New Chairman at CRAC helm
BY JAY KOBLUN
The Crane Rental Association of Canada (CRAC) announced the new board of directors at its 2020 Annual General Meeting. Gijs (Gus) Verdeijen takes the leadership role as Chairman for 2020-2021, which will complete his last year of his second three-year term on the Board. He is taking over for Ryan Burton, the previous Chairman.
Verdeijen joined the crane industry 25 years ago and will celebrate his 25th anniversary at Mammoet on August 1. He started with Mammoet in Holland as an engineering graduate and moved from Holland to Canada in 2002. Verdeijen lives in Sherwood Park with his wife Ellen, a professional photographer, and their three children.
“Normally the current Chairman would host the annual conference and hand off the position to the incoming Chairman at the end of the event,” said Verdeijen. “Obviously things look a little different this year so the hand off will happen during the AGM.”
The incoming Chairman said CRAC is going to be hosting more virtual meetings in 2020 then they’ve done before and also will be continuing its efforts of forming CRAC into an advocacy group for the crane and crane rental company industry.
“There is a call now for more advocacy in the industry and the team and myself want to continue developing that and move towards fortifying the role that CRAC can play,” he said. “We want to be more of an association that advocates for and is a voice for the crane rental companies.”
Verdeijen is looking forward to further developing new initiatives, especially surrounding the Boom Dolly Research Committee and spending more time integrating the Diversity and Inclusion Group but understands that changes always take time.
“These things take time. Time to develop new guidelines and procedures. Red tape to cross with provinces. It can be time consuming and sometimes take longer than we hoped for but I am looking forward to a year of growth,” he said. “If you asked me pre-pandemic how to connect a country so fast digitally, I wouldn’t have had an answer, but since everyone is growing more and more used to this situation, interacting and talking over virtual meetings could move things along for us faster than before.”
Publications Mail Agreement #PM40065710
RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO 111 Gordon Baker Rd., Suite 400, Toronto, ON M2H 3R1
Gijs (Gus) Verdeijen is the new Chairman of the Crane Rental Association of Canada. Photo courtesy of CRAC
www.craneandhoistcanada.com
Editor – Jay Koblun
jkoblun@annexbusinessmedia.com • 519-410-0600
National Account Manager – Laura Goodwin
lgoodwin@annexbusinessmedia.com • 289-928-8543
Media Designer – Svetlana Avrutin
Regular Contributors
Saul Chernos, Doug Younger, Nelson Dewey, Matt Jones, Judy Mellott-Green Group Publisher – Todd Humber thumber@annexbusinessmedia.com
COO – Scott Jamieson
sjamieson@annexbusinessmedia.com
Audience Development Manager / Subscriptions – Urszula Grzyb ugrzyb@annexbusinessmedia.com • Tel: 416-510-5180 Fax: 416-510-6875 or 416-442-2191 • www.craneandhoistcanada.com
Annex Privacy Officer – Privacy@annexbusinessmedia.com Tel: 800-668-2374
Crane & Hoist Canada is published six times a year by Annex Business Media. Reference to named products or technologies does not imply endorsement by the publisher. A subscription to Crane & Hoist Canada (six issues) is $37 + Tax per year in Canada. For subscriptions in the USA the price is $37 USD. Send cheque or VISA/ Mastercard number to Subscription Department, Crane & Hoist Canada, 111 Gordon Baker Rd., Suite 400, Toronto ON M2H 3R1. Fax orders to 416-510-6875. Or subscribe online at www.craneandhoistcanada.com
RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: Crane & Hoist Canada. CIRCULATION DEPT.
111 Gordon Baker Rd., Suite 400, Toronto ON M2H 3R1 ISSN 1923-788X
Next Advertising Deadline: July 27, 2020
Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this exciting new industry publication. For more information, or to reserve space in the next issue, call Laura Goodwin at our Advertising Department Tel: +1-289-928-8543 • lgoodwin@annexbusinessmedia.com
Next Editorial Deadline: July 31, 2020
For writers’ guidelines and submission requirements get in touch with the editor, Jay Koblun, at +1-519-410-0600 Email: jkoblun@annexbusinessmedia.com
Alot of concerns whether the crane industry could stay strong during and after COVID-19 eased with the announcement that crane work was deemed an essential service. Construction moved forward; manufacturers could manufacture; rental companies could rent, and business carried on as “usual.”
With experts saying a second-wave of coronavirus is inevitable, the biggest challenge facing the industry right now is, “what is this new usual?” What sort of things will be forever different and how can associations and companies find ways to support one another?
I spoke with Claire Belanger-Parker from the Crane Rental Association of Canada (CRAC) on how she says the industry is responding and banding together during this crisis. Even though business carried on as usual, she said there are Canadian crane companies feeling the effects of the pandemic in ways we don’t think of right away. Like our mental health.
It may sound silly but conversations around the water cooler are a vital part of office and jobsite culture. Clock in for the day, plan your schedule, interact with your friends and colleagues while you mentally prepare yourself for the day. Water cooler talk encourages employees to get to know each other and connect on a personal level while encouraging a positive work atmosphere that builds relationships and increases communication.
A lot of individuals I’ve spoken with are missing the networking. Networking is such a large part of the heavy lifting industry and no amount of Zoom calls can make up for a face-to-face conversation at a conference or training seminar. But the current situation calls for it and now everyone must adjust. Claire talks about the grief and loss that some people in the industry are facing; not just financial loss but the loss of comraderie in the workplace too. And that’s a real concern as this pandemic continues to play out into the summer and possibly fall.
In this issue CRAC welcomes Gijs (Gus) Verdeijen into the leadership role as Chairman for 2020-2021, completing his last year of his second three-year term on the Board.
Also, is a second round of CONEXPO/CON-AGG news and products showcased at the 2020 show, updates on COVID-19, a lot of industry appointments and new hires like Cropac Equipment welcoming Dale Johnson aboard, awards, hoists, deliveries and more.
Mammoet uses Accelerated Bridge Construction to
deliver light rail infrastructure with little disruption
Mammoet was contracted by TransEd Civil Joint Venture to assist with installing the elevated guideway of the Valley Line LRT project, a 13-kilometre light rail system that will accommodate Edmonton’s growing transportation needs.
As part of the rail system, two concrete guideway spans needed to be installed to form a bridge over one of the busiest freeways in Edmonton. Using conventional bridge construction would have taken months, causing major disruption to thousands of daily commuters using the existing freeway. Mammoet’s ABC method provided a faster and safer execution, which resulted in the two guideway spans being set over the course of two nights.
The ABC method allowed the TransEd Civil Joint Venture to cast the concrete guideway spans next to the installation site in a controlled location, at a lower elevation. This resulted in a safer operation, eliminating the risks of working at heights for construction workers. The method significantly minimized traffic delays associated with conventional construction methods and removed safety risks associated with working among traffic.
Installation occurred overnight when traffic was at its lowest. From their cast location about 100 metres away, the guideway spans were transported and set into place using the JS500 jacking system on top of SPMTs. The south span was moved and set on the first night, followed by the north span on the second night. While the construction of the guideways took several months to complete, it only took Mammoet a total of 21 hours to install them over the two nights. There was no disruption to daily commuters, with the freeway open again by 6 a.m. after each night.
Ritchie Bros. sells $184 million of equipment in first-ever online-only Edmonton auction
Ritchie Bros. sold more than 10,700 equipment items for over $184 million in its first-ever online-only auction in Edmonton. The company temporarily converted to online bidding only to maintain the safety of its customers and employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The May 11-15 auction welcomed more than 23,500 online bidders from 58 countries, setting a new company attendance record. Approximately 87 per cent of the assets in the auction were sold to Canadian buyers, including 47 per cent purchased by Albertans, while international bidders purchased 13 per cent. One hundred per cent of the equipment in the auction was sold to online buyers, including 20 per cent purchased through Ritchie Bros.’ mobile application. More than 1,000 companies sold equipment in Ritchie Bros.’ Edmonton auction, including a complete dispersal for Oil-Berta Cats Ltd., an earthmoving and gravel company based in Barrhead, Alta.
• Total gross transactional value – $184 million
• Total registered bidders (online only) – 23,500
• Total lots sold – more than 10,700
• Number of consignors – more than 1,000
Konecranes expands streaming service to demonstrate crane safety features online
Konecranes expanded its Live Channel interactive streaming service to help customers explore crane safety features to help during the COVID-19 pandemic when travel and interpersonal contact is limited. This service will allow customers to schedule a live crane demonstration online. The demonstrations of crane safety features for Americas Region customers more closely match available demonstration windows with time zones in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America. Safe features that can be previewed on Live Channel include Active Sway Control, Hook Centering, Snag Prevention, Protected Areas, Target Positioning and End Positioning. The interface provides three simultaneous views: a wide angle that shows the demonstrator and the demonstration facility, a close-up view of the belly-box radio control panel and a view of the load from above. Participants can see how load sway can be eliminated in three simultaneous views.
Concrane Sales named ENG Cranes exclusive tower crane distributor in Ontario
Concrane Sales has been named the exclusive distributor in Ontario for ENG Cranes’ range of luffing jib cranes, flat-top hammerhead cranes and derricks.
Based in Reggio Emilia in northern Italy and with a branch in San Francisco, Calif., ENG Cranes has been designing and manufacturing their line of tower cranes, winches as well as custom solutions since 1981. With luffers ranging from eight to 20 ton and flat-top hammerheads ranging from four to 40 ton, ENG Cranes have equipment erected all over Australia, Asia, Europe, and North America, including British Columbia and Nova Scotia. The first ETL253 20-tonne luffer and EDKH185 25-tonne derrick are set to be erected in Toronto, Ontario in Fall 2020.
Airpes names three new regional partners
Airpes, a manufacturer of lifting, weighing and below-the-hook equipment, has expanded its North American network with the appointment of three new sales representatives based in Chicago, Louisville, and Boston.
Justin Wieners, of Louisville, Kentucky; Trevor Deck, of Chicago, Illinois; and Tim O’Leary, of Providence, Rhode Island have joined a growing team of individuals and businesses that represent Airpes in various regions and end user marketplaces.
Airpes has three principle lines of business, namely pre-engineered weighing and monitoring kits for overhead cranes, including load cells, overload protection, readouts, and data loggers; engineered lifting devices for wind turbine erection; and engineered below-the-hook devices, such as coil grabs, rotating blocks, and magnets.
“We love dealers. The relationship is very important because we bring low cost and high-performance products, while the dealers bring a great deal of skill in understanding the application and knowing the end users,” said Tad Dunville, general manager at Airpes Americas. “I feel really strongly that all parties—Airpes, dealers, reps, and customers— will prosper if we remember that and communicate often. All of our reps will focus on supporting crane builder and service organizations.”
Caldwell beam lifts rebar cages on overpass project
The Caldwell Group supplied a custom 75-foot-long, 50,000-pound. capacity beam for lifting 60 rebar cages at a highway project in Philadelphia, Penn.
The two-piece beam is currently being used beneath the hook of a 275-tonne capacity Grove mobile crane to lift the large pier cap rebar cages, as required for concrete reinforcement during the rebuild of an 8,500-foot-long, 100-foot-wide overpass. The cages vary in weight, up to 46-thousand-pounds, and length, up to 85 feet.
