bits of paper around
Phil Bishop mulls over Manitex's change of ownership, and learns about rabbits
Korea looks inward
In a fragmented global port crane industry, Korean manufacturers are being forced to look for more business in their domestic markets
Onwards and upwards
UK construction show Site Equipment Demonstration (SED) prepares for its 40th anniversary next month at a new venue
Portal power
Shanghai Port Machinery Plant may be less well known than its sister company, the container crane giant ZPMC, but it is making major inroads in the portal crane market
Synchronised stability
Instead of the more typical pair of floating cranes, only one was available to place the 600t superstructure onto a ship being built for the New Zealand Navy
Eye to the telescope
Possibly more crane product development takes place in Italy than any other country in the world. Phil Bishop reports on some of the latest developments
New era for Raimondi
The new owner of Italian tower crane manufacturer Carlo Raimondi Gru plans further international expansion
Mixed emotions
Opinions vary about the state of the European rental market
Precision positioning
Enerpac's synchronous lifting system has helped ensure the accurate placement of a railway bridge in Brussels
Cobra strikes
There have, over the years, been several attempts to find a market for articulated jib crane designs in the tower crane industry. Under the name Cobra, Swiss company Yerly Jean-Marc SA has just successfully tested a new version. Heinz Gert Kessel reports
More causes of wire rope damage
In the second part of a series on detecting faults in wire rope, Roland Verreet and Dr Isabel Ridge explain more ways in which wire rope can be damaged, and the effects
February 2006
Middle East markets flourish
A thriving lifting market in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere in the Middle East is putting pressure on crane manufacturers to deliver
Taking a positive stand in Paris
Intermat 2006 – the international exhibition of equipment, machinery and techniques for the construction and building materials industry – opens its doors next month to an expected 200,000 visitors from 160 countries. We preview some of the main lifting industry exhibitors
A forensic approach to wire rope defects
Detecting faults in wire ropes involves a great deal of sophisticated detective work, as Roland Verreet and Dr Isabel Ridge explain
On class and capacity
Phil Bishop tries to see through the smoke and mirrors of rated capacities
Boost utilisation rates with effective oil management
Managing the lubricants used in your cranes can extend the life of the fleet and add to your profits, according to Stephen Waggoner and Dean Odekirk
At your service?
Manufacturers and rental companies have radically different views of after-sale services, as Richard Howes discovers
Grove powers up
Details have emerged of Grove's latest four- and five-axle all terrain cranes
January 2006
Tower power beats dam building problems
It was a daunting prospect for HCC to erect, use, and then dismantle several tower cranes in a dam project in the heart of India, but the company achieved it
Titan making a comeback
Phil Bishop celebrates the preservation of a familiar landmark in Scotland
Points to remember when lifting people
If you want to use cranes to lift people, it is critical that you adhere to a strict set of requirements, as Brad Closson explains
Think THARRP
Time is of the essence when attempting to rescue an injured or ill tower crane operator 100m or more above the ground. It is a tough problem to solve, but that hasn't stopped an organisation in British Columbia from developing an impressive crane rescue programme, as Don Nelson reports
Melkoya modules make a move
High winds, poor light, and freezing temperatures were just a few of the hazards Italian contracting group Fagioli encountered during lifting and installation projects on the island of Melkøya near Hammerfest, the northern Norway site for Statoil's Snøhvit LNG project. David Morgan reports
Designing a floating crane installation
Lifting calculations are complicated when the job takes place on water, as David Duerr explains
Leader in a growing market
Shirke, the largest producer of tower cranes in India, has big plans for the future
Can Europe learn to love RTs too?
Worldwide demand for RTs was up an estimated 37% in 2005, but in Europe sales were down. Phil Bishop finds out why
December 2005
Tower cranes come under the spotlight this month, as Phil Bishop muses on Arcomet's latest moves in the UK, and contemplates a disturbing new way of describing self-erectors
The sun also rises
Having suffered a crippling recession in the 1990s, the Japanese crane industry is set for a dramatic resurgence, says Stuart Anderson
Spreading the safety load
Ulrich Birkenstock offers an independent perspective of loader crane safety
Man on a mission
Dr. Peter Schiefer has big plans for the newly-acquired Wolffkran, as he explains to Richard Howes
Tackling tackle
Managing your lifting tackle effectively can have a dramatic impact on accident rates, says Derrick Bailes
Baby tower sets luffing milestone
A new topless luffing crane from Jost is just one new development from the German tower crane company, as Heinz-Gert Kessel discovers
Managing risks on high-rise projects
Implementing a tower crane risk management programme makes strong business sense, says Felix Weinstein
November 2005
Uplifting experiences
The USeconomy has turned a corner, andthe country's crane rental market is at lastenjoying a period of sustained growth
Side view
Phil Bishop makes a plea on behalf of suppliers, and attempts to track down the source of a rather unusual and amusing quote
Boom time for boom trucks
After several lean years, the US boom truck market is back with a bang. Phil Bishop reports
Offshore stories
Feeling the pinch?
Protecting expensive cranes from theft and vandalism ought to be a priority, and a few simple measures are all it takes, as Richard Howes explains
Span plans
Specialist contractor Dorman Long Technology had to overcome a series of challenges when planning the lifting of sections for three major bridges in China
Taxi crawlers stay on track
A crane rental company in Australia has discovered an economic way to use crawler cranes for short term lifts. Greg Keane reports
October 2005
Freemantle fortunes
A record number of people attended the 2005 Crane Industry Council of Australia conference, as Greg Keane reports
Stand and deliver
Despite competition from two major European construction shows earlier this year, SAIE 2005 managed to attract the attention of top exhibitors and visitors
A new home by the water
Modular tower cranes can cover a wide field of application at the waterfront, reducing design and development costs, says Heinz-Gert Kessel
Giant steps
Mammoet has set three lifting records including the world record for the heaviest lift using a land crane
Curtain rises on Chinese show
This year's BICES exhibition in Beijing breaks all records both in terms of exhibitor area and numbers, and will offer the opportunity to see what is coming out of China as well as what is sold within it
Jacks of all trades
Phil Bishop explores the development of alternative lifting, aided by Fagioli PSC managing director Les Brown
The only machines allowed
Two rubber-tracked mini-crawlers were the only machines allowed on site on a remote island in the sub-Antarctic region
September 2005
Jack magic
Two recent projects in India by Fagioli PSC illustrate the advantages of using strand jacks in heavy lifting applications
Inspection made easy
Regularly inspecting wire rope can help prolong its life and give early warning of potential problems, says Timothy Klein
The sleeping giant stirs
Two centuries ago Napoleon warned "Let China sleep, for when she awakes let the nations tremble." Well China is awake, or at least awakening. Stuart Anderson explains the implications
Rope tricks
In these days of precision lifting, load limits, and litigation resulting from industrial accidents and injury, it is crucial to select the right wire rope. Charles Gillespie examines the options
An eye in the sky
Fuelled by the constant demand from crane users for more effective health and safety measures, crane cameras are becoming increasingly common, says Richard Howes
Tunnel vision
A series of lifting challenges were overcome during the construction of the Cross City Tunnel in Australia, as Greg Keane reports
August 2005
Miles of aisles
Italy's leading construction show, and one of the top events in Europe, returns next month
Mobile moves
The last few months have seen a number of new developments in mobile crane technology
Crane collapse probe fails to provide answers
There are many theories to explain the crane collapse in London in May 2000 that killed three people. However, the true cause of the tragedy remains a mystery
Computerise to organise
Computerised lift planning software has resulted in a marked improvement in the appearance and consistency of lift plans compared with traditional hand drawn lift sketches, says Jim Meehan
Room for manoeuvre
Unusually, crawlers were chosen instead of towers for a demolition project in central London
Spreading the safety net
Crane Safety & Management 2005 saw the lifting industry's movers and shakers from around the world gather in Amsterdam for two days of crane yard visits, city tours, technical and management seminars, and informal chats
Maxim bites back
Maxim Crane Works – the biggest crane rental company in the world – has faced many financial challenges since making a series of acquisitions five years ago. But the company insists that the bad times are behind it
Germany still depressed
Germany remains Europe's most important market for wheeled mobile cranes, but sales are not what they once were. Phil Bishop reports
Explaining Erkinningsregeling
Dutch mobile crane hire companies now have a new self-regulation programme
High hopes for self erectors
What will it take for self-erecting cranes to reach their potential in Australia? Greg Keane has the answer
Aerial display
Head up displays are associated more with fighter jet cockpits than crane cabs. However, they could become commonplace in the lifting industry if PAT Systems gets its way. Richard Howes reports
July 2005
A productive reunion
For Jake's Crane & Rigging president Bob Dieleman, the company's involvement in a project at the Hoover Dam proved particularly poignant
Load warriors
Palfinger's agent in Singapore is reporting a significant upswing in loader crane sales, says David Hayes
Has the Spanish market peaked?