The beam was delivered to James J. Anderson Construction Co. Inc. (JJA), which is delivering a scope of work to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to construct a two-mile elevated roadway, with ramps, drainage, and associated utilities and civil engineering works. JJA is utilizing its Anderson-owned crane fleet.
“The beam was designed, manufactured and built in two sections, due to the overall pick length required. It can be used both bolted together at its full length or in individual sections, if required. The rebar cages require support at multiple points from the lifting beam by means of the lower rigging. Multiple lower rigging lugs allow riggers to distribute the weight of the cage to minimize cage deformation. This allows for proper control while handling the lifted load when positioning the rebar cage,” said Tom Eicher, director of engineering at Caldwell.
Caldwell supplied the two two-leg chain slings above the beam that are rigged at angles to share the load when both sections of the lifting beam are bolted together and used as an assembly. The synthetic slings above (connected to the crane’s hook) and beneath the beam (connected to the cages), are supplied by JJA. Sling angles were determined during the design process.
Mammoet completes installation of safety lanes on New Orleans Causeway
Mammoet’s crews have successfully set the remaining 72 shoulder spans on the northbound lanes of the New Orleans Causeway in Louisiana by means of SPMT atop a barge. The shoulders are located between the crossovers, giving motorists and first responders a safe place to pull over when there are breakdowns or accidents.
All 180 spans of both the north and southbound lanes were set without a single incident. This endeavour is considered the most significant improvement to the almost 39-kilometre-long bridge since the second span was completed in 1969.
To reduce the duration and quantity of traffic disruptions on this key bridge, each of the 26-metre-long northbound spans were initially rough set approximately three feet from the final set location as a preparatory step to the lane closures. During these overnight lane closures, other contractors on the Boh Bros. Construction team would sawcut and remove the precast concrete guardrails from the existing bridge spans and coat the cut area with epoxy.
While this was happening on the bridge above, Mammoet’s team would reconfigure the trailers to ensure accuracy of the final set. Once both tasks were complete, the spans were lifted and set into final location against the newly coated epoxy of the existing bridge spans. Once the guardrail removal process began, the team could not stop until the new spans were set into final location to ensure traffic could still safely pass.
Mammoet was first approached for this project because of previous work experience with Boh Bros. on the Twin Span Bridges over Lake Ponchartrain after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. After the devastating storm, 74 bridge spans were completely lost, and 380 bridge spans had shifted. The initial plan was to reconstruct four spans per day, however Mammoet’s team was able to complete between 16 and 19 spans per day, helping to get the bridge back up and running in a fraction of the originally scheduled time.
Cropac Equipment welcomes Dale Johnson
Cropac Equipment hired Dale Johnson as parts manager for its Western Division. Johnson joins the team ready to provide the same great service to customers he’s been renowned for, for almost 30 years. Before arriving at Cropac Equipment, Johnson worked in western Canada as a driver for Home Hardware Stores for 10 years. He traded his steering wheel in 1992 for a desk and phone at CanWest Crane and Equipment in Nisku, Alta., a new business serving the oilfield with new products such as JLG boom truck cranes, articulating cranes from Heila and Cormach and QMC cranes. He was a founding partner in North West Crane Ltd. and in 1999 moved from CanWest Crane over to the new building for North West Crane in Leduc, Alta. During the past 20 years in Leduc, Johnson has provided his customers with quality products at a good price and timely service.
Manitex International highlights Q1 2020 results
Manitex International Inc., released their first quarter 2020 results. Net revenues from continuing operations for the first quarter were $48.7 million, compared to $53.1 million in the fourth quarter last year, and net loss from continuing operations was $7 million, or $0.36 per share, of which $0.38 was attributable to a $6.7 million non-cash charge related to goodwill and intangible asset impairment.
This compares to a slight loss, or $0.00 per share in the fourth quarter of 2019. Adjusted net income from continuing operations in the first quarter 2020 was $1.6 million, or $0.08 per share, compared to $1.3 million, or $0.07 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2019.
“Our commitment to the health and safety of our employees, customers, and business partners is the first priority for us at Manitex International, and we have taken every necessary step to keep our facilities clean and safe during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Steve Filipov, CEO of Manitex International. “The team delivered another solid quarter in what continues to be a very challenging business environment.
“Turning to our North American operations, we had a slower start to the year and were able to make up some of the shortfall in March. Our operations remained opened during the pandemic, which has allowed us to deliver on our backlog, and as you may know, Texas is a particularly industry-friendly state and did not issue mandatory shut-down orders. Thus far, we have not experienced any COVID-19 cases in our North American facilities. Manitex straight mast crane delivered a quarter in line with our expectations, which also, as we’ve commented, was tempered by lower unit volume/shipments that have trended throughout the industry, and we do see some slowing in orders in stick boom cranes and industrial products as we look forward into 2020.”
Steve Kiefer, president and COO of Manitex said, “Going forward, we will continue monitoring overall economic conditions and take all appropriate actions necessary to weather the storm and emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic a stronger company.”
Tadano Demag offers free training during pandemic
Tadano Demag is offering free online training during the COVID-19 pandemic. “While most of us are home right now, we would like to keep in touch with you by providing free online training sessions on several topics,” said the company. “The first sessions will focus on our new telematics system IC-1 Remote as well as Lift Plan, our free online tool that allows you to plan any lift.” To register and to see more information visit, www.tadano.com.
Sandie O’Connor joins Terex Corporation board of directors
Terex Corporation announced Sandie O’Connor has been appointed to its board of directors. O’Connor recently retired as the chief regulatory affairs officer for JPMorgan Chase, a global financial services firm. In this capacity, she set the firm’s comprehensive regulatory strategy and led engagement with G-20 international standard setters, regulators and policymakers regarding evolving regulation and legislation. Using her extensive market expertise and deep understanding of capital flows, balance sheets and market liquidity she provided meaningful perspectives on impacts to clients, business activity and economic growth. Prior to this role, she held several leadership positions spanning corporate functions as well as client facing businesses including Global Treasurer and Head of Prime Services. O’Connor joined JPMorgan in 1988 and over a 30-year career, held positions of increasing responsibility within the company’s Investment Bank and Corporate divisions.
Phil Kelliher, a vice president at Caterpillar, Inc., will chair the next CONEXPO-CON/AGG.
As chairperson of CONEXPOCON/AGG, Kelliher will lead a cross-section of construction equipment leaders to oversee planning of the triannual global gathering place of the construction industry, which is set for March 14-18, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nev.
“Phil is an established leader and supporter of the equipment manufacturing industry and we are thrilled he has accepted this leadership role,” said Dana Wuesthoff, CONEXPO-CON/AGG show director and AEM vice president of exhibitions.
CONEXPO-CON/AGG is the largest international gathering in the Western Hemisphere for the construction industries, held every three years to spotlight the latest equipment, technology and product innovations and industry best practices.
Dale Johnson
Sandie O’Connor
Phil Kelliher
Konecranes wins its largest-ever order for reach stackers
Konecranes won its largest-ever reach stacker contract from a customer in Germany. The contract is for the delivery of 39 Konecranes SMV 2216 TC3 reach stackers with modifications to allow for the stacking of 22-tonne, 16-tonne and 6-tonne containers. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in Q3 2020 and run until Q1 2021.
Mammoet lands biggest contract yet
Mammoet has landed its biggest-ever contract as an unloading, transportation and installation contractor for the Arctic LNG 2 project. The project implements an innovative concept of LNG Plant on gravity-based structures. Technip-led joint venture NovArctic in co-operation with Saipem and NIPIgas chose Mammoet.
Arctic LNG 2 implements an innovative concept of LNG Plant on gravity-based structures (GBS). Over the course of four years, Mammoet will install 42 large modules onto three concrete GBS in Murmansk. The project is expected to use a total of around 2,000 SPMT axles, several Mega Jack lifting systems, a crane fleet spearheaded by a CC8800-1 crane that comes complete with a Boom Booster, and also around 120 workers at peak times.
New Committee Chair appointed to the Boom Dolly Research Committee
The Crane Rental Association of Canada (CRAC) appointed Jason Dashney as Chair of the Boom Dolly Research Committee (BDRC). Dashney is president of Myshak Crane & Rigging Ltd., and has been an active member of the committee. CRAC acknowledges the leadership of Tim Bennett, vice-president of NCSG Crane & Heavy Haul Services Ltd., who served as Chair of the committee for the past two years. Bennett was instrumental in advocating for the industry and providing excellent information on the economic impact of the industry. Bennett succeeded Dean Schmied and Tim Sittler whose efforts were instrumental for the creation of this committee back in late 2015.
“The Boom Dolly Research Committee was our very first advocacy committee and generated participation from members across North America” says out-going Chairman of the Board, Ryan Burton, managing director at Bigfoot Crane Ltd. “We owe a great deal of gratitude to these gentlemen and greatly appreciate Mr. Dashney taking on this leadership role”.
The CRAC’s members are crane rental companies, manufacturers and suppliers of cranes and equipment, and supplier of services used in the specialty crane rental business in Canada.
DICA’s Kris
Koberg
named to SC&RA’s Safety Education & Training Committee
Kris Koberg, CEO of DICA, was recently named to serve a three-year term on the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association’s (SC&RA) Crane & Rigging Group Safety Education & Training Committee.
Koberg’s nomination was approved on April 30 during the association’s web-based committee meeting.
The mission of this committee is to monitor events and recommend actions on safety related issues, including safety programming, legislative, regulatory and standard settings; and, active liaison with the Ironworkers Labor/Management Safety Advisory Committee.
Kris Koberg joined his family’s business in 2011. Respected as an industry thought-leader, Kris brings nine years of industry experience to the committee.
“It’s an honour to serve the crane and rigging industry and represent our company and family. I’m looking forward to serving on the committee and working to fulfill the mission of improving the safety in our industry,” said Koberg.
DICA is a family-owned and operated company that specializes in building high performance engineered outrigger pads, crane pads, and cribbing blocks that are lightweight, easy to use, and long-lasting.
Crane Industry Services hires new business development manager
Crane Industry Services (CIS) expanded its team with the addition of Ray Rice, business development manager. Rice brings more than 20 years of experience from the heavy equipment, aerospace and defense industry. “Ray is well versed in how simulation-based training, software tools, and technology can be leveraged to improve proficiency of equipment operators and is familiar with CM Labs Vortex simulators,” said Debbie Dickinson, CEO of CIS.
Rice will be responsible for delivering crane operator and rigger training solutions for military, utility, port, and construction industries. As an accredited NCCER training sponsor, CIS also has access to more than 80 different construction curriculum and assessment programs. In addition, Rice will lead implementation of CIS’ newest behavioural simulation tools in Leading Safety Works, a project management safety program. The program is based on a practical 90day planning system that makes problem-solving immediately effective and replicable. The system helps project leaders and managers identify critical opportunities to change conditions and improve practices on every job site.
“I am glad to be a member of the CIS team. My job is to drive innovation in the lifting and heavy equipment training industry, and expand how CIS serves customers,” said Rice.
Kris Koberg
Ray Rice
Jason Dashney
Officers elected to lead SEAA
The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) announced new officers and board members.
Geoff Kress, vice president of Gardner-Watson Decking, Inc., Oldsmar, Fla., was elected president. Kress has been a member of SEAA since 2007 and served as treasurer for eight years. In 2011, he was honoured as the SEAA Person of the Year. Kress will serve a two-year term from 2020 to 2022.