Opinions vary on how recent political developments will impact on the Spanish market. Phil Bishop explores the issues
June 2005
Remote possibilities
Even in a world where cranes are becoming increasingly reliant on technology, it is unlikely the machines will ever become completely automated. But a time when mobile cranes are operated entirely by remote control could be closer than you think, says Richard Howes
What's in a name?
It's easy to get lost in the trade name jungle, as Phil Bishop found out. He has also seen a crane model with a difference, and suggests star names for Cranes: The Movie
City slickers
For some applications, the decision whether to specify a self-erector or a top slewing tower crane is getting more difficult. So what are the selection criteria?
The right sling for the job
Just three decades ago, the suggestion that a 3m long sling that weighed only 9kg could lift 225,000kg would have been denounced as sheer fantasy. Not any more, as Mike Gelskey explains
All points north
Oil up, international cargo trade booming, and interest rates down – life looks good for the Scandinavians. Phil Bishop reports
The preacher and the profit
In his three years at the helm of Milwaukee, US-based Manitowoc Crane Group, Glen Tellock has seen revenues rocket to more than $1 billion despite a slowdown in the US economy. So what is his secret? Ian Vallely reports
May 2005
Not quite Conexpo, but...
After the excitement of Conexpo, Phil Bishop visits a show a little closer to home, is made to feel inadequate by a pair of former Cranes Today editors, and ponders Manitowoc's plans
The problem with permits
A mish-mash of individual state rules and regulations makes it a nightmare to transport heavy goods around the United States, says Mark Kulyk, president of Pennsylvania-based Rogers Brothers Corporation
China service
Shanghai Zhenhua Port Machinery Co Ltd (ZPMC) is the world's largest port crane maker by far, but it refuses to rest on its laurels, says David Hayes
Five alive in twenty-oh-five
The five-axle market segment is where the AT manufacturers are competing most intensely this year. Phil Bishop reviews product development in this class
April 2005
Gain in Spain
Zaragoza in Spain played host to the SMOPyC construction machinery show, and the crane makers were there in force
Reflections on Conexpo
Phil Bishop heads for the bright lights of Vegas and meets several industry characters, some less friendly than others
What happened in Vegas...
...didn't stay in Vegas. The cranes have driven off, but not before we took note
Conexpo crawlers
Wind turbines, power stations and corporate mergers continue to drive crawler crane development, reports Will Dalrymple
Revival gains momentum
Phil Bishop reports on the improving health of the Japanese crane manufacturing industry
On the waterfront
There are alternatives to the traditional heavy-duty gantry cranes for shipyard applications, according to Heinz-Gert Kessel
March 2005
Showing in Verona
Samoter, a triennial exhibition dedicated to companies operating in the heavy plant industries, takes place in Verona next month. We look at what's hot
Precision control
Developments in crane hydraulics centre on the control systems
Cranes don't kill
Phil Bishop on stopping crane carnage and synergistic manufacture
Arab sun
The world's lust for tourism have built a construction boom along the Persian Gulf
Building on oil
With a projected processing power of almost 200,000 barrels a day, the Sohar Refinery is an ambitious undertaking, and its construction is no less ambitious, reports Will Dalrymple
RTs on the rise
The market for RTs appears to be gaining strength. Phil Bishop reports
Chilean metro gets a lift
A pair of 25t Kobelco RK250 rough terrain cranes are being used by contractor VEI Partnership in tandem lifting of 32m long prefabricated sections on to pillars during construction of a new section of the metro in Santiago, Chile
Oiling the environmental wheels
Shari Miller of Cleveland-based Terresolve Technologies discusses the use of biodegradable hydraulic fluids in cranes
February 2005
Towers of strength
A pair of Liebherr luffing jib cranes have helped overcome space restrictions on the Jumeirah Beach Residence project in United Arab Emirates
Liebherr quartet in bridge contract
Cost rises slow recovery
Crane rental companies are suffering or booming depending on where in the world they operate
Finnish artist finds an unlikely muse
Helsinki-based painter Veronica Oesterman has always loved cityscapes, a passion that led to an unusual subject for her later paintings
Fuelling the red diesel debate
Phil Bishop adds fuel to the red diesel debate, pats Manitowoc on the back, and discovers a new talent
Tower sector riding high
Demand for tower cranes and truck loaders remain healthy in Italy, while the mobile crane sector has dipped. We review the state of the market and recent product developments
High hopes at Jumeirah
A pair of Liebherr luffing jib cranes have helped overcome space restrictions on the Jumeirah Beach Residence project in United Arab Emirates
Dramatic air lift
Erickson Air-Crane has given its heavy lifting helicopter, the S-64 Aircrane, another makeover
January 2005
Spotlight on Spain
More than 700 exhibitors will showcase their products and services in Zaragoza, Spain at SMOPyC 2005 early next month. Here are details of just some of them
Moving target
Moving-counterweight luffing-jib tower cranes continue to be popular in the UK, reports Will Dalrymple
Getting into deep water
Allied Systems Company's DC-8600CTS rescue boat davit system is being fitted to a US Coast Guard cutter
Seeing red
UK mobile crane users are seething over a proposal to revoke a Government rebate on diesel tax, reports Will Dalrymple
It's showtime!
Conexpo 2005 at the Las Vegas Convention Centre on March 15 to 19 will be the largest construction industry gathering of the year with 2,300 exhibitors, and 100,000-plus visitors expected from 120 countries. Start planning your visit right here...
Projects on track
Crawler cranes come in all shapes and sizes and can tackle a range of different applications, as these projects illustrate
Precious cargo
Phil Bishop reports on the construction of the world's biggest machine – CERN's Large Hadron Collider project – where extraordinarily fragile and expensive loads are handled routinely
Raising the roof
Two projects at London's Heathrow Airport demonstrate PSC Fagioli's heavy lifting capabilities
King of the load
Loader crane manufacturer Hiab celebrated its 60th anniversary last year by delivering more than 11,000 cranes. But the company is refusing to rest on its laurels
Top and tail
Felbermayr used two of Liebherr's largest crawler cranes for a 400t reactor installation at a petrochemical plant in Austria
Swing low
There is considerable choice when it comes to specifying anti-sway systems, as Tim Watson explains
Running out of steam
Phil Bishop seeks a home for an aging steam crane, suggests some unusual operator assistance devices, and makes a plea to Art Innamorato
Second-hand news
Phil Bishop examines developments in the used equipment market
Taking a positive stand
More than 50,000 visitors and 742 exhibitors from over 100 countries gathered at Shanghai's New International Expo Centre in November for Bauma China 2004, and the crane manufacturers were out in force
New lease of life for Tirre
German loader crane maker Tirre is still trading despite rumours to the contrary
Germ warfare
Oil contamination in offshore cranes poses a significant threat to people as well as machinery, as Sølve Jostein Fjerdingstad of Fras AS – an advisory service for the operationof fluid systems – explains
Malaysian moves
Malaysian crane maker Favelle Favco has ambitious expansion plans, as David Hayes reports
Developing a safe lifting plan
Effective planning plays a significant part in increasing safety during lifting operations, according to Bryan Cronie, corporate safety director at Mammoet Holding BV
December 2004
One decade down
What started as an informal meetings at the US SC&RA has, in 10 years, coalesced into a system that tests thousands of crane operators a year, reports Will Dalrymple
Towering performance
Two of the largest luffing boom tower cranes in the world are being used instead of crawlers in Australia, reports Greg Keane
Loader confusion
Introducing a new regular column from Phil Bishop
The Czech survivor
CKD of the Czech Republic is one of Europe's smaller manufacturers of mobile cranes
New for old
Lampson (Australia) Pty has embarked on a remanufacturing program for its Manitowoc crawler crane fleet, as Greg Keane explains
An unfolding market
Are self-erecting tower cranes starting to take off in the USA? Phil Bishop reports
Safety on the line
An initiative designed to improve tower crane safety in the US has been through a rigorous development process, as Ian Vallely explains
CT - Australia
Lampson (Australia) Pty has embarked on a remanufacturing program for its Manitowoc crawler crane fleet, as Greg Keane explains
November 2004
Costing contamination
Following his articles on identifying and controlling contaminants in October and November, Martin Williamson explains how to sell a contamination control plan to the management
Cranes go digital
As computer-controlled hydraulic systems spread through heavy equipment, their controls – and their manufacture – is changing, reports Will Dalrymple
SAIE round up
Lots of new equipment was on show in October at Bologna, Italy's SAIE exhibition, including...