“I look forward to leading the Association as we explore strategic plans over the next two years to increase membership. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, more than 4,000 companies are engaged in structural steel erection, generating an estimated $8 billion worth of business. While we provide specialized contracting services, we are critical to commercial and infrastructure projects in this country,” he said.
Joining the executive committee is David Deem, president of Deem Structural Services. Longview, Texas, newly elected to the position of vice president, industry member. Returning officers include Carrie Gulajan, vice president, associate member; Greg Phillips, treasurer, and Chris Legnon, secretary.
In addition, the SEAA Board of Directors welcome two new members: Drew Heron of Empire Steel Inc., Humble, Texas, and Ed Valencia of Memco LLC, Culpeper, Va. Heron and Valencia are superseding Ben Wadlington and Bob Beckner. Beckner recently stepped down after spending 27 years on the board of directors in anticipation of his retirement later this year.
10 tips for a successful crane setup from DICA
It can be difficult to know if the ground beneath your crane will support the weight and pressure under your outriggers, yet knowing this is critical to safe crane setup. Here are 10 mobile crane safety tips and topics for successful crane setup.
1. Know your responsibilities. Cranes must be assembled on ground that is firm, drained and graded sufficiently, in conjunction with supporting materials.
2. Know the bearing strength of the ground and soils. Because this is an extremely complex combination, it’s a good idea to seek the advice of a geotechnical engineer. A low-cost way to determine ground conditions is to use a Dynamic Cone Penetrometer, which is portable and easy-to-use.
3. Identify any sub-surface hazards and avoid if possible.
4. Evaluate and improve the ground if needed. Ways to improve the ground include compaction, removing un-compacted surface layers, or bringing in rock or other dense inorganic material.
5. Know the maximum pressure the crane will exert on each outrigger during the operation, or the maximum outrigger reaction force. Crane manufacturers provide this information for each crane model, and generally, it can be found in your operation manual.
6. Select the right size outrigger pad or crane pad. Undersized pads can put you in an unstable condition, but oversized pads are inefficient in terms of purchase, labour, and transportation costs. Several methods are commonly used in the industry.
7. Choose crane pads or outrigger pads that are designed and constructed to meet or exceed the bearing, flex and shear strength required.
8. Never place blocking, cribbing, pads or mats under the outrigger beam. Only use them under the outrigger floats or pontoons.
9. Monitor every lift. If the outrigger pad or crane mat is showing significant deflection or bending, stop the lift. The outrigger force is greater than the pad and ground can support. Additional appropriate blocking or cribbing should be added.
10. Use common sense. If it doesn’t look right, stop. If it doesn’t act right, stop. If it doesn’t feel right, stop. Products are never a replacement for common sense.
SEAA names six recipients in Project of the Year awards
Six steel erection companies have been named as recipients in the annual Project of the Year awards by the Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA). Chosen by an independent panel of judges, the companies received notice of their awards in March 2020 for projects that were topped out in either 2018 or 2019.
“Expanding the scope of the submission criteria to a 24-month window greatly increased the number of completed project submissions we received,” said Alan Sears, awards committee chairman. “This provides SEAA members with an opportunity to showcase their most interesting, and often most challenging, structural steel erection work.
“Erectors work closely with fabrication, engineering, and general contractors in roles that often require revisiting the drawing board to customize rigging or material handling devices, collaborate on more efficient connection methods, or devise better fall protection systems to safely keep projects on schedule and on budget. These award-winning projects are good examples of that ingenuity.”
Ropac Inc.
Troy Wellness building at Troy University – Troy, Ala. Class I for erection contracts up to $525,000
A wellness centre located at the main entrance of Troy University campus required work be performed with as little disruption as possible to daily activities. Space constraints and flooding made execution even more difficult. The judge panel said the curved hung running track, the radiused members of the Rotunda, and the 115’ trusses were some of the unique components on this project.
Williams Steel Erection Co., Inc.
Ballston Quarter Pedestrian Walkway – Arlington, Va. Class II for $525,000 to $1 million
“Planning was key on this project. Williams Steel Erection Company was able to successfully propose and implement an alternate erection plan to accommodate the complicated geometry and urban setting.”
Alliance Riggers & Constructors
Bel Air High School – El Paso, Tex.
Class III for $1 million to $2.5 million
A new multi-level arts and sports complex for Ysleta Independent School District replaced an existing single level gym within the same restricted location.
“Long spans and heavy trusses defined this project. Floor trusses were 127’ long, and roof trusses were 177’ long, weighing up to 60 tons each. Temporary bracing and guying were also critical components of this project,” summarized the judge panel. Successful execution required close coordination with the fabricator and engineering firms to properly plan erection and fabrication sequencing.
Peterson Beckner Industries
Kinder Building at Museum of Fine Arts – Houston, Tex. Class IV for over $2.5 million
The awards provide SEAA members an opportunity to showcase their most interesting, and often most challenging, structural steel erection work.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
Empire Steel Holocaust Museum – Houston, Tex. Class II
This high-profile project included tilt wall and structural steel erection around several priceless exhibits that remained in the museum during construction. Sequencing, critical crane lifts, and noise restrictions all contributed to the challenges of executing the project on time and on budget.
Metrolina Steel Erectors
Capital One Hall – Tysons Corner, Va. Class IV
The judge panel reported:
“There is nothing ordinary about this structure,” said the judge panel of the Museum of Fine Arts, Kinder Building. Floor framing consists of two levels of geometrically complicated heavy wide flange composite structure. The roof is an intricate weaving of sloped and swept pipe trusses, infilled with sloped and rolled wide flange beams to form a network of concave roof sections. Primary challenges included erection phasing of the composite floor level framing and in-depth sequencing of the complex roof framing. In addition, development of erection procedures to ensure field fit-up and stability of the structure while under construction was critical.
Capital One Hall will be used to host Capital One corporate events. The steel scope consisted of more than 3,000 tons of structural steel, including long and short span trusses, heavy plate girders, large box columns, grand stairs, and elaborate round pipe. During construction the building was divided into five sections, each with its own challenges, represented by tight laydown areas, critical lifts, need for accuracy with project sequencing, and quality control for ease of field assembly of shop built pieces.
The Ballston Quarter Pedestrian Walkway is a 145 ft. long, 100-ton bridge with no symmetry. It changes direction twice is made of exposed pipe. Public safety was a major concern, with little room to work on the signature feature over a busy four-lane road with no center pier.
CRANE & HOIST CANADA STAFF REPORT
Troy Wellness building at Troy University – Troy, Ala.
Bel Air High School – El Paso, Tex.
Holocaust Museum – Houston, Tex.
Capital One Hall – Tysons Corner, Va.
Kinder Building at Museum of Fine Arts – Houston, Tex.
Ballston Quarter Pedestrian Walkway – Arlington, Va.
Liebherr LG 1750 SX lattice boom cranes arrive in Canada
North America’s first Liebherr LG 1750 SX mobile cranes arrived in Canada. Canadian crane and heavy haul contractor Myshak Crane & Rigging took delivery of their first Liebherr LG 1750 SX mobile crane in December 2019 and their second upcoming in April 2020.
The 750-tonne lattice boom crane will reinforce the company’s crane fleet and is mainly intended for jobs in the wind power industry. The company said they needed a larger crane because wind turbines are getting higher and higher and their component weights are increasing. And decided to invest in the LG 1750s because this crane helps it meet the needs of its customers from the wind power industry in North America.
Myshak ordered both LG 1750 cranes with SL20 boom systems for erecting wind turbines with a hub height of up to 100 metres at low cost without using a derrick system. In addition, the company purchased the even more powerful SX boom system for erecting turbines with a hub height of 140 metres or more using a derrick system. This enables it to erect the latest generation of wind turbines.
Although Myshak is mainly planning to use the new LG 1750 for wind power jobs, it will also be used in other sectors, such as heavy hoists.
“We have a long-term partnership with Liebherr and are delighted with the quality of the products and the company’s innovations,” the company said in a release. Myshak recently also took delivery of an LR 1350/1 crawler crane, LG 1550 lattice boom mobile crane, LTM 1500-8.1, LTM 1250-5.1 and LTM 1070-4.2 mobile cranes from Liebherr.
Daru Unio puts Demag AC 45 City into operation
Daru Unio added a new Demag AC 45 City crane to its already large fleet of mobile cranes. The Hungarian crane service provider already has the AC 40 City, AC 80-2, AC 130-5, and AC 250-5 models.
“We love our Demag cranes, and our extensive experience with them means that we’re able to take full advantage of their capabilities. That’s why the AC 45 City was the logical choice for us when it came to expanding our fleet,” said Daru Unio co-owner Zsolt Csepregi.
The people at Daru Unio said they appreciate the extraordinary performance behind Demag cranes in particular, as well as their compact design. After all, these two characteristics have enabled the company to successfully tackle an extremely wide variety of jobs.
“Having said that; however, our focus is on indoor projects, and the Demag AC 45 City is simply the best machine out there for that specific type of job,” said Csepregi.
First Jekko SPX1280 in the UAE lands in Dubai
The latest SPX1280 Jekko mini crane arrived in the UAE for the first time and was delivered to Jekko’s dealer AJI Heavy Equipment Rental in Dubai.
AJI, which is about to also take delivery of a SPX532, runs a diverse fleet of close to 500 units in the UAE consisting of a full range of powered access, mini cranes (included SPX312, SPX424, JF40) and cleaning equipment.
“We have been eagerly awaiting the SPX1280 as it brings a new dimension into the market, we saw it was the outrigger footprint and flexibility what truly set it apart from its competitors, when we placed our order at launch last year. We have a couple of interesting projects lined up for the unit and can’t wait to get it on site”, AJI general manager Dean Jones.
The SPX1280 was officially presented at the end of 2019 and has already been a great success. This versatile mini crane, the biggest of SPX line so far, reaches 26.6 metres in height including jib.
We have a long-term partnership with Liebherr and are delighted with the quality of the products and the company’s innovations.
The core of this crane is its new stabilization system and the well-known hydraulic jib with three extensions that can be stowed either under or on the side of the main boom. The new hydraulic system allows smoother and more precise operation, for a greater feeling of control for the operator.
This 100 per cent electronically-operated supply system has been enhanced to offer new functions such as jib extension and arm lifting at the same time, smoother and more performing tracks, operation while combining four functions at a time.
First Tadano GT-750EL truck crane arrives in Mexico
Through a Tadano commercial partner in Mexico, Arrendo SERV, Grupo Vazquez del Sur found what they needed in the Tadano GT-750EL, the largest among a new family of truck cranes offered from Tadano that also includes the GT-600EL and the GT-300EL.
The purchase marked the first-ever Tadano GT-750EL to be sold in Mexico following the model’s worldwide launch at Bauma 2019. Grupo Vazquez del Sur needed a truck crane that could comfortably carry its crew long distances between worksites across southeastern Mexico and arrive with the crane ready to do the job. The GT-750EL met these demands with its all-in-one design that requires no additional auxiliary vehicles to transport counterweights or assist with assembly. Its two-person seating configuration accommodates both operator and assistant with ample
From left to right: Garnet Clark (Myshak Equipment) Cristopher Neurauter (Liebherr - Canada Ltd.) Jim Myshak (Myshak Sales & Rentals) Jason Dashney (Myshak Crane & Rigging Ltd.).