October 2004
Gantry guidelines
A US trade association has written a code of practice for hydraulic extending lifting gantries, reports Will Dalrymple
Maxim case puts spotlight on US crane rental operations
Maxim Crane Works has changed the character of the US crane rental business in recent years, but not in a good way, according to some competitors
Multiple load blocks
Foster Wheeler's construction engineering manager William Meyer introduces his idea to run two wire rope circuits in series
Crane champion
Florida crane owner Jim Robertson fought the law – and won. Interview by Will Dalrymple
Big demand
Two crane companies are starting serial production of mini-crawler cranes to keep up with orders as the market continues to expand, reports Will Dalrymple
Hewden's spending spree
Phil Bishop reports on investments by the UK's second largest mobile crane rental company
Syncrude expands
At a time of soaring oil prices, one unusual supplier is building new production facilities, reports Keith Haddock
Getting the proof
A group of Canadian crane owners have clubbed together to fund the Alberta Road Research Initiative. Cranes Today finds out why
rey area
hy did the UK's Health & Safety Executive not punish those allegedly responsible for a grey import?
Controlling contamination
Following his article last month, Martin Williamson explains how to use filters, breathers and other equipment to keep engines and hydraulic pumps as clean as possible
Remotes super-size
model cars that can be driven by radio remote – some of the biggest serial-production cranes made are using them too
September 2004
A wave goodbye
Departing Potain President Jean-Yves Bouffault shares his views on Asia, the sales channel and the big three with Michel Walter
Loading out
Heavy trailers continue to help with the awkward job of transporting huge loads from the manufacturing facility to a waiting barge
Oil can carry the seeds of destruction of engines and hydraulic pumps. Martin Williamson names and shames the sources of contamination
IAA round up
Germany's transport show last month featured some interesting equipment
Chemistry set
Chemical plants continue to require heavy cranes to lift reactor vessels into place
Finding finance
There are many ways to finance a crane, reports Dan Gilkes
Iberian survey
Spain continues to surpass expectations as a major market, while neighbouring Portugal remains a minnow among the minors. Phil Bishop reports
August 2004
SAIE soon
The Italian building show returns next month
Bauma China 2004
Asia's biggest fair returns in November
July 2004
Millau's last big lifts
Michel Walter reports on the project to lift the pylons for the Millau Viaduct
Second sight
Whether for blind lifts or winch monitoring, a camera can contribute to crane safety and efficiency
Antwerp's expansion
The first phase of Europe's largest construction project, the Deurganck dock, is moving towards completion
Right of assembly
Will Dalrymple reports on a niche crane trying to break into the big time
Plan for life
The importance of planning - and buy the appropriate people - was a recurring them of the Crane Safety 2004 conference
Barge conversion
Two Taklift cranes have been converted into a floating sheerleg
Truck crane revival begins in Australia
New generation Japanese truck cranes are finding favour down under, reports Australian corresponent Greg Keane
Stranding back to back
Mammoet used an innovative strand jacking method on a new type of offshore platform, reports Will Dalrymple
June 2004
Product overload
Can have too much of good thing? Phil Bishop reports on the bewildering array of choice now facing all terrain crane buyers
Rising Fortunes
With one of the world's largest stocks of strand jacks, Fagioli PSC is a heavy hitter in heavy lifting, report David Hayes and Will Dalrymple
Enerpac has put hydraulic cylinders in the rigging to help manoeuvre heavy loads with great precision
Going it alone
German rental company has started manufacturing its own tower cranes
Ancient and modern
A simple lift could have been made difficult but Hawaiian Crane & Rigging chose to reject this option, as vice president Kerwin Chong relates
May 2004
Extending the market
Telescopic boom crawler cranes may be moving into the mainstream, reports Will Dalrymple
When the wind blows
Tim Watson explains the effect of wind on cranes and lifting operations
April 2004
Effer's efficiency drive
Will Dalrymple reports on Effer's efforts to manufacture cranes more efficiently
The pit crew
Crane and rigging teams work like a pit lane crew, says David 'Bull' Giddons
Escorts looks for expansion
Indian manufacturer Escorts reports growing demand, at home and abroad, for its pick and carry cranes. David Hayes reports
Atomic power
Rigging International used one of the largest cranes in the world to resuscitate a nuclear reactor, reports Will Dalrymple
The new EU
Next month sees 10 new member countries joining the European Union. Adrian Greeman explores the implications for the crane industry
Link-Belt's top truck
The new HTC-8690 truck crane
March 2004
Huge hauls
Two carriers push the boundaries of load size
Custom jib
When a larger crane was not available, Argentinian firm Bertoncini improvised
Harmonising attachments
A new European standard applies to all lifting attachments except slings. Derrick Bailes explains
February 2004
Keeping an even keel
Rene Wouts explains how Heerema keeps its floating cranes stable when the sea is too deep to drop anchor
Korea's revival
Several years after the economic crash, South Korea has re-emerged in 2002 and 2003 as one of the world's best markets for tower cranes. David Hayes reports
Roof mounted cranes
Mounting a crane directly onto the roof of a building can have great advantages. Heinz-Gert Kessel reports on the various types of cranes that can be roof-mounted and on several projects that have benefited
Bauma build-up begin
Are you ready for this year's big gathering?
January 2004
Knuckle boom news
A variety of new loader cranes have come to market in recent months
Longer loaders
As loader cranes above 20tm are getting longer and larger, they are competing with telehandlers, rough-terrain cranes and even self-erecting tower cranes
Shriro's supporting role
High rise construction in Hong Kong continues to keep the Liebherr dealer busy
Number one
Phil bishop reviews the world's biggest crane market
Friends in high places
Canadian oil company Syncrude has brought together mobile crane owners and manufacturers in a bid to reduce the risks of falling from height
Raising Nina
Five Potain tower cranes are helping to build Hong Kong's latest skyscrapers, the Nina Towers
December 2003
Athens prepares
A wide range of lifting techniques is being employed to make Athens ready for the 2004 summer Olympic Games. Words and pictures by Adrian Greeman
Allianz Arena takes
The opening match of the 2006 FIFA World Cup will take place in Munich's Allianz Arena
August 2003
Rope revisions
The international standard for wire rope examination and discard is being re-written. Ray Allen explains some of the key changes
How to build an offshore crane
prEN 13852 sets out the minimum criteria for structural, electrical and mechanical design. Eric Romeijn explains
Terminator 3... Rise of the cranes
Starring alongside Arnie is a 165t Demag AC 395
Kiwi scene
Phil Bishop learns about the industry in New Zealand at the PCA annual conference
Dancing to a new tune
Loaders crane manufacturers in Europe now have to meet a new standard. Will Dalrymple explores the impact of EN 12999
July 2003
Swift delivery
How a vital nuclear power component made its way from plane to reactor
Goldhofer's new rail wagon transporter
Golden days for mobiles in Spain
For six years the market for new mobile cranes in Spain has been booming. Can it possibly continue? Phil Bishop reports
The reach of Spanish towers
Spanish manufacturers of tower cranes are enjoying domestic conditions but are making preparations for when the good times stop rolling. Adrian Greeman reports
Summit meeting
The 170 attendees at Crane Safety 2003 in London last month were treated to 20 top class presentations from leading crane safety experts
June 2003
Perfekt plans
Teufelberger is becoming one of the world's leading crane rope manufacturers
The hidden life of wire rope
When wire ropes fail it can be catastrophic. Len Latham advises on methods of testing and inspection
Diary of a trainee operator
In a probably foolhardy spirit of exuberance, Ainscough Training Services agreed to send a complete novice Cranes Today assistant editor Will Dalrymple on an introductory truck-mounted crane course. (This course is an example of the training that, from next month, all UK crane operators will be required to take). Here is his diary
Paper trail
A new UK industry programme beginning next month intends to make crane operators more competent. It will certainly force them to keep better records. Will Dalrymple reports
Making it happen
A highlight of the annual conference of the Specialised Carriers & Rigging Association is its rigging job of the year competition
Right tracks
A roundup of the latest crawler cranes on the market
Transi-Lift in action
Lampson's newest Transi-Lift has proved itself on site, more than once
March 2003
Specifying slings
Derrick Bailes offers advice on the procurement of general purpose slings
Roof recovery
Mobile cranes held up what remained after a stadium's roof collapsed in Denmark
Athey in action
Six months ago we reported on its development. Now Balfour Beatty's custom built Athey crane has been proven in the field in Argentina
Brookhaven's new regime
A US government laboratory has introduced a formal risk assessment procedure for all of its lifting operations. Will Dalrymple reports
The Belgian boom boys
Vlassenroot makes more telescopic booms than anyone else in the world Phil Bishop reports
HSE alert on tower crane climbing frames
The UK Health & Safety Executive is seeking to take the lead on tightening up on the risks presented by external jacking frames on tower cranes
February 2003
How to route hydraulic hose lines
Todd Mueller offers some guidelines to follow when replacing hydraulic hose assemblies
Big lift down under
Will Dalrymple reports on the erection of Australia's largest portal crane.