Photo courtesy of Liebherr
Left to right: Zsolt Csepregi (Daru Unio), Lajos Patko (Pannon-Technika), Andreas Schramm (Tadano Demag GmbH), and Kristian Körmendi (Daru Unio).
Photo courtesy of Demag
space, and the cab’s internal storage compartments keep tools contained and organized.
With a maximum lifting capacity of 75 tonnes and a total length of just 14.2 metres, the GT-750EL brings power, compactness, and efficiency to tight working conditions. The main boom has two modes of operation, enabling the crane to maximize its lifting capacity at short radiuses with a stronger boom and maximize lifting capacities at high radiuses with a lighter boom. The GT-750EL features a five-section boom that can extend up to 47 metres and a two-stage, three-fix position jib of nine metres and 14.3 metres with a maximum tip height of 61.2 metres. The GT-750EL’s under slung jib can be installed in an area no greater than the crane’s width
for easy setup in confined spaces.
The GT-750EL utilizes a precise hydromechanical pilot control joystick system for smooth crane motions. The crane also comes equipped with Tadano’s Smart Chart system, which allows the crane to increase its lifting capacity up to 44.3 per cent when operating over the main outrigger beam corners.
“The GT-750EL brings a reliable and maneuverable lifting solution to the 75 to 80 tonne class with a control system that’s smooth and intuitive. This crane is perfectly suited for fast transport and setup, which is essential when moving from jobsite to jobsite each day,” said Marcos Rodriguez of Grupo Vazquez del Sur.
This crane is perfectly suited for fast transport and setup, which is essential when moving from jobsite to jobsite each day
From the left, AJI Operations Manager Mr. Hannes Van Graan and General Manager Dean Jones.
Photo courtesy of Jekko
From left: Yoshifumi Wada, Pedro Delao, Tayzo Zetina, Marcos Rodriguez, Ruben Olivas, Jose Maria Aranguren, Miguel Jimenez, and Julio Padron.
Photo courtesy of Tadano
Crane company supports frontline workers battling COVID-19 crisis
Acrane company at a condo construction site downtown Hamilton, Ont., is lifting spirits in support of frontline workers everywhere with a 20-foot by 40-foot flag made by London Flag Shop that reads “Thank You First Responders And Frontline Workers.”
RESCON applauds government decision allowing work to proceed on Ontario construction sites
The Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) applauded the announcement by the provincial government allowing work to proceed on all construction sites, including new housing projects in the residential sector, as of May 19.
“Allowing all residential construction to proceed in Ontario as of next week will have a tremendously positive impact on the economic recovery of the province as well as ensuring that housing is provided for thousands of Ontarians,” said RESCON president Richard Lyall. “It will be critical that the municipal development and
building review, permitting and inspection process support the industry’s efforts. RESCON and others are engaged in identifying enhanced performance standards and related innovations that will help in this effort.
“I am proud of our sector for successfully navigating through the early stages of the pandemic and continuing to deliver homes for the people of this province,” added Lyall. “We commend the leadership and thoughtful approach by the Ford government as it addresses the opening up of the province. The economic recovery will not be without its challenges, but the residential construction industry will continue to do its best to ensure that the Ontario economy is firing on all cylinders as quickly and safely as possible.”
RESCON led the early development and implementation of COVID-19 protocols for residential
construction sites, which was a crucial element in most of the sector being designated as an essential workplace. Going forward, public health and the health and safety of workers will continue to be paramount for the industry.
“Our industry health and safety has always been and will remain our industry’s top concern,” said Andrew Pariser, RESCON vice president. “The proactive and stringent measures that our sector implemented on-site during COVID have been successful. Our rapid response and across-the-board implementation has kept workers safe. We will continue to adhere to Ministry of Labour health and safety guidelines and remain vigilant addressing issues before they become hazards.”
A focus on sub-national Canadian policies
BY: CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD
Information outlining some of the program offerings to assist businesses during pandemic
All provincial governments have set up websites to help both individuals and businesses navigate the provincial and federal government assistance programs.
The federal government of Canada revealed initial measures to support individuals and businesses impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic in mid-March 2020. This effort included an $82 billion aid package with $27 billion in direct support and an additional $55 billion to help business liquidity through tax deferrals.
A primary goal was to support everyday expenses for the impacted portion of the Canadian population and to assist businesses in meeting their payroll and operation costs.
The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy was announced on April 1 in order to slow further job losses by subsidizing up to 75 per cent of employee wages for eligible Canadian companies for up to 12 weeks, retroactive to March 15, 2020.
This program was designed to encourage employers to rehire workers that had been laid off and ensure companies are better positioned to resume normal operations once the crisis has passed.
During this same period in March, the provincial and territorial governments of Canada have declared either a state of emergency or public health emergencies allowing access to resources and government powers to ensure critical supplies could be made available to the local populations.
A crane downtown Hamilton, Ont., is hanging a flag in support of frontline workers battling COVID-19. Photo by Jay Koblun
The provincial government has allowed work to proceed on all construction sites. Photo by Liebherr
• 250 t (300 USt) capacity
• 70 m (230 ft) seven-section main boom
• 21 m (69 ft) swingaway with jib and/or boom inserts
• VIAB turbo retarder clutch
• Single engine design — less fuel consumption
• Counterweight with hydraulic removal system
• Five position outriggers
• Steer by wire
All provincial governments have set up websites to help both individuals and businesses navigate the provincial and federal government assistance programs.
The government response is continuing to evolve, with the federal and provincial governments modifying their financial support and assistance programs as they better understand the impact of the crisis on Canadian businesses.
The information below outlines some of the significant program offerings which can assist businesses in continued operation during this time. This is not an exhaustive list. For more information visit, www.canada.ca.
ALBERTA
• Emergency isolation support for anyone self-isolating or who is the sole caregiver of someone who is self-isolating ($1,146 one-time).
BRITISH COLUMBIA
• One-time payment of up to $1,000 to workers.
• Low-medium income families will receive a larger-thanusual Climate Action Tax Credit in July 2020.
• Renters who are at risk of losing their homes receive up to $500 a month.
NEW BRUNSWICK
• Workers who have lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 state of emergency, including self-employed, are eligible for one-time payment of $900.
NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR
• Private-sector employers’ compensation to ensure employees do not go without pay during the pandemic.
NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
• Increase in funding for income assistance program.
NOVA SCOTIA
• Small Business Impact Grant ($20M) to provide small businesses and social enterprises with 15% of sales revenue (up to $5,000).8
• Worker Emergency Bridge Fund ($20M) to help the self-employed and laid-off workers who do not qualify for employment insurance.
• One-time payment ($1,000) to bridge the gap between layoffs / closures and the federal government’s Canada Emergency Response Benefit.
ONTARIO
• Parents of children affected by school and daycare closures provided with one-time payments ($200 per child9 up to the age of 12).
• Low-income seniors will see increases in their usual payments for six months.
• Some families will be newly eligible to receive support paying hydro bills
• Expansion of access to Ontario Works income support program.
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
• One-time payment ($750) to bridge the gap between layoffs and the federal government’s Canada Emergency Response Benefit.
• Worker payments ($250 per week) for workers who have kept their jobs, but at reduced hours.
• Self-employee fund payments (up to $500 per week).
QUEBEC
• Temporary Aid for Workers program for those who are unable to work due to COVID-19 and do not qualify for federal assistance ($573 per week for up to four weeks).
SASKATCHEWAN
• Residents who have been ordered to self-isolate, and are not eligible for federal support, can receive province’s self-isolation support (a maximum of $900 over two weeks).
YUKON
• Employer rebates to cover workers’ time off due to selfisolation requirements.
AEM to shed light on COVID-19’s impact on construction and utility industries
BY: MEGAN TANEL
It’s hard to believe that CONEXPO-CON/AGG was so long ago. With more than 130,000 registered attendees and 2,000 exhibitors at North America’s largest construction trade show, the exhibit floor in Las Vegas was jam-packed, spirits were high, and buying was in full-force.
So much planning goes into CONEXPO-CON/AGG. Every three years, the event brings buyers and sellers from across the United States and around the world together to see the latest equipment and the newest technology, learn the most updated best practices, and network with old friends while making new ones.
Now, looking back, we couldn’t have imagined what was waiting for us upon our return home.
No one knew then just how much life would change. In the weeks and months since CONEXPO-CON/AGG was held, we’ve all had to adjust to life at a socially acceptable distance and learn how to work and do business from home – all while keeping ourselves, our families, and our businesses safe.
The first several weeks following CONEXPO-CON/ AGG were spent by many scrambling to comply with new guidelines and mandates associated with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Things changed rapidly. Business leaders made quick decisions, carefully balancing employee safety and bottom lines.
Industry associations began to check in on their membership, while trade publications solicited feedback from their readership. They sought to learn how businesses were managing and surviving the pandemic. Surveys eventually began to circulate, asking questions like:
• What is happening to your workforce, to your supply chain, to your backlog?
• How are you sanitizing your environment, distancing your employees, and complying with guidelines and regulations?
• Have you applied (or will you apply) for federal aid?
• What is your economic outlook, and what has happened to your budget?
The surveys reflect the dawning awareness that has surfaced over the past months: The COVID-19 pandemic may not be over as quickly as we had hoped. More importantly, most—if not all—businesses will be affected to some degree.
EDC announces expanded support for more Canadian companies to help navigate COVID-19 crisis
CRANE & HOIST CANADA STAFF REPORT
With the goal of helping more Canadian businesses face the financial challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada announced the creation of the Mid-Market Guarantee and Financing Program available under Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) with support from Export Development Canada (EDC).
The expanded program brings liquidity to companies who tend to have revenues of between $50 million to $300 million, to sustain operations during this emergency moment.
“Medium-sized companies represent 16 per cent of employment in Canada and span all sectors. They are essential to the economic well-being of our country,” said Mairead Lavery, president and CEO, EDC. “Not only do they employ millions of dedicated Canadian workers, but they are essential to the livelihood of our industries, supply chains and our communities coast, to coast, to coast.”
With this expanded support, EDC will continue to work with Canadian financial institutions to guarantee 75 per cent of new operating credit and cash-flow loans—ranging in size from $16.75 million to a maximum of $80 million. These expanded guarantees are available to exporters, international investors and businesses that sell their products or services within Canada.
This support is in addition to measures already included in the (BCAP) as well as other measures previously announced by EDC to help bridge more Canadian companies to a more stable time.
UN highlights the unique challenges faced by Disabled Injured Workers during COVID-19
Michelle Bachelet, the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights recently gave a statement that Canadians living with disabilities—including permanently injured workers—face disproportionate challenges during the pandemic.
“People with disabilities must often rely on others for help with daily tasks,” she reminded, something that is increasingly difficult during COVID-19. “…our efforts to combat this virus won’t work unless we approach it holistically, which means taking great care to protect the most vulnerable and neglected people in society, both medically and economically.”
Injured workers face a bevy of unique changes to their day to day life during these difficult times, including:
• A closure of therapy services that had been relied upon for pain management.
• Significant reductions in home care.
• Increased reliance on family members.