Options for riggers
Will Dalrymple examines rigging machinery small enough to manoeuvre in a factory or yard, but powerful enough to pump serious iron
Potain in China
Of all the international manufacturers, few seem to be addressing the challenge and opportunity of China as vigorously as Potain
How accidents happen
Felix Weinstein explains how and why tower crane accidents happen
Liebherr extends flat tops
The new 280 EC-B 12 is the largest in Liebherr's range of flat top tower cranes
January 2003
After Tremonti
Will Dalrymple explores the state of the Italian market for mobile and tower cranes now that tax breaks for new machinery have been removed
In defence of polyamide sheaves
There's more engineering in polyamide sheaves than you might think. Bernd Nussdorfer, Hans-Dieter Willim and William Meyer explain
Soufflet rises again
A 20 year old crane has been given a new lease of life
Knuckle service
Are you looking after your crane properly? Alan Johnson explains how knuckle boom loaders should be maintained
The need for training
Should training in the safe use of hydraulic gantries be made more formal? Phil Bishop reports
All takes the first 18000
All Erection & Crane Rental of the USA last month took delivery of the first unit of the new Manitowoc 18000
December 2002
Handy systems
Adrian Greeman reviews developments in remote control systems and find that they are getting smaller and more functional
Targeting China
China has become the most buoyant crane market in Asia, and perhaps even the world
Bring it on down!
Next month a second-hand gantry crane is erected in South Korea. Dismantling it in Sweden was quite a feat of engineering
Frey's way
Hans-Georg Frey joined Liebherr-Werk Ehingen one year ago. Next month Freddie Bär retires and Frey takes over as managing director. Cranes Today caught up with him in Australia
November 2002
Steel the way
High strength steels allow cranes to reach further and lift more for the same weight. This, the first of a two part feature explains the properties, production, processing and potential of modern quenched and tempered steels for mobile crane structures. Next month Part 2 will focus on the use of the material for specific component sections of mobile cranes
Automatic erection
Japanese contractor Penta-Ocean is running a pilot project for a new automated building system in Singapore. Could it be the end of the operator?
Rethinking overload
A new mechanical overload link has been designed to address problems found in marine and other harsh applications
Offshore inspection regime
Chain blocks and lever hoists in the offshore industry require diligent inspection and maintenance. Len Latham outlines some routine checks
Simulator benefits
What does simulator aided training really have to offer? Tom Bremer explains
Almost like the real thing
David Taylor explores the world of crane operator training simulators
Hauling review
A roundup of impressive feats and machines from the world of heavy transport
From EVA-ngelist to Crane Man
Phil Bishop meets Glen Tellock, president of Manitowoc Crane Group
Bump and grind
The North American market is bumping along the bottom and the manufacturers are grinding their way through radical changes. Phil Bishop reports on the changing landscape
Demag's new regime
Phil Bishop reports on what the new owners are doing at Demag Mobile Cranes
October 2002
Morris resurrects Royce brand for USA
Load pins in the new world order
Bill McRobbie considers the global influence of the European Machinery Directive and the central role of the humble load pin in the new world order
Rubber matters
Tyres play a critical role in mobile crane performance and should not be taken for granted
Black boxes
Machines are increasingly speaking for themselves, telling us where they are, what they have been doing, and how they are performing. Adrian Greeman reports
Horns Reef wraps up
Despite minor problems, installation of the Horns Reef offshore wind farm completed ahead of schedule last month
Fruits of the forest
Timber loading cranes are a breed apart. Alex Dahm explains
Rion's change of plan
Plans have been changed on the Rion Antirion bridge in Greece. A large floating sheerlegs crane is now going to be brought in to speed work, reports Adrian Greeman
Dynamic avoidance
Alain Voyatzis describes an approach to collision avoidance systems
Shangri-La for Potain
Three Potain tower cranes are being used to build the Shangri-La hotel in Dubai
Swish Swedes
Heinz-Gert Kessel visits Lambertssons Kran AB in Sweden and discovers creative engineering combined with a modular tower crane concept
Spierings unfolds new model
Dutch manufacturer Spierings Kranen has unveiled its new three-axle model, the SK 377-AT3
August 2002
Ahead for electronics
Marc Ostertag argues that equipment manufacturers must co-operate if the crane industry is to get the full benefit of technological advances in crane safety and information systems
UTM's intermodal exchange
Terminal operator UTM uses a container gantry crane supplied by Kranservice Rheinberg
The Atlas turnaround
Bob Halls, responsible for implementing Terex's restructuring of Atlas Hydraulic Loaders, explains to Alex Dahm what has been done
Bridon groomed
Phil Bishop visits wire rope producer Bridon Ropes
Plastic fantastic
Rafael Mira explains the benefits of PFI - or plastic full impregnated - wire rope
Over the bridge
Overhead travelling cranes instead of mobile cranes are being used to replace deck sections on New York's Triborough Bridge
Final details of Crane Safety 2003
Delegates to Crane Safety 2003 will be treated to a site visit to one of the biggest construction projects in Europe
Mobile crane demand: reaching crisis?
Global demand for mobile cranes appears to be in freefall. First it was Japan in the 1990s and now in North America sales are tumbling for the fourth consecutive year - 20% down by unit last year, and perhaps even more this year. The two markets that have historically been the industry's biggest appear to be crumbling. Just how bad is it? How much worse can it get? Stuart Anderson, president of leading industry consultant Chortsey Barr Associates, has teamed up with Cranes Today to produce a comprehensive market report* analysing the state of the mobile crane industry. This report also gives full historical perspective to how we got here, and employs all the available indicators to forecast where we might be going. On these pages he provides the context for the current market decline
July 2002
Calculating stability
Professor Anatoli Zaretski describes a method for the analytical estimation of a free-standing crane's stability in a falling load condition
Growth potential
Eastern Europe may not be the biggest market for new cranes but sales are rising and the significance of the region is growing
Revamp at San Onofre
Crane Pro Services' fast-track modernisation revamped a critical crane at San Onofre nuclear power station in California
Bridging the mismatch
Søren Jansen, managing director of Denmark's leading mobile crane hire company, BMS, offers his thoughts on how to give investors in the rental business the return that they deserve
What we really want
European buyers have got together to tell manufacturers what they really want from their mobile cranes. Phil Bishop reports
Amsterdam's assembly
Europe's first World Class Crane Management Seminar took place in Amsterdam
Eastern highrise
Record breaking high rise construction continues apace in Asia, and Favco seems to be the preferred crane for the job. Report and pictures from Adrian Greeman
200 tonne Demag
A long boom and compact carrier are the key characteristics of Demag Mobile Cranes' new AC 200-1
June 2002
Top jobs
Quality, not quantity, was the key word at this year's SC&RA crane and rigging job of the year competition
Staying the distance
Twelve months ago Cranes Today argued that the truck crane 'may conceivably be reaching the end of the road'. New product development in the sector suggests that there is life in the old dog yet
More, more, more
Maximising productivity of cranes and increasing throughput of ports is the goal of all port managers
Coming together
As crane components come in ever larger packages, competition to supply them is intensifying. Alex Dahm reports
Taiwanese boxing
Adrian Greeman reports on the construction of Taiwan's new high speed railway
Knuckle news
The UK's commercial vehicle show was a chance for the hydraulic truck loader crane industry to show off
May 2002
The right gear
Selecting the most suitable type of gearing requires careful consideration. Alex Dahm reports.