• Heightened costs associated with essential goods delivery and safe transportation.
Here in Canada, financial supports available on disability benefits remain well below the levels offered to other Canadians receiving CERB packages, and significant concerns remain about triage policies for disabled Canadians in emergency situations during medical equipment shortages. At the same time, support for the employers is at an all-time high.
Within days of COVID-19 related business shutdowns, the Province of Ontario and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) delivered a premium-deferral package for employers that offered 1.9 billion dollars in immediate relief. In the six weeks that have followed the bailout for employers, no measures have been adopted to assist injured workers themselves—including those who have become sick with Coronavirus.
In fact, the WSIB has insisted on adjudicating the case of every worker who becomes ill with Coronavirus separately, an arrangement that has resulted in the approval of just 513 out of almost 3500 claims submitted claims, with more than 2807 sick workers stuck in a very slow-moving lineup to get any decision at all.
“Workers who are putting their health on the line to provide critical care and maintain supply chains have to know that they will be cared for—not fought against—if they get the virus,” says Janet Paterson, president of the Ontario Network of Injured Workers’ Groups (ONIWG), an umbrella organization representing thousands of permanently injured workers in the province. “Imagine coming home from work at a hospital, grocery store, or care home with Coronavirus and, on top of knowing you’re gravely ill and you’ve put your family in serious danger, you need to engage in a battle with the compensation board to prove where you got this illness?”
ONIWG is among countless groups in Ontario and across Canada calling on compensation boards to follow the lead of multiple American jurisdictions and institute a “presumption” that would allow those working during the pandemic to receive automatic coverage if they become ill with virus, in much the same way that police and paramedics receive automatic coverage for PTSD.
PPE has always played a big role in construction, but workers are sure to be wearing it in more situations as they get back to work in the coming months.
Photo: © Adobe Stock
Pettibone presents Super Equipment as new dealer for Quebec and Maritime provinces
Pettibone Traverse Lift is part of the Industrial Technologies Group and was founded in 1881
Pettibone Traverse Lift added Super Equipment to its dealer network. Located in Vaudreuil-Dorian, Que., near Montreal, Super Equipment will carry Pettibone Traverse and Extendo telehandlers, mobile elevating work platforms, and CaryLift product lines for Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
“We are excited to welcome Super Equipment to the Pettibone team,” said David Chase, director of sales and marketing for Pettibone. “Their experience and focus in the lifting equipment market is a natural complement for our product offering. We look forward to working with them to grow their coverage in eastern Canada.”
Founded in 2010, Super Equipment specializes in sales, long-term rentals and refurbishments of equipment including boom trucks, rough terrain cranes, truck cranes, and now telehandlers, mobile elevating work platforms, and Cary-Lifts with the Pettibone partnership. Super Equipment recently acquired a new 14,000-square-foot facility to expand service capabilities for its customer base.
“Pettibone has a wonderful product, and we are eager to start marketing their telehandlers in our area,” said Patrick Tremblay, vice president of Super Equipment. “The Traverse telehandler line, in particular, provides a unique solution with the horizontal traversing boom that nobody else offers, and we believe there’s a great opportunity to be successful with that product in our territory.”
A LONG WAY TOGETHER
AIROMAX AM 27
No matter how challenging your needs, AIROMAX AM 27 is your best ally for mobile cranes in industrial applications. The tire is particularly suitable for road usage. Thanks to its All Steel casing and the special tread design, AIROMAX AM 27 provides extraordinary traction along with high load capacity.
AIROMAX AM 27 is BKT’s response to withstand the toughest conditions in the construction industry.
Super Equipment is the new Pettibone dealer for eastern Canada.
Photo courtesy of Pettibone
Julie Fuller appointed Tadano Mantis COO
BY JAY KOBLUN
U.S.based Tadano Mantis appointed Julie Fuller as its new COO. Fuller has been with the company for 25 years and was previously vice president of engineering.
“I’ve been with Tadano Mantis for a number of years now and I’m really looking forward to see how I can use my skills and knowledge of the industry to better the company and continue to move it forward,” said Fuller at this year’s CONEXPO/CON-AGG in Las Vegas, Nev.
Tadano Mantis continues the development and production of Mantis hydraulic telescopic-boom crawler cranes originally introduced by SpanDeck, Inc. in 1979. The earliest models, the 2010 and 2610 were designed primarily for use in the tank-building industry. Industries such as power transmission line erection and bridge construction soon discovered the Mantis which brought about the development a higher capacity equipment.
Tadano Mantis Introduces New 160 US Ton Model at CONEXPO 2020
Tadano Mantis exhibited the new GTC-1600 boom crawler crane at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2020. The 160 US ton model will increase the maximum capacity of the GTC models and expand the product line to six machines.
A six-section, 42.8-foot to 200.1-foot hydraulic boom is designed for flexibility with higher, longer capabilities for lift work, while also enabling out-of-level and pick-and-carry work.
The main boom has a 33.8-foot / 59.1-foot bi-fold jib with offsets at 0, 20, and 40 degrees. Jib length of up to 105 feet is possible with two 23-foot optional lattice inserts, giving a maximum tip height of 305 feet. An optional 11.8-foot heavy lift jib with 20 and 40-degree offsets is ideal for tilt-up work in tight spaces. Mechanical offset on all jibs is standard, with optional hydraulic offset available.
The GTC-1600 is designed for easy set-up with efficient features like a self-erecting counterweight system with remote control and integrated two-stage carbody jacks that provide increased lifting height for ease of transport. Hydraulic quick couplers on the track drive hoses allow simple, tool-free track frame removal and handling.
Testing of the GTC-1600 will continue through 3rd QTR 2020, with the start of sales planned for end of 2020.
SKV Crane and Rigging takes delivery of LR 1800-1.0 crawler crane at 2020 construction show
SKV Crane & Rigging has added a Liebherr LR 1800-1.0 to its fleet of crawler cranes and celebrated the handover of the crane with Liebherr staff at the company’s CONEXPO/CON-AGG booth in March. The crane will soon be in the field on upcoming wind projects in Wyoming.
“I feel the LR1800 was the best choice for the upcoming projects in our area,” said Stephen Vinot, operations manager of SKV Crane and Rigging. “This is due to its easy mobilization and setup, its infield mobility without a derrick, lower ground bearing pressure and the flexibility to add a derrick and luffing jib for larger projects.”
The LR 1800-1.0 is currently the most powerful crawler crane in its class on the market. It has a load capacity of 880 tons. This outstanding lift capacity is complemented by the crane’s ease of worldwide transport, as the basic machine is only 9.7-feet wide.
For the first time, the boom system features lattice sections with three system dimensions which can be nested into each other for transport. A quick connection to remove the superstructure for transport is standard. The LR 1800-1.0 also features the derrick ballast with VarioTray – after raising
the lattice boom with the large derrick ballast, part of the ballast can be unpinned quickly and easily.
“Our first project with the LR 1800-1.0 will be with Mortenson in Wyoming. We look forward to supporting wind energy and petroleum projects,” Vinot said. SKV is a Wyoming native, family-owned business that’s been in operation since 1994.
“Due to the size of the new components to be installed we sized up the LR 1800-1.0,” Vinot said. “We have had a great relationship with Liebherr with our LTR cranes. The
company has been outstanding in technical support, parts availability and service support.”
SKV provides construction and maintenance services as a manufacturer and general contractor to the power generating, mining, lumber, petro-chemical and steel industries nationwide. Based in Wyoming’s Powder River basin region, SKV is centrally located to serve these industries, and concentrating its efforts on maintenance and repair of facilities that need onsite machine, welding and fabrication services.
Photo courtesy of Tadano Mantis
Julie Fuller is the new COO of Tadano Mantis.
Photo by Jay Koblun
Photos courtesy of Tadano Mantis.
Stephen Vinot, center, operations manager for SKV Crane and Rigging, celebrates the handover of the LR 1800 with Liebherr staff at the company’s CONEXPO booth. Photos courtesy of Liebherr
SKY Crane and Rigging has taken delivery of the LR 1800 crawler crane on exhibit at Liebherr’s CONEXPO 2020 stand in Las Vegas.
CRAC’s take on the COVID-19 and the crane industry
The Crane Rental Association of Canada is finding different ways it can serve its members during the pandemic with webinars, hosting its first virtual Annual General Meeting and staying relevant on social media
BY JAY KOBLUN
The World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a pandemic on Mar. 11 and the Crane Rental Association of Canada (CRAC) has used this time to double-up on its social media presence and serve its members better.
“COVID-19 did throw a wrench in my work because a large part of my focus is the live general meeting,” said Claire Bélanger-Parker, CRAC executive administrator.
“Once the live event was cancelled, my focus shifted to other ways CRAC can deliver value to its members.”
CRAC has developed a webinar series and is continuing to advocate on important issues facing Canadian crane companies during this time.
“We’ve been focusing on aspects related to the economy, and regulations around Saskatchewan that could be impacting other provinces in the future and focusing on the work that we’ve been doing with CRAC’s Boom Dolly Research Committee. There is still a lot of work that needs to be done in terms of the association,” said Bélanger-Parker.
The CRAC executive director said some of its members are faring well during the pandemic while others are facing unique challenges they have never faced before.
“What I’m hearing from members is we do have several that are faring quite well during this crisis, because crane operations were deemed essential across Canada and they’ve kept working. Where they’ve had to adjust most is the safety of their own workplaces. Providing hand sanitizers and adding new security measures, changing the approach to navigating their jobsite,” she said. “Others have said it’s been tough because their administrative staff is forced to work from home, change how tasks are completed, and do things that they’re not used to.”
Bélanger-Parker has been with CRAC since 2012 and has always wanted the association to have an established presence on social media. She is using this time to be more digitally active.
“I’ve been working on setting up our social media accounts in order to better communicate with our members and find them where they are,” she said. “It’s really interesting looking at old pictures of some of our amazing events and it’s the networking that our members are missing the most. In any upcoming virtual events we’re going to work hard with our board to have the cameras on, and have people interacting and talking with one another. Again, the networking is such an important part of what we do as an association.”
CRAC’s committees have remained quite active throughout the crisis through virtual calls and Bélanger-Parker has seen the industry come together in a different way.
“We’ve had these types of conference calls before, just without cameras. I would share my screen and data and viewers would listen to a presenter, but now all our cameras are on and we can see each other,” she said. “The bond is different. We all feel for each other and I see great empathy between our members when we do spend time on call together.
“Everyone has faced grief, and loss, not just financial, but the loss of comraderie in the workplace too. And that’s a huge loss for everyone. When you’re used to coming in to work in the morning and saying hello and chatting, and then going on with their work, that loss is a part of the grieving process everyone is experiencing.”
According to the association, the biggest challenge since March has been shifting the focus of its regular live interactions to creating something online that will be meaningful to its members
“We were starting to study how to bring greater value to our members and COVID-19 has really just thrown us into the arena. COVID-19 has encouraged us to fight for what we believe in and that’s bringing people together,” said Bélanger-Parker.
“Everyone has faced grief, and loss, not just financial, but the loss of comraderie in the workplace too.”