All that's SED and done
The Site Equipment Demonstration takes place in the UK this month
Horns Rev revs up
Work has started on the world's biggest offshore wind farm
Lanyard inspection alert
New research on lanyard degradation has highlighted the importance of proper inspections for fall arrest equipment
Russian revival
Domestic crane manufacturers are slowly but steadily emerging from crisis as oil and gas companies drive an upturn in demand. Vladimir Shutov reports
Liebherr's compact crane
Though it is still only on the drawing board, the LTC 1050/1 is already a talking point
A work in progress
The case has not been proved for rated capacity indicators to be made mandatory, argues Ron Kohner
April 2002
JDN establishes Singapore subsidiary
Growing in the Gulf
Phil Bishop visits Dubai and finds a thriving and competitive mobile crane hire industry
Inheriting Bär's mantle
Hans-Georg Frey is preparing to succeed Friedrich Bär as managing director of Liebherr-Werk Ehingen
Headline grabbers
Phil Bishop reports on a busy week in Las Vegas
Drawn to the Italian market
Domestic manufacturers are working hard to beat the foreign competition attracted to the buoyant Italian market
The interlock debate
One short press statement by the UK's Health & Safety Executive last year threw the country's truck loader market into turmoil. A satisfactory resolution still seems some way off. David Taylor reports
March 2002
Two line grabs can run from a single winch
Power saving for Peterhead's shiplift
Steel the way - Part 2
This, the second of a two part feature on modern quenched and tempered steels for mobile crane structures focuses on the use of the material for specific component sections of mobile cranes.
Braking briefing
Peter Steynor explains electric crane braking systems and the importance of selecting the correct type
What price safer lifting?
Beware the low cost option, says Derrick Bailes
Safe at height
Tony Longmire explains how to minimise the risks when working at height
Up she rises
Next month sees the opening of the world's first revolving boat lift, the Falkirk Wheel in Scotland. Although hardly a crane in the true sense, this remarkable structure makes use of some highly specialised crane componentry. David Taylor reports
Delta 4 rocket gets its launch platform
New terminal designed for special loads
Range of options
Recent projects demonstrate a variety of ways to place heavy loads
Selecting a tower crane
Bob Dieleman, president of Las Vegas-based Jake's Crane & Rigging, gives his 10-step plan on how to choose a tower crane
Vegas vista
Phil Bishop provides a tourist's guide to some of the cranes at work in the casino capital of the world. Paul Cichocki provides the photographs
February 2002
Konecranes improves profits and sales
Toppling towers
Phil Bishop reports on how tower crane companies are weathering the continuing market slump in Southeast Asia
The three-axle RT
Link-Belt says the RTC-80100 is 'revolutionary'. At the very least, it's a rare concept
Kurt Thomsen explains how he has brought his turbine-erecting craneship concept to reality
Heede on the Hearst
Heede Southeast supplied Comansa cranes to help bring Charlotte's new Hearst Tower to fruition
Selected lifting industry exhibits
Climbing power
Using climbing jacks instead of strand jacks has saved time on a UK bridge project
The big pull
An upturned 2,000t walking dragline is put back to work. Keith Haddock reports
January 2002
Contract wins for Cutler Hammer
Broshuis Triple semi trailer put to work
King's new slopebed goes to work
Scheuerle transport system used for largest transport operation in Croatia
1988 Rogers used for changeout project
New Faymonville service company
Procurement strategies
Should you buy dockside cranes off-the-shelf or have them tailor made? Arun Bhimani and Michael Jordan of Liftech Consultants offer some advice
Hong Kong close up
Hong Kong's economy is less battered than most in the region and there is no shortage of construction work, but even here there are too many cranes
Survival strategies
In the first of a series of articles on the Asia Pacific region, Phil Bishop reports on how mobile and crawler crane companies have been coping with a decline in demand
Comedil's top luffer
Terex Comedil's biggest ever luffing jib tower crane is making its debut in the City of London
December 2001
World class meeting
Amsterdam is the venue for a major conference for the lifting industry, 20-22 May 2002
Bologna parade
Phil Bishop reports from Italy on the SAIE exhibition
Gold achievements
Greg Keane reports on the annual conference of the Crane Industry Council of Australia
The Webmaster
James Verrinder talks to Doyle Peeks, the man behind CraneAccidents.com
Luff the load
Offset jibs, particularly those that can luff with a load, offer benefits that can give competitive advantage, writes Alex Dahm.
Short loaders
Field service cranes are a specialist market segment
Demag has launched its 1,250t capacity CC 8800 crawler. Alex Dahm was there.
November 2001
Flexible option
Phil Bishop reports on developments in mobile harbour cranes
On site at Ground Zero
Phil Bishop reports on the crane and rigging endeavours displayed in the aftermath of the 11 September attack on the New York World Trade Center
Paradise lost
As the downturn bites, it is proving to be a year of change for US mobile crane manufacturers. Phil Bishop reports on the major players
Quick smart
Heinz-Gert Kessel examines the trend for fast rigging tower cranes
Ready for duty
SC&RA workshop delegates are first to see Link-Belt's new duty cycle crawler
Trump card
Grove pushes the boundaries and trumps Terex with its biggest ever rough terrain model
October 2001
The 200t choice
Thinking of buying a new 200t class all-terrain? Read on…
Driving for better control
Simpler and cheaper electronic crane drive controls, some without a PLC, are a growing trend, writes Roy Westby
Both sides now
A unique terminal, with an indented berth, is being built in Amsterdam
Terminal takes off
Tower cranes fill the skyline at Madrid airport in Spain. Words and pictures by Adrian Greeman
A proven necessity
It is time to end the debate over load moment indicators. They should be mandatory worldwide, says Bill Cakebread
Right on track
Adrian Greeman sees a new railway crane being put through its paces
Nordic movement
Major development projects in Denmark and strong mobile crane activity in Finland are boosting sales in the region
Saving money while saving the planet
BMS, the largest mobile crane rental company in Scandinavia, is proof that social responsibility can pay dividends
September 2001
Choosing the ring
Not all slewing rings are the same. Different designs suit different applications, as Rick Shaw explains
Kit in Kentucky
What to expect from lifting industry related exhibitors at this year's ICUEE
Compact case
Where neither a tower nor a mobile crane will do, a 'portable crane' just might fit the bill, says Alex Dahm
Roll the boat over
A maritime salvage company has found that it can be easier to roll a wrecked ship than to lift it. James Verrinder reports
Opting for the extras
Paying for additional safety features on loader cranes can save money, one buyer has found. Phil Bishop reports
Oklahoma gets its dome
The Oklahoma State Capitol building is finally being properly finished. Phil Bishop reports
Heavy lifting
A review of recent heavy lifting projects from around the world
Kato's new cranes
Times may be tough, but Kato is pressing on with product development for Japanese customers
Japan still struggling
The Japanese market shows little sign of turning around. Phil Bishop reports
August 2001
Chain jack solution
Space and load factors dictated the use of a linear chain jack instead of a winch on the Espadarte FPSO conversion. Project engineer Porter Spencer reports
Wings on a generator
Installation of a 300t steam turbine at an Indian power plant
Pre-cast push
Keith Ng reports on the crane system used for the construction of Singapore's Sengkang and Ponggol LRT lines
Mini strads
A new concept for dockside logistics
The Arcomet franchise
Phil Bishop meets Dirk and Leo Theyskens
Where the CRAC is
James Verrinder visits the Crane Rental Association of Canada's annual conference
Realising Gaudi's vision
Recent installation of modern tower cranes is helping speed the work on the extraordinary Sagrada Familia church in Spain. Words and pictures by Adrian Greeman
Injecting optimisation
Tom Heinlein investigates what engine manufacturers are doing to comply with ever stricter exhaust emission standards
Temperature still rising
The mobile crane market in Latin America continues to generate excitement among manufacturers, if only for its potential. James Verrinder reports
July 2001
Stick it up
Michael Kozminski looks at the choice of lifting magnet types
Winning rigging
Phil Bishop reports on the Specialised Carriers & Rigging Association's rigging job of the year competition
Dynamic decisions
Andy Henderson explains why cranes must be de-rated for dynamic lifting
Just jost
Malaysian support has enabled Franc Jost to go out on his own. Alex Dahm reports
Towards mass production
Alex Dahm visits Liebherr-Werk Ehingen to check out the factory expansion
Rollercoaster Ride
Will Bauma reverse the decline in sales of mobile cranes in Germany?