Claire Bélanger-Parker
Claire Bélanger-Parker is the executive director of the Crane Rental Association of Canada and is looking for more ways to bring value to its members during the pandemic. Photo courtesy of CRAC
CRAC announces 2020-2021 Board of Directors and new Board Chair
The Crane Rental Association of Canada is a not-forprofit, crane industry organization that represents crane rental companies, manufacturers and suppliers of cranes and equipment, and supplier of services used in the specialty crane rental business in Canada. The Association is governed by a Board of Directors representing 10 crane rental companies and three supplier companies. The members met virtually for the Annual General Meeting on June 10, 2020 and elected the following directors to serve the 2020-2021 Board:
• Gijs (Gus) Verdeijen: Mammoet Canada – Chairman
• Michel Riverin: Vice-Chairman
• Bernie Buettner: NCSG Crane & Heavy Haul Services Ltd. –Secretary-Treasurer
Celebrating safety at the CRAC annual conference
The Crane Rental Association of Canada (CRAC) announced the recipients of the Safety Awards for their outstanding safety standards in 2019.
The awards, announced during the Annual General Meeting, place nine crane rental companies on centre stage for their commitment and dedication in creating a safe work environment for their staff, operators, and the public. Receiving the safety awards are:
• ABCO Crane Services – Nisku, Alta.
• Amherst Crane Rentals Ltd. – Toronto, Ont.
• Canlift Crane Inc. – Grand Prairie, Alta.
• Canuck Concrete Pumping & Crane – Yellowknife, NWT
• Mammoet Canada – Edmonton, Alta.
• Myshak Crane & Rigging Ltd. – Acheson, Alta.
• NCSG Crane & Heavy Haul Services Ltd. – Acheson, Alta.
• RKM Services Ltd. – Langley, B.C.
• Sterling Crane – Edmonton, Atla.
“The Crane Rental Association of Canada is dedicated to improving the safety of the Canadian crane industry and it is more important than ever to celebrate safety among our membership. We congratulate these companies on their performance,” said Ryan Burton, Chairman of the Board, who announced the awards during the virtual meeting on June 10.
The CRAC members are crane rental companies, manufacturers and suppliers of crane and equipment, and suppliers of service used in the specialty crane rental business in Canada.
PRESENT DIRECTORS
Shannon Moir-Riendeau, Moir Crane Service Ltd.
Tony Niese, Nelson Manufacturing Company
Jose Perez, Broderson Manufacturing Corp.
NEWLY ELECTED DIRECTORS
Sheena Baker, Canadian Crane Rentals Ltd.
Justin Andrews, Tadano America Corp.
Ryan Long, Irving Equipment Ltd.
Bob Fairbank, TNT Crane & Rigging Canada Inc. Don Hnatuk, Prairie Crane Inc.
Trevor Eckert, Sterling Crane
Alan Neumann, Able Crane Services Ltd.
Verdeijen is vice president of Mammoet Canada Western Ltd., a member company since 1999. “To step into the Chairman’s position of the Crane Rental Association of Canada during a pandemic will be challenging but I do believe this is a unique opportunity to show great leadership and support our members weather the storm,” says Verdeijen.
Crane Rental Association of Canada presents monthly webinar series
The Crane Rental Association of Canada (CRAC) is presenting a monthly webinar series starting on June 17. Once a month, industry experts will present on various issues impacting the crane rental industry in Canada, beginning with the Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s New Guidelines on Crane Inspection & Certification.
“On January 23rd, 2020, new engineering guidelines were published regarding the inspection of mobile equipment in British Columbia. Since cranes are included in the classification of mobile equipment, these guidelines will be of interest for crane owners and operators in British Columbia,” said CRAC.
Initiated in 2018, EGBC worked with industry representatives and WorkSafeBC to create guidelines for the inspection and certification of equipment operating in British Columbia.
Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s New Guidelines on Crane Inspection & Certification
On June 17 Stuart Nash, P. Eng, Manager, Professional Practice Development and Outreach, Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia and Ryan Stewart, P. Eng., Arsenal Engineering Ltd. presented on:
• Providing clarity to mobile crane owners and operators by outlining what is expected with the implementation of the guidelines.
• Address some of the concerns such as: challenges, costs, enforcement, and liability.
Verdeijen takes over from Ryan Burton, managing director at Bigfoot Crane Company in Abbotsford, B.C. who served on the Board for six years. “We are grateful for Ryan’s leadership and commitment to our Board,” says Verdeijen. Burton will remain active as ex-officio member as he assumes the position of Past Chairman.
Stayed tuned for updates on topics for CRAC’s upcoming webinars.
The Crane Rental Association of Canada Board launches a new project of the year Awards
The Crane Rental Association of Canada (CRAC), continues to celebrate safety, excellence, and innovation in the Canadian crane industry by launching a project of the year Awards for over and under 20 tons projects.
The announcement was made to members on June 10 during the virtual Annual General Meeting.
Introduced by the incoming Chairman of the Board, Gijs (Gus) Verdeijen, the award will provide Canadian crane companies of all sizes an opportunity to showcase their talent and expertise demonstrated as part their execution scope.
“The COVID-19 pandemic may prevent us from meeting face-to-face at our annual conference, but it will not dampen our industry’s spirit,” said Verdeijen. “We want to ensure our members are recording their jobs with drawings, photos and videos to prepare for the awards to be presented at next year’s conference,” he added.
CRAC’s Awards <20> Ton are modeled after the Crane Industry Council of Australia. Guidelines and Registration material will be available at www.crac-calg. ca in early September.
The Crane Rental Association of Canada’s members are crane rental companies, manufacturers and suppliers of cranes and equipment, and supplier of services used in the specialty crane rental business in Canada.
Celebrity Chef Michael Smith prepared the food for the closing banquet and served oysters during the cocktail hour before dinner. Photo by Jay Koblun
After conference attendees toured the Confederation Bridge, the crew stopped at a seafood restaurant for lunch. Photo by Walt Malone
The recipients of the 2018 safety awards: ABCO Crane Services, Amherst Crane Rentals, Artic Crane Services, Canadian Crane Rentals, Canuck Concrete Pumping and Crane Services, ENTREC Corporation, Irving Equipment, Mammoet Canada, NCSG Crane & Heavy Haul Services, RKM Services, Sterling Crane. Photo by Walt Malone
Memories of 2019 CRAC Annual General Meeting
Photo by Walt Malone
Photo by Walt Malone
Photo by Walt Malone CRANE
CONEXPO • PRODUCT SHOWCASE
CONEXPO-CON/AGG is North America’s largest construction trade show and the 2020 show boasted more than 2.7 million-square-feet of exhibits, 150 education sessions and tech talks, and more than 2,000 exhibitors. Here are some of the latest cranes and products that were on display at the show in Las Vegas, Nev.
JASO TOWER CRANES
JASO designed the PA series to solve space constraints and capacity issues. These cranes are perfect for high rise projects, where the highest performance is required. The mast sections are identical to those of the equivalent hammerhead tower cranes. JASO displayed the J265PA at CONEXPO. It’s a crane that has done very well in markets such as the UK, Australia and Korea so JASO is hopeful it could become popular in North America due to its maximum load of 18t, reach of 60m and tip load of 2.2t. www.jaso.com
MANITOWOC
Manitowoc introduced the new Potain MDT 569, the latest model to join its MDT topless crane range. Designed to be one of Potain’s most high-capacity and versatile cranes, the MDT 569 crane’s modular design features optimized component sizes and weights, facilitating easy transport and assembly. The crane’s impressive load charts, along with its premium technology package, make it an attractive new option for North American customers. The new high-capacity topless crane features industry-leading load charts of up to 35.3 USt (32 t) capacity, easy transport and quick operation. The MDT 569 is also more compact for transport than previous cranes, needing only nine standard containers to transport the crane’s upper assembly. www.manitowoccranes.com
MANITOWOC
Manitowoc presented two Grove all-terrain cranes, one of which was a “virtual launch” a first for Manitowoc. The new 450 USt (400 t) capacity GMK6400-1 is the landmark crane launching virtually, while the 300 USt (250 t) capacity GMK5250XL-1, which launched at bauma 2019 last year, joins the company’s on-stand line up. The GMK6400-1 sets new standards in the increasingly competitive 450 USt (400 t) – 500 USt (450 t) class. It follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, the GMK6400, but includes additional reach, enabling it to take on jobs that usually require a seven-axle (or even eight-axle) crane. This delivers a clear competitive advantage and ensures an accelerated return on investment for customers. www.manitowoccranes.com
A new generation of the Genie S telescopic boom lifts is now available globally. Right-sized for completing work-at-height applications, such as general construction, maintenance, inspection and painting tasks, the new Genie S-60 J telescopic boom offers the essential performance that operators need to get work done at height from a jibbed boom with a leading unrestricted platform capacity of 660 lb (300 kg) with 6-ft (1.8 m) jib, a low 16,650 lb (7,550 kg) operating weight and compact chassis design, a platform height of 60 ft 10 in (18.5 m) and horizontal reach of 40 ft 6 in (12.3 m) and 1 ft 10 in (56.4 cm) of ground clearance to clear obstacles. The new Genie S-60 J boom is equipped with everything operators need, including a standard 6 ft (1.8 m) jib and unrestricted platform capacity of 660 lb (300 kg), allowing for two occupants plus tools. www.genielift.com
BRODERSON
Broderson displayed the breadth of its industrial carry deck product line from the 2.5-ton capacity IC-20 model to the 25-ton capacity IC-400 model. Broderson also showcased its Rough Terrain 20-ton model RT-400. The new IC-280 has a 64-foot-five-inch main boom, strong load chart, direct operating hydraulic controls and three position out-and-down outriggers. The new IC-400-B has an increased main boom length: 71-foot-six-inches and a new mid-extension outrigger lifting chart. www.bmccranes.com
GENIE
Modern hoists give lift to prehistoric plants
BY DAN THOMPSON
he team at Chicago Flyhouse is accustomed to handling unusual and difficult projects. The 2019 NCAA Final Four basketball tournament in Minnesota required the fabrication of a flame-retardant synthetic velour to stretch across the perimeter of the 1.75 million square foot venue at U.S. Bank Stadium.
T“We specialize in the unique and difficult,” project manager David Millard said. “We often say, ‘When everyone else says no, or that it can’t be done, give us a call.’” Unlike the Minnesota project, most of Flyhouse’s projects are invisible. The company specializes in behind-the-scenes rigging, design, safety and maintenance. That was the case for a unique assignment at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, Ill.
The task was to design an innovative and safe solution for lifting 28 tons of weight for an exhibit called “Nature Clouds.”
Flyhouse specialists also faced an exceptionally tight workspace in the rafters of the 127-year-old museum to implement its rigging solution.
“This fit the criteria of a unique and difficult project that required immense attention to detail and aesthetics,” Millard said. “That is what we do best.”
Handling heavy weight
The exhibit included four “clouds,” ranging in weight from 5,000 to 19,000 pounds. The exhibit is a hanging garden that showcases plants from a prehistoric era. It is part of the Griffin Dinosaur display at the museum, which attracts more than 1.65 million visitors each year. The exhibit includes the largest and most complete skeleton of a dinosaur ever found. It stretches 122 feet from head to toe and stands almost two stories tall.
The clouds, designed by Branch Technology include 279 printed parts, including 12,000 pounds of vegetation and support weight, 9,600 pounds of steel and nearly 4,000 pounds of printed component weight.
The hoists for the clouds were custom designed and manufactured by Flyhouse. They are wire rope hoists with custom double helix groove zero fleet drums. There are three hoists, two large capacity and one medium capacity, each with a redundant braking and cable management system. They have a lifting capacity ranging between 5,000 and 19,000 pounds.
Rigging from on-high
Over the course of six weeks, Flyhouse worked in the ceiling of the museum to create the infrastructure to support the weight of the clouds and other hanging items. Workers hauled supplemental steel and automation equipment to the ceiling as it designed and engineered a massive working platform and transported all the equipment from the ground to the ceiling.
“We did all the rigging during regular hours while no part of the museum was closed to visitors,” Millard said. “This required us to develop a custom suspended floor structure that was capable of supporting 28 tons over a 1,250 square foot surface that acted as a hoist and as a protective layer between our work and the general public 75 feet below us.”
“The largest challenge was creating hoists with enough capacity to quickly move the clouds, but also small enough to fit them within the very limited existing space and doing so onto the existing steel structure with multiple mechanical obstructions.”
One of the biggest challenges that faced the Flyhouse team was working in an attic with limited maneuverability and space to install the hoists. “The largest challenge was creating hoists with enough capacity to quickly move the clouds, but also small enough to fit them within the very limited existing space and doing so onto the existing steel structure with multiple mechanical obstructions,” Millard said.
Long travel energy chain
Besides the hoists, Flyhouse workers also needed to devise a cable management solution with an energy chain from igus, the Germany-based manufacturer of motion plastics.
The solution they implemented included a 75-foot energy chain. They created a pulley that pulled the chain at the bend, instead of the pushing or pulling from the end. The chain also carries data cables from igus to help sustain the plants.
“Since we are moving the middle of the chain, it moves at twice the speed of the pulley at the bend in the chain, making in sync exactly with the moving cloud,” Millard said.
While the energy chain is standard for igus, what is unique is the way in which it was used. “Supporting it at the centre with our custom pulley and controlling its movement from there instead of one of the ends is what makes this unique,” Millard said.
Brad Stanley, the igus representative who supported Flyhouse with the design, said he considered other options, but travel length, cost and lead time required to manufacture a different solution made them consider the energy chain.
A 75-foot energy chain from igus was used to help hoist four “clouds,” ranging up to 19,000 pounds, in an exhibit currently on display at Chicago’s Field Museum of Natural History.
The energy chain includes chainflex cables from igus that provide water, power and fiber optic to the clouds.
All photos by igus
“Flyhouse came up with the use of our standard e-chain in an unorthodox, long travel application,” Stanley said. “It would lower and retract the e-chain from the ceiling and require about 40 feet of space in a linear manner to accommodate the e-chain when it was fully retracted into the ceiling.”
Critical data cables
An important feature of the energy chains from igus is its capacity to include chainflex cables. The cables provide water, power and fiber optics to the plants. Four of the chainflex cables, such as those for fibre optics and air line for water, are 100-feet long. There is also a 300-foot cable, which is typically used in heavy duty indoor applications and in high bay warehouses, packaging machines and indoor cranes. The cables have a long service life and require little maintenance.
“It has been our experience that cable reels are unreliable in the long term and we needed a solution that was going to mechanically move the cable and hoses in sync with the hoists,” Millard said. “The key was to prevent the system from adding complexity, such as synchronized motors.”
The energy chain needed to be wide enough to accommodate all of the various cables. “This particular chain was sized around the fill package which was provided to us by Chicago Flyhouse,” said Stanley. “If there would be additional needs to pull new cables, there is room to do so provided our rules of separation with any energy chain are met. We’d simply consult with each other on what was needed additionally and come up with the best way to achieve it.”
The hall comes alive
Even for the experienced team at Flyhouse, the project required an unusually long time to devise the eventual solution. Its team spent more than a year developing the feasibility of the overall design before determining how they would lift and move the clouds.
“We spent time setting up factory mockups of the clouds and worked actively with the engineering firm that designed the 3D printed structure and skeletal frame of the cloud,” Millard said. “We provided active feedback from the lessons learned in the mockup and helped them modify the design to work well as a suspended object to make sure it fits all of our criteria for the safety of lifting overhead, including the ability to handle an abrupt stop and the resulting shock load in the event of an emergency stop or secondary brake lock.”
Stanley Hall at the Field Museum is 21,000 square feet—more than four times the square footage of the basketball court, such as the one for the project at Minnesota—and is one of Chicago’s premier event spaces for weddings, galas and more.
Hilary Hansen, senior exhibition project manager for the museum said the gardens and other features add a sense of incredulity. “The plants make the hall come alive—they look beautiful and underscore our mission to study and preserve the natural world,” she said. “They’ll break up the imposing scale of Stanley Field Hall and soften its hard materials, making it a welcoming place to sit and enjoy nature.”
“The plants make the hall come alive—they look beautiful and underscore our mission to study and preserve the natural world.”
The team from Chicago Flyhouse designed a rigging system with the igus energy chain that supports 28 tons over a 1,250 square foot surface that is 75 feet above walking areas accessed by the general public.
Erection frame for Focus 30 crane fabricated
Fabrication of the erection frame for Mammoet’s Focus 30 is complete, bringing the crane one step closer to reality.
This frame allows the boom to be constructed vertically in sections, which Mammoet says makes it easier and safer to deploy on packed petrochemical and construction sites. Machining and welding of the main steelwork has finished, with dimensional control now being performed to ensure compliance and interconnectivity. The frame has been constructed in six pieces, which will be dismantled and transported to Mammoet’s Westdorpe facility; where preparations are underway for final assembly.
Measuring 30-metres-long, 12-metres-wide and weighing in at 160 tons, the frame is the largest single-piece item being fabricated for the Focus 30. Its complete erection system weighs in at more than 180 tonnes once other parts are taken into consideration—climb frame and skid beam. Its role in the crane’s design is similarly large. By supporting boom sections vertically, it helps to reduce the space required for the crane’s construction, while making sure none of this work takes place over surrounding crucial infrastructure. Work started on the erection frame back in November 2019 at PTS Machinery; a heavy construction company based in Hulst, the Netherlands. From design blueprints supplied by Mammoet, the team there undertook detail engineering of the main frame and crane landing; which provides on-foot access to the frame itself. Following this, PTS Machinery has undertaken fabrication of the frame at its on-site workshop.
All work was undertaken with close collaboration between the engineering teams at both companies.
“As a high-tech manufacturer of all kinds of machinery, PTS was selected to build this “machine inside the machine Their attention to detail and quality make them the right partner to supply this vital component for the Focus 30,” said Mammoet senior lead engineer Erik Visser.
Work on the crane is continuing to schedule in advance of its first deployment, which is expected later this year.
Caldwell’s RUD line of machined eyebolts
The Caldwell Group is offering its range of Germanmanufactured RUD Ring Schraube (RS) machined eyebolts from 220 pounds to 44,090 pounds capacity. The new VRS Starpoint features an added adjustable function. For approximately two years, Rockford, Illinois-based Caldwell and the RUD Group have united their sales and marketing activities in North America for material handling and lifting devices within a common organization. Practically, the VRS is used to replace standard eyebolts that have to be de-rated for angular lifting, offering end users a safer option and one with less risk of a lifting point failure. The VRS can be loaded in any direction and does not need to be de-rated even for a side lift.
“The Starpoint gives safe alternative options to places where the end user needs a lifting point to swivel and maybe does not need the full versatility of a swivel load or hoist ring,” said Jay Schroeder, regional sales manager at Caldwell. “Many times in the past, someone would try to make a four-point lift with a standard eyebolt. When you mount an eyebolt, you would get them in tight and they end up in four different orientations or the user would have to shim the eyebolt to try and get it in the correct orientation.”
Schroeder, who oversees sales for RUD, Caldwell and Renfroe products in the eastern half of the U.S. and Canada, added, “When you go to make a pick, eyebolts back out to the path of least resistance and are no longer ‘seated’. This puts undue stress on the bolts and will cause failure to the point of bending the eyebolt or ultimate failure of breaking it totally.”
All RUD products are made to DIN, BG and EN standards.
OZ Lifting expands electric chain hoist range
OZ Lifting Products LLC added the 4,000-pound capacity OZ4000EC to its range of electric chain hoists.
The manufacturer has steadily expanded the series having launched the 500-pound. capacity OZ500EC in 2018. The 1,000-pound. capacity OZ1000EC and 2,000-pound. capacity OZ2000EC followed, before the latest model was introduced as the only product in the range with two chain falls. The EC (electric chain) series is used in a variety of light-duty commercial and industrial applications.
The hoists are predominantly used in general machine shop fabrication, assembly, storage and warehousing facilities. They are stocked at OZ Lifting’s Winona, Minnesota-based facility, where they are also tested, but supplied through a network of industrial equipment distributors in North America and overseas.
“We now cover the breadth of the electric chain hoist market in terms of capacity, and offer a quality unit at a competitive price. Expansion of the range thusly strengthens our position in the market and gives existing and prospective customers double the capacity at their disposal at the top end of our portfolio,” said Steve Napieralski, president at OZ Lifting.
New Jekko 5-ton SPX650 crane coming soon
Jekko is welcoming a new addition to the family of mini cranes with the SPX650. The long-awaited new model has a maximum lifting capacity of five tonnes and embodies all the latest major innovations engineered by the Treviso, Italy-based company.
The new SPX650 implements many state-of-the-art technical solutions successfully applied to the recent and highly appreciated SPX532 and SPX1280.
Having set aside the original idea of presenting machine officially at the Apex trade fair in Maastricht, which has been postponed from June this year to June 2021 due to the COVID-19 health emergency, Jekko will be introducing the new SPX650 to the world during a live streaming event next July.
The SPX650 has a new 1.2-tonne hydraulic jib with three extensions and a new 2-tonne runner jib to achieve a maximum reachable height of 23.5 metres. As with its smaller version SPX532, the jib can be arranged in three ways, namely on the ground or on the column, to allow the operator to work with the main arm, or hooked and folded under the main arm to allow the operator to work with the jib with no need for installation.
“The SPX650 aims to further expand our range of mini cranes, bridging the gap between the SPX532 and SPX1280 in terms of maximum lifting capacity,” said Alberto Franceschini, export sales manager of Jekko.
Combilift aiding COVID-19 crisis with Combi-Ventilate
The Irish manufacturer Combilift, best known for its range of space-saving forklifts and other handling solutions, developed the Combi-Ventilate, a splitter device which turns one ventilator into multiple ventilation stations. Designed to address the requirements of medical professionals in the current Covid-19 emergency, the Combi-Ventilate was developed by a team of mechatronic and software engineers in the past five weeks with a unit currently undergoing laboratory tests with Ger Curley, professor of Anaesthesia & Critical Care at Royal College of Surgeon’s in Beaumont Hospital.
“Certain countries and cities are struggling to get enough ventilators and many governments and health authorities are encouraging manufacturers to come up with a solution, as did the HSE in Ireland. Instead of actually developing ventilators we analyzed what is really required, as we do in our usual business models,” said Martin McVicar, CEO and co-founder Combilift.
The Combi-Ventilate uses standard pipes and fittings for easy assembly and its individual patient filters prevent cross contamination. Each patient has a dedicated screen which allows medical professionals to individually monitor their vital information. This includes live values, data on patient history and statistics and adjustable alarm settings. Features include non-return valves, HEPA filters, flow sensors and an automatic flow control valve. Any abnormalities that occur are detected and will only trigger that specific patient’s alarm.
Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD commented on the project.
“Combilift have had huge success all over the world because their number one priority is finding solutions. That’s why it should be no surprise to see them stepping up to the plate in our national and global effort to defeat COVID-19. Their hallmark as a company is innovation and adaptability, and this splitter device is testament to that. I would like to commend them on their wonderful achievement and wish them every success as they bring the product to market.”
Konecranes wins Fennia Prize for S- and C-series lifting products
Konecranes’ S-series cranes and C-series hoists have been recognized by Design Forum Finland and received the 2020 Fennia IPR Excellence prize for the protection of intellectual property rights and with the S-series earning honourable mention for the top design award.
“Konecranes is investing extensively in the design quality and user experience of its products. The S-series crane in particular is a milestone in this regard, and it’s great to see our development teams rewarded in this way,” said Tatu Piispanen, senior industrial designer, Konecranes.
“We’re immensely pleased to receive this recognition, and my thanks go to the Konecranes employees around the world who spent years developing these products, which are truly in a class of their own,” said Marko Tulokas, senior vice president, Konecranes Industrial Cranes.
“The award underscores the excellence of both our engineering and design capabilities. Given the interest we’re seeing, we look forward to seeing more of these cranes in customer sites in future,” Tulokas added.
The S- and C-series were launched alongside the new M-series crane in September 2019, and Konecranes has a total of 20 patents either awarded or pending for the three new series. Konecranes recently announced an S-series crane contract with Swiss häuselmann metall GmbH.
Terex Utilities releases tech tip for disinfecting aerial devices and digger derricks
Terex Utilities released Tech Tip no. 140 to provide a reminder of the many surfaces on a piece of equipment that may have been touched by crew members. The need for frequent and thorough disinfecting of work trucks like aerial devices and digger derricks is a new task for service managers.
“It’s a good idea to clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces at the beginning and end of each shift or crew change. Terex Utilities recommends using disinfectant wipes and following CDC guidelines for developing and implementing a cleaning plan,” said Jason Julius, technical support and training.
In addition, the EPA has compiled a list of disinfectant products that can be used against COVID-19.
Among the items on the list are keys, door handles, arm rests, steering wheel, engine start/stop button, mirrors, visors, seatbelts, and other controls and handles inside the cab. On the truck chassis and/or unit, doors and latches, outrigger controls, and upper/lower and radio controls, grab handles, and platform are some items to be cleaned. “And don’t forget your tools,” said Julius.
Jekko merchandising available online
Jekko’s complete merchandising line is now available on its website. Some of the items available include apparel, accessories, gadgets, and crane scale models. “This merchandising line addresses our vast network of operators, dealers and fans all over the world and aims at bringing Jekko in their everyday life, fostering their brand awareness and sense of belonging to Jekko world,” said Jekko marketing team. “We selected comfortable, practical and fresh style clothing, both for adults and for children, together with useful accessories and gadgets, all marked with the unique and unmistakable ‘KK’ logo and company colours.”
The team also said these characteristics match with the spirit and values of Jekko, always committed in offering high quality and cutting-edge solutions to its customers.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
September 2020
CCA Fall Board Meeting
September 9 - September 11, 2020 Saskatoon, Sask.
BCRB Fall Conference
September 13 - September 15, 2020 Kelowna, B.C.
Commercial UAV Expo
September 15 - September 17, 2020 Las Vegas, Nev.
SC&RA Crane & Rigging Workshop
September 16 - September 18, 2020 Dallas, Tex.
October 2020
Groundbreak 2020
October 26 - October 28, 2020
New Orleans, Louisiana
Palazzani TSJ35/C Bi-energy delivery
Vertex delivered the Palazzani TSJ35/C Bi-energy self-propelled tracked telescopic lift to the city of Irkutsk, Russia, in 2019. The customer is the general contractor for the design, construction and commissioning of the ball hockey and speed skating centre at the Baikal arena in Irkutsk. The men’s ice hockey world championship will be held on the ice of the stadium in March and April 2020.
Palazzani TSJ35/C Bi-energy will work on the final stage of construction and operation of the centre. Earlier, Vertex supplied the same model of lift for the reconstruction of the Yenisei ice stadium in Krasnoyarsk, where the XXIX world winter Universiade was held in 2019. Palazzani TSJ35/C-spider lift with a load capacity of 230 kilograms, a working height of 35 metres and a horizontal boom departure of 15 metres.
Bi-energy-complete set with a 2-cylinder diesel engine for outdoor work and an electric motor of 3.0 kW for internal work. Platform dimensions 1.80 m x 0.7 m total weight – 6600 kg.
Its compact size and light weight make it possible to use this model both in open areas and indoors with strict restrictions on floor loads, and it can easily pass through doorways.
Another Palazzani spider lift in the north Italy for landscape care and maintenance
Palazzani said Palazzani tracked platforms have high reliability, high technical content and high safety standards. All these elements convinced Blu Garden, a company from northern Italy, to purchase a Spider Lift TSJ 25. “I am very happy with our choice,” said Spreafico, owner of the Blu Garden Company. “We chose this Palazzani platform for its quality and its unique functions, but now that we’re using it, we discover every day the modernity of its operation that make it unique on the market.”
New Genie S-60 J telescopic boom
The new Genie S-60 J telescopic boom lift helps operators get work done at the right height, including leading unrestricted platform capacity of 660-pound, allowing for two occupants plus tools. With a standard 6-foot jib, which leads the class in length and capacity for the 60-foot height class. The Genie S-60 J is compact, low-weight design keeps ground pressure low when operators are working in more sensitive ground conditions. Additionally, rental companies can fit two units on one equipment truck, reducing shipping costs and increasing rROIC, thanks to the machine’s low weight and compact size. The telescopic boom is used for completing workat-height applications, such as general construction, maintenance, inspection and painting tasks.
Photo by Jay Koblun
5 benefits of maintenancepreventativein crane care
By stopping a breakdown in its tracks with a preventative maintenance program, you’re keeping wear on major components to a minimum, and overall damage to the crane is averted
BY TALMAGE WAGSTAFF
Cranes are some of the most awe-inspiring machinery on the construction site today. They carry heavy loads over equipment, people, and structures, and seem to move nearly anything with ease.
The reason it looks so seamless is preventative maintenance of the crane. One of the major maintenance items with cranes and overhead crane systems is the inspection of the machinery.
Both OSHA and ANSI have strict recording guidelines for cranes, and any deviation can result in hefty fines and the shutdown of your site if these guidelines aren’t followed to the letter.
Preventative maintenance is fundamental when caring for your crane. By ensuring that a strong preventative maintenance program is in place for your cranes, you are virtually placing a guarantee on your equipment that its components are inspected and cared for to the manufacturers specification and to the guidelines that have been set by OSHA.
One crane company may have $15 million in contracts for 2021 that have already been signed by government agencies. These contracts will be void if they receive OSHA violations. It is critical that maintenance and safety records are kept and are easily provided to OSHA inspectors.
Improved inspection recording
One of the best benefits to implementing a preventative maintenance program into crane care is the improved recording of inspections. With any crane care program, you can become lost in the inspection forms quite easily. Daily operator inspections, weekly inspections, monthly maintenance forms; it can be a sea of paperwork with no end in sight.
The CMMS of today is a virtual recordkeeping champion. CMMS will inform you of the inspections that were overlooked, it will identify problem operators and can point to trends in missing inspections, such as certain days of the week, or a particular shift that is failing to submit an operator inspection. Not only does this save you the time of sorting out who is turning in an inspection form versus who isn’t, it can also point to problems or breakdowns in shift-to-shift communication on your job site.
Better overall crane maintenance
We all want to take great care of our expensive machinery. Lack of maintenance on a crane isn’t intended, it happens due to a machine being in use when maintenance men show up. By setting aside the time to perform preventative maintenance on your crane, you’re essentially saying that this is the block of time that the crane will be out of service until a proper PM can be performed. By planning the downtime in advance, you can notify the appropriate staff of the downtime and allow them to plan around this small block of pre-planned maintenance taking place. This will allow them to reroute staff and continue on with productivity, instead of shutting down production or construction while the crane is being inspected, lubed, and given a strong once over.
Increase crane lifespan
Let’s be honest, nobody wants to replace a crane or overhead hoist system. The time and money involved in doing so can be virtually crippling to a smaller outfit, and one huge inconvenience to a larger corporation. By spotting issues with limit switches, chain, hooks, and motor and brake controls prior to them completely breaking down, you can avoid the “chain reaction” damage that takes place when one crucial component fails, and causes damage to every component down the line. By stopping a breakdown in its tracks with a preventative maintenance program, you’re keeping wear on major components to a minimum, and overall damage to the crane is averted.
Detect maintenance issues early
The mere thought of a wire rope snapping on a job site is enough to make a site foreman cringe. Cranes carry huge loads over assets and employees, and you cannot afford to risk damage to either of those. The inspection of your crane is only a portion of preventative maintenance; you need to ensure brakes can stop the crane, that lifting and lowering components will perform when the operator engages them, and that all of the moving parts of the crane are properly oiled and cooled as necessary.
Waiting until a problem presents itself by leaking hydraulic oil or losing the ability to swing a load is going to lead to larger breakdowns with more costly and time consuming downtime. Finding these problems early on and immediately addressing the maintenance issues is going to save time and money on repairs almost every time.
Cost savings by early repairs
One crane company was having problems with their mobile crane fleet. At least once every other year they would have a crane boom failure that could have been prevented. It would cost over $500,000 and the crane would be out of commission for six months. It was determined this problem could be avoided if a crane operator reported boom shutter on inspection forms. Since they have added that one element into the inspection software they have not had to pay for a failure. The inspection software also emails the sales person that sells lubrication to the crane company as an assurance that there will be follow up.
The longer a problem goes unchecked with heavy equipment, the more costly that repair becomes. Instead of simple air leaks, you now have a complete air system failure. It’s a fact of owning heavy equipment and overhead crane systems that the maintenance is expensive, and can become time consuming the longer the problem is allowed to fester.
By identifying issues early and addressing them while a problem is still manageable, you’re minimizing costs and downtime. The overall cost savings by implementing a preventative maintenance system for your cranes is almost immediately visible, and can be tracked by the reporting features offered by your CMMS.
Talmage Wagstaff is the co-Founder and CEO of REDLIST. Raised in a construction environment, Talmage has been involved in heavy equipment since he was a toddler. He has degrees and extensive experience in civil, mechanical and industrial engineering. Talmage worked for several years as a field engineer with ExxonMobil servicing many of the largest industrial production facilities in the Country.
• Crane Outrigger Pads
• Boom Truck Outrigger pads
• Heavy Duty Blocking • Standard & Custom Sizes
Stronger Together
What happens when you combine the strength of Tadano and the innovation of Demag with the power of your business? You get the perfect combination of our products, technology and support, and your expertise and know-how. Tadano Group is dedicated to lifting your dreams by building on each other’s strengths.
Angela, engineer
José, engineer
Mark, crane operator
Richard, training manager Dennis, customer service
Chris, sales agent
Victoria, business manager
Robert, parts specialist