Mega crane productivity
Dave Rudolf analyses whether crane productivity can keep up with increases in ship sizes
The Hawaiian handover
Hawaiian Crane & Rigging used ingenuity to bypass constraints
June 2001
The operator's assistant
James Verrinder meets Sandro Bertola, managing director of 3B6
Italian movement
Alex Dahm reports on the mobile crane market in Italy
Return of the K–10000
Phil Bishop reports on the renaissance of the world's biggest tower crane
New landmark for London
The mayor of London is getting a new home
Moving towers
Healthy activity in the mobile folding tower crane sector includes new markets and new models. Alex Dahm reports
Road to nowhere?
Figures show that all-terrain crane sales are rising around the world while truck cranes become less popular. James Verrinder looks at current buying trends...
Union city
The US tower crane market is opening up – even in Chicago. Phil Bishop reports.
May 2001
Nearly 150 cranes were recently sold at an auction in the Netherlands. James Verrinder went to watch
On the up
Tony Longmire discusses the safe use of spreaders and lifting beams
Hook enhancement
Phil Bishop reports on a new remote release system for crane hooks
As seen at Bauma
Scenes from the industry event of the year
Heavy hitters
Phil Bishop reports on what some of the majors are buying
Latest high flyers
New product development in the crawler crane sector
Big deal
Phil Bishop reports on Manitowoc's acquisition of Potain
April 2001
Beware Greeks bearing gifts
Phil Bishop tells a cautionary tale for budding entrepreneurs
Hanging tough
Fully independent suspension might be the ideal type for ATs but so far most manufacturers have yet to follow Grove's lead
Bridging the Gulf of Corinth
Adrian Greeman visits Greece to report on the innovative use of cranes on the construction of the Rion-Antirion bridge
Safely does it
Chartered engineer Gordon Stewart describes procedures for tower crane erection and demobilisation in Australia
Airport service
Wolffkran shows the full range of its business on a single project
There are times when only a luffing tower will do
Peiner flat-tops at work on new Rhine crossing
Taking down the beams
An innovative construction project in Singapore enters a new phase
High art
A self-erecting tower crane mounted on a pontoon has helped to convert a striking opera stage in Austria
Luffers top out London towers
Development of the UK capital's Canary Wharf district continues rapidly. Latest milestone is the topping out of two more office blocks
Passing fad or here to stay?
Heinz-Gert Keßel explores the merits of flat-top tower cranes
March 2001
Management buyout for Morris in the UK
In the wild, wild west
A Nevada museum plans to renovate an old steam crane
Good condition
Cranes do not last forever but proper condition monitoring helps maximise their life expectancy. Walter Heinrich of DNV explains
The Right Tool for the Job
All loaders are not the same, as Alan Johnson explains
Tractor loader
An electricity company has fitted a crane onto a 4x4 tractor
Wings to the roof
From aircraft wings to a complete roof, US rental company PHI does the lifting
Logan's run
Marino has helped improve Boston's Logan airport
New life for old oil refinery
Keith Haddock reports on the relocation of an oil refinery from Canada to Russia
Muscle power
James Verrinder marvels at major lifting projects from around the world. He starts with the positioning of a 1,700t drilling rig
Beyond cranes
Highlights can also be found among trailers, telehandlers, components and ancillary equipment
Loaders line up
There will be no shortage of truck loader cranes on show
Crawler highlights
What the crawler crane manufacturers are presenting
All terrains and mobile cranes
A round up of mobile cranes being launched at Bauma next month
The Bauma line up
Your comprehensive guide to Bauma 2001, the biggest construction show in the world, starts right here
February 2001
Synthetic sling safety
Michael Gelskey explains the importance of a rigorous inspection programme for synthetic slings
Losing the thread
Screw thread design can be safety critical in lifting applications, says Walter Heinrich
Life with LOLER
In our November issue a reader described the UK regulatory regime as "a farce". In response Peter Oram, chairman of the British Standard committee that wrote BS 7121, explains how it embraces LOLER
Get ready for Bauma
The world's biggest construction equipment and technology show takes place in April. Next month Cranes Today will publish an extensive preview of Bauma 2001 in Munich. Here is just a taster
Looking at Langley
Tony Langley now owns the Clarke Chapman Group and crawler crane manufacturer RB. Phil Bishop went to meet him
Come together
How will recent merger and acquisition activity affect the UK mobile crane hire industry? James Verrinder reports
The full Fassi
Phil Bishop visits Bergamo to check out Fassi's manufacturing operation
New chapter for Atlas
Alex Dahm finds a new outlook at Atlas Weyhausen
Glazing with RALF
A loader crane forms part of a special tool for handling glass
Unfolding booms
What's new in knuckle boom loader cranes? Alex Dahm reports
January 2001
Twist and shout
Want to stop your block spinning? John Manka explains how
To serve and protect
Alex Dahm takes a look at mobile cranes designed for special service applications, from fire brigades to the armed forces
Up wind
Cranes Today's very own Kurt Thomsen has come up with a solution for erecting offshore wind turbines and is now bidding for contracts
Sparrows spreads its wings
Sparrows Offshore managing director Ken Scott explains his plans to Phil Bishop
Ocean Titan
James Verrinder looks at plans for a new portable sheerleg crane
New life for the Marine Boss
Weeks Marine has refurbished east coast USA's biggest floating crane
Raising the Kursk
Kurt Thomsen offers his solution for raising a stricken submarine
Dematic's push on truck cranes
Dematic has produced new lattice boom truck crane models
November 2000
Donati supplies new hoist to Harrington
Launching XS
Hiab has launched the first results of its biggest investment in new products for 20 years. Alex Dahm reports
Nothing is Forever
Filosophies – by Fil Filipov
Top rigging
James Verrinder reviews some of the year's big jacking, skidding and alternative lifting projects
Gantry rivals
All hydraulic gantry systems are basically the same, aren't they? …Apparently not, as Alex Dahm discovers
A brief history of lifting gantries
David Duerr P.E. reviews the development of hydraulic gantries
Straight to the point
A building materials supplier has learned the advantages of long reach truck loaders
Growing pains
The North American mobile crane market is going through some interesting changes. Phil Bishop reports
October 2000
Trailer blazing
James Verrinder reviews product developments and (on pp42-43) recent projects in the world of trailers and special transport
Riding on air
Alex Dahm takes a look at the increasing use of air suspension systems on mobile cranes
Tight sites in Singapore
Cranes of all shapes and sizes define the line of Singapore's mass transit system's new North East Line. Adrian Greeman reports
Korean climate
The used equipment market is the new focus of Korea's crane industry
Loads of hope
Loader crane manufacturers expect demand to return stronger than ever in SE Asia
Asia's oversupply
Southeast Asia appears to be improving, but do not expect an immediate rise in crane sales
Planning for Mammoet
Frans van Seumeren tells Phil Bishop about his plans for Mammoet, including taking it public within three years
September 2000
Check below
Jay Edmundson explains preventative maintenance measures required to maximise productivity of below the hook lifting equipment
Pulling a line
Comparing line pull figures and other specifications between different manufacturers is not as straightforward as you might think. Beware the smoke and mirrors
Wilbert's power plan
An alternative crane plan was adopted on the largest power station construction site in Germany. Heinz-Gert Kessel reports
Sennebogen's story
Phil Bishop talks to Erich Sennebogen Jr about the family business
Brandt's big lift in Beeskow
Brandt deployed its biggest cranes for a tandem lift
Sales still rising
Hire companies in the east are in crisis, but sales of mobile cranes in Germany keep rising. Phil Bishop reports
Shift to automatic
A new fully automated synchromesh transmission system is making inroads into the mobile crane market
Pump it up
How does Compact Truck build lighter and smaller mobile cranes than its competitors and still achieve the same lifting capacity? Alex Dahm reports
All-terrain advances
Phil Bishop reviews European all-terrain product development
August 2000
Blondins at work
Cable cranes can still be the best way to move materials on dam construction sites. Phil Bishop reports
Strong yen, weak market
Hit at home by a weak market and hit overseas by the value of the yen, Japanese manufacturers are nevertheless pushing forward with new products. Phil Bishop reports
Heart of the system
Are vane pumps set to challenge the traditional dominance of piston pumps for powering loader cranes?
Knuckle boom launches
A round up of what's new and happening in the world of loader cranes
Cat fight
Phil Bishop reports on the development of Favelle Favco's range of crawler cranes and legal wrangles that are still rumbling
July 2000
Top attractions
There was plenty to see at Intermat 2000, inside and out
Roman numerals
Italian manufacturers are thriving in their export markets but at home face a German challenge in the mobile crane market. Alex Dahm reports
Product action
What's new from the crawler crane manufacturers
Global crawlers
Phil Bishop examines the globalisation of the crawler crane market
June 2000
Top riggers
Winners of the SC&RA's annual rigging contest
Comeback trail
Is Grove finally getting it right? Phil Bishop thinks it might be
Maxim makeover
Phil Bishop meets Jeff Fenton, CEO of Maxim Crane Works
Shear weight
World lifting records are being claimed on the Shearwater oil and gas development off the Scottish coast. Alex Dahm reports
Come rain or shine
A roundup of what to see at SED 2000
Tough times
Phil Bishop surveys the major UK rental companies and finds crawlers in demand but fierce competition has put mobiles in decline
Fast track to France
Adrian Greeman reports on the UK's biggest construction project, the new railway between London and the Channel Tunnel
You say RT and I say AT
Baldwins is bringing European practices to the USA
Sliding tackle
Sliding roof, sliding pitch… Adrian Greeman reports
May 2000
To the front and back
Crane attachments for tractor loaders open up a whole new range of possibilities
Hannover offerings
A review of the latest remote control products seen at the Hannover Fair
Power tools
Shoreham power station in the UK nears completion
In the field
This year's Site Equipment Demonstration show – SED – will have its largest ever showing of cranes and access equipment
Mighty Alameda
Piling rigs and cranes stretch through the centre of southern Los Angeles, building a massive trench through the city, an uncovered tunnel for giant freight trains to the busy city ports. Words and pictures by Adrian Greeman
Paris in the Spring
Intermat is this year's biggest equipment show. We preview the major attractions
Comet's choice
There is at least one French contractor that prefers telescopic crawlers to tower cranes
Safety systems
Two rival manufacturers of crane safety equipment face the future with renewed confidence
Mediaco's complaint
It's not all champagne and long lunches. Phil Bishop talks to Christian-Jacques Vernazza about the problems facing French rental companies
Mobile market
Phil Bishop examines the market for mobile cranes in France
Raising a storm
When hurricanes hit France last December, it did more than physical damage. It also fanned the flames of the intense rivalry between Potain and Liebherr and ignited a technical debate about standards
Who's on top? (and does it matter?)
Is Potain the biggest tower crane company? Last time we reported this claim, Liebherr disputed it. So this time we asked Rudolf Brüstle, managing director of Liebherr-Werk Biberach, to explain his view…
Potain's progress
In the first of a series of articles relating to France's leading crane manufacturer, we report that Potain is riding high again after a few difficult years
April 2000
Axis-pivoting, window installer
Utmost joy
Joysticks form an integral part of crane technology, as a key instrument of control, but what makes a good one? Adrian Higginbottom reports
Oiling the supply chain
It is rare to find a crane company that has identified a clear role for itself in the e-commerce revolution. Phil Bishop discovers that Palfinger is one such company
Where we're at
Cranes Today surveyed a cross section of the crane industry to discover the impact of e-commerce and the worldwide web
Are you ready?
E-commerce is throwing up new opportunities for contractors and crane users. Chuck Frey reports
Shell shifters
The US Navy is about to take delivery of two ready-for-action cranes. Adrian Greeman reports
A place in the sun
The heat of the Spanish market keeps cranes in demand. Alex Dahm reports
We have LIFT OFF
Tod Kennedy watched a Russian space shuttle land in Sydney Harbour
Miller time for Frans & the Big D
Frans van Seumeren Jr operates the CC 12600 at Miller Park
March 2000
Energy drive
Massive energy savings would be made if industry used more electronic motor controls. Alex Dahm reports
To the max
Our series of articles on heavy lifting starts with a look at the latest developments in Manitowoc's Max-er attachments
Special forces
The offshore industry has special heavy lifting needs, and two of the top specialists are Scandinavian firms
Turbine tussle – crawlers v teles
When it comes to erecting wind farms, lattice boom crawler cranes are starting to take over from telescopic mobiles. Kurt Thomsen reports
Solid state for former Soviet plant
Mark Boucher reports on the progress of the Galich Mobile Crane Plant
Out of the red
Removed from the protection of the Soviet state and hit by economic recession, Russia's crane industry all but collapsed. Vladimir Shutov of the Novecon news agency surveys the remains
Me and my crane
An operator enthuses about his crane. Phil Bishop meets him
Raising the Angels
Tower cranes are being used on the construction of a cathedral in Los Angeles. Words and pictures by Adrian Greeman
Re-born in the USA
Phil Bishop reports on the renaissance of the tower crane in the USA
Salt Lake highway
Reconstruction of Interstate-15 in Utah is the biggest road project in the USA. Adrian Greeman took a look
February 2000
Bender mender
A new study shows that damaged booms can be safely repaired
Electric avenues
Interest in electric cranes, at least in Europe, is on the increase
Jacking gantries
Hydraulic jacking systems are sometimes the only answer to machinery installation and removal problems
Strand & deliver
Strand jacking specialists say their technology is safer and cheaper than cranes for heavy lifting. Alex Dahm reports
Competing for control
Two companies battle for dominance of the radio remote control market
Hype & Hope in Asia
Economists talk of recovery in Asia, but it will be a while before the crane market gets a big lift. Mark Boucher reports
The outsider
Phil Bishop talks to Terex Lifting president Fil Filipov
Loads for us
Manufacturers are pushing hard into the US market and are still rapidly expanding their ranges
December 1999
Tilting windmills
Offshore wind turbines demand new thinking in lifting engineering. Kurt Thomsen reports
A bird's eye view
Crane camera systems are familiar in Japan and interest is starting to spread with the introduction of a new system into the USA
One between two
Tight scheduling on a Malaysian petrochemical project resulted in an alliance of two arch rivals. Alex Dahm reports
Demag on display
It seemed like the whole industry was at Mannesmann Dematic's Crane Day – Phil Bishop was among them
The hundred tonners
Which 100t-capacity AT should you choose?
Dockside demands
Phil Bishop reviews activity in the ports and harbours sector
Movin' on up
What do you get when you cross a tower crane with a truck? A Dutch lifting solution
November 1999
Rental horizons
Alex Dahm delves into the US rental market with a focus on AmQuip and Anthony
Phil Bishop meets Jim O'Neil, chief operating officer of National Equipment Services
Kobelco's 7200 takes on the 888
Is Kobelco's new 7200 crawler crane as good as Manitowoc's 888?
Staking a claim
Phil Bishop talks to Rudolf Brüstle, managing director of Liebherr-Werk Biberach
High rollers
A review of developments in the tower crane sector
Special offers
Are special versions of saddle jib tower cranes a real alternative to luffers? Heinz-Gert Keßel reports
Liebherr's Legacy
It is 50 years since Hans Liebherr patented the first tower crane
October 1999
Mammoet Davenport helped Kiewit Construction transport a tribute to the old west
The MSG 50 shows its versatility on a Montalev project in Brest
Special transport is a specialist field – Van Seumeren is one of Europe's leaders
Italian manufacturer Ormig is celebrating 50 years of crane production
Manitowoc's newest heavy lifter has made its first lift on site
Tod Kennedy visits the annual conference of the Crane Industry Council of Australia and finds the industry braced for a downturn
Adrian Greeman reports on construction of the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, the new home of Welsh rugby and host this month to the rugby world cup.
The million tonne lifts
That's the sum total of Ralling's lifts on the Øresund crossing
Spain is a boom market for tower cranes, reports Alex Dahm
nicolas develops telescoping deck
new tail trailers from LANDOLL
King targets counterweight and light plant
Scheuerle's inter Combi trailers in Three Gorges transport role
MAIDEN lift for sarens' latest
First STOP Canada for Van Seumeren's PTC
EARLY ACTION FOR HEWDEN'S HEAVYlIFTER
GOING with GOLDHOFER
The Goldhofer name is synonymous with heavy-duty transporters
Truck loader operators tune into radio remote control
September 1999
lobbying for the link
Each year, on average, about 20 riggers are electrocuted in the USA alone due to contact with power lines. It is the number one killer in the crane industry. Load Monitor has produced an end of line insulating link which, it is claimed, can put a halt to this carnage. Now it is lobbying the US authorities to make insulating links mandatory. Hugh Pratt, director of Load Monitor, explains the reasoning.
Link-Belt's new LS-138H II crawler crane has proved its worth on a building project in Florida
Bangkok's high road
Adrian Greeman reports from the Thai capital on the construction of the Bang Na elevated expressway
Phil Bishop reports on the ailing Japanese market
Phil Bishop reviews a selection of smaller product offerings from mobile and crawler crane manufacturers
…for the consolidation quick-step. Mergers and acquisitions among the manufacturers could change the face of the industry in the decade ahead. Phil Bishop speculates on who we might see pairing off
A demonstration truck loader crane has been fitted with every conceivable safety device
August 1999
Latin America has suffered from currency fluctuations and falling mineral prices, but certain manufacturers remain resolutely optimistic about the region
Power boost and versatility are key trends in loader crane development
A project of the scale of China's Three Gorges dam presents some mighty materials handling challenges. Words and pictures by Adrian Greeman
Globally, the biggest corporate issue facing crane users is the rise of the equipment rental sector. Phil Bishop explores the impact of the development of the hire market, with particular reference to the USA
A French inspection body has been using a new testing technique, developed in the UK, for checking the integrity of metal structures
July 1999
Asia's premier construction equipment fair, Conet 99, is held in Tokyo this month
Phil Bishop talks to Ivers Sims about his dramatic escape from a burning tower crane
In the second of our two features from under-reported parts of the world, Yousef Mousa, principal of Yousef Mousa Crane Company, offers an insight into the values of a crane owner in Jordan
Hassan Aly Munibari, an engineering consultant based in Ljubljana, reports on the crane industry in Slovenia
Recovery from recession continues in Scandinavia where Alex Dahm finds a few peaks and troughs and plenty of slow progress
You don't always have to rely on what's on the market, Tod Kennedy discovers. You can always build your own machine
Looking for a mobile crane to run around your yard? Phil Bishop looks at industrial yard cranes on the market
June 1999
With only a few cranes on show at the Site Equipment Demonstration, aerial access platforms took centre stage amid all the excavators at the UK plant show
The highlight of the annual conference of the Specialised Carriers & Rigging Association is the Crane and Rigging Job of the Year competition. Phil Bishop reports from St Petersburg, Florida
The US government safety authority has given its support to the industry's crane operator certification scheme…
Electronic AC controllers have given new life to a construction crane building a stadium in New Zealand
Alex Dahm finds most sectors are strengthening in Germany
Mannesmann Dematic reckons its crane business is healthier today than ever before
Phil Bishop explores what the future may hold for the design of crawler cranes
Crawler manufacturers are focusing their attention on North America, reports Phil Bishop
May 1999
Long after the general public lost interest in the controversy over the Brent Spar oil storage platform, a team of British and Norwegian heavy lift specialists are still hard at work dismantling the structure
While available technology has developed significantly, sometimes the oldest and simplest ideas are the best
Using 28 hydraulic jacks, some clever electronics and a lot of ingenuity, specialist firm Abbey Pynford recently moved an old lighthouse away from a cliff edge and out of harm's way
Alex Dahm finds evidence of cross-pollination between truck cranes, boom trucks and all terrain cranes
Crane manufacturers in the USA are stressing their capabilities in customer service and product support. Phil Bishop reports
Lifting equipment exhibitors judged Conexpo '99 a roaring success
Phil Bishop takes the pulse of the Italian crane market and finds it strengthening
April 1999
Wire Rope Always Tells The Story
A rope manufacturer's investigation team is on the case*
Cranes Today surveys activity in the tower crane market
Heinz-Gert Keßel reviews the development and application of top slewing luffing jib tower cranes
A healthy order book keeps Atlas Hydraulic Loaders' new Hamilton factory busy
As UK manufacturers continue their battle against grey imports, Phil Bishop finds a beneficial side effect – hydraulic crawlers seem to be taking off at last
Phil Bishop reviews trends in mobile crane activity in Europe's second largest market – the United Kingdom
March 1999
A CC 2800 is being put through its paces in Melbourne
There's still a market for heavy lifters in Asia, despite the general economic gloom
Van Seumeren has a new weapon in its quest to lead the way in heavy lifting – the Platform Twinring Containerised (PTC) crane
Who needs cranes anyway?
Is the continued rise of the telehandler a threat to crane sales? Alexander Dahm reports
Alexander Dahm visits the Reliance refinery in Jamnagar, one of the world's great construction projects – and sees nearly 1,000 cranes
Built in India
Large-scale infrastructure projects and previously unheard of levels of mechanisation feature strongly in an expanding market for both manufacturers and rental companies. Alexander Dahm reports
TOWER CRANES help KOREAN BRIDGE TO TAKE SHAPE
Liebherr has secured ANSI approval for two of its crawler cranes. Phil Bishop explores why
"TOP 10 CONSTRUCTION ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE 20th CENTURY"
A worldwide poll by the organisers of Conexpo-Con/Agg 99 has produced a list of the 10 greatest construction achievements of the century. They are listed here in no particular order
Going to Las Vegas? Start your journey here, with the Cranes Today show preview
Boston's Central Artery/Tunnel scheme is reshaping the city. Words and pictures by Adrian Greeman
Is it safe to use two hooks on a single crane? Kurt Thomsen, who uses the two hoist technique regularly, explores the issue
The Cranes Today guide to height safety – prepared by Mike Hughes and Gary Barnes
How can crane safety be improved? Phil Bishop reports on a recent CIMA seminar
When it comes to heavy lifting in the USA, one brand appears to be dominant
British and Norwegian yards occupy Smit's sheerlegs fleet
February 1999
Le Tourneau cranes are logging duty-cycle time at three Oregon chip plants. John Schmitz reports
Samoter 99 is Europe's premier construction exhibition this year. We preview some of the highlights
Alexander Dahm reports on innovations in lifting equipment designed to run on railways
In the first of our preview articles on the Conexpo-Con/Agg show, being held in Las Vegas, 23-27 March, we offer a taste of what visitors can expect from the indigenous manufacturers. Next month's issue will include a complete listing of exhibitors
Alexander Dahm looks for pockets of hope amid the devastated crane market in countries of the Asia Pacific region
Yvon Michielsens, president of Belgian crane hire company Kranen Michielsens, tells the story of the theft of his cranes and how he finally got the last one back
January 1999
Phil Bishop opened his Christmas present early
It is not always possible or appropriate to use a conventional crane. Here we round up some recent projects that relied on jacking and hydraulic gantries
Alex Dahm takes a look at the benefits of self-erecting tower cranes and some of the newer models available
HOW TO FIT AN 84m BOOM
How handy is the long boom option of the LTM 1500?
The French mobile crane market has enjoyed four consecutive years of growth, reports Phil Bishop
Along came a spider
In the first of a series of features that explores the future of the lifting industry, Cranes Today reports on the Speedport concept – a development which its promoters believe could spell the end of traditional cranes at container terminals
March 1998
Alexander Dahm investigates the latest trends in crane cab design, from heated mirrors to "bars of soap"
On the eve of a high-profile lift, Phil Bishop met Andrew Makepeace, managing director of Initial GWS, still Britain's biggest crane hire company
If you want to get a really good view of the showground, what better way than to hitch a ride from an access platform?
Inside the halls or in the outside area, all over the showground will be something on show nearby that either goes into or onto some kind of crane
There are plenty of bobbing jibs on show in Munich from the truck loading fraternity
Make tracks to the crawlers. Here's just a taster
There's a lot of new-launch activity in the wheeled market
If you want to risk a stiff neck, here's a selection of what's on show in the way of tower cranes
Bauma 98 takes place for the first time at a new purpose-built showground
The world's biggest show of capital goods opens its gates in Munich at 9am on Monday 30 March. Over the following seven days as many as 400,000 visitors will pass by some, if not all, the hundreds of exhibitions
We talk to Tee Yin Tiong, deputy managing director of Favelle Favco Cranes group of companies, about Muhibbah Engineering's progress in the tower crane manufacturing industry and why he remains calm amid the currency crisis
To kick off the second part of our Asia Pacific Survey, this month focusing particularly on the tower crane market, Cranes Today meets a reassuringly upbeat Eric Etchart, managing director of the newly-established, Singapore-based Potain Pte
Some people like to think that size doesn't matter. Well, it does in the crane industry, and if the manufacturers don't make them big enough, then the owner-operators set about upgrading them
January 1998
That's grand!
What do you do when you want to add a 24ft parapet with big letters to the top of a Las Vegas high-rise? Simple, says rigging engineer Bill Cunningham, who explains how it was done
Having given Demag a head-start, Kato has launched its rival City Crane onto the European market
To what extent does training and certification reduce accidents and are we going far enough? Kurt Thomsen examines the evidence and suggests not
Family businesses seem to dominate the crane industry in the Benelux region