International Cranes & Specialized Transport May 2024

EDITOR’S VIEW

Since my return from the Intermat trade show in Paris, France, last week there hasn’t been enough time to digest all the incoming information and visual stimulation. What was immediately clear, however, and I am pleased to say, is that it was a really good show and a whole lot better than I had been led to believe it would be.

Even if there were fewer crane manufacturers exhibiting, they were still represented by a number of visitors from those companies. It was good to catch up with them around the showground as manufacturers in ‘civvies’ rather than as exhibitors on duty. There was also a good number of crane owners I also saw around the show.

Awards ceremonies are perfect for bringing together the crane and transport equipment makers and their buyers. I attended two awards events during the show in Paris, namely the Intermat Innovation Awards and the ESTA Awards of Excellence in lifting and transport.

A good number of entries competing for both sets of gongs suggested a healthy level of interest in new technology, innovative engineering and several more areas among the participants. See our report on the winners of the ESTA Awards in this issue on page 39.

Finding some unexpected new products is always a pleasant surprise at a trade show and this year’s Intermat was no exception. Telescopic boom crawler cranes emerged as a bit of a theme there.

New tele boom crawler models were shown by Kobelco, Liebherr, Marchetti and Zoomlion, across a broad spectrum of lifting capacities from 25 to 150 tonnes. You can also expect to see another manufacturer return to the tele crawler fray with a new model to be announced soon. Watch this space. In the meantime see what was new at Intermat in our pictorial review on page 13.

ALEX DAHM Editor

Correspondence is welcome and should be sent to: The editor, International Cranes and Specialized Transport, Southfields, South View Road, Wadhurst, East Sussex TN5 6TP, UK

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13 SHOW REVIEW: INTERMAT

Finding some unexpected new crane products was a pleasant surprise at the Paris trade show. Alex Dahm reports.

16 TOWER CRANES

Tower cranes continue to dominate the skyline of all major cities and new products are continuing to proliferate. Niamh Marriott reports.

26 ARTICULATING LOADER CRANES

21 EVENT GUIDE: TCNA

Music City USA hosts this year’s Tower Cranes North America conference, bringing together top figures in the industry. D.Ann Shiffler reports.

EDITOR & EDITORIAL MANAGER Alex Dahm

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DEPUTY EDITOR Niamh Marriott niamh.marriott@khl.com | +44 (0)1892 786208

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Murray Pollok

NEWS WRITER Leila Steed

GROUP EDITORS Lindsey Anderson

Andy Brown, Catrin Jones, D.Ann Shiffler, Leila Steed, Euan Youdale

WORLDWIDE CONTRIBUTORS John Bowman, Australia; Graham Brent, USA; Marco van Daal, Aruba; Heinz-Gert Kessel, Germany; Richard Krabbendam, Netherlands; Tim Maughan, Japan; Brent Stacey, Australia; David Weston, UK

Loader cranes are essential for many construction sites, moving materials to where they need to be. Now there are electric options, too. Niamh Marriott reports.

31 NORTH AMERICA UPDATE

Mergers and acquisitions dominate the USA crane and specialized transportation landscape thus far in 2024. ACT reports.

SC&RA CORRESPONDENT Mike Chalmers

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SC&RA endorses new effort to

Tadano delivers first unit of electric rough terrain crane

In April 2022 crane maker Tadano announced it was working on a fully batteryelectric rough terrain crane and its development has now reached fruition.

Less than a year later the Japan-headquartered company showed a prototype, the GR-1000XLL EVOLT, at the ConExpo trade show in the USA in March 2023. Now, for the Japanese market, it has delivered the first production unit, an EVOLT eGR-250N. Customer Taihei Dengyo has

The first EVOLT eGR-250N was delivered in Japan, to work on a power plant project

added the 25 tonne capacity fully battery-electric rough terrain crane to its equipment fleet. It will be used on a power plant construction project in Japan for the next two years.

Tadano said the EVOLT eGR250N is the world’s first fully electric rough terrain crane in practical use, describing it as “a pivotal addition to Tadano’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and embracing sustainable practices.”

It will help in Tadano’s aim

BMS Stangeland acquires Havator

Crane and specialized transport operator Havator has been acquired by BMS Stangeland A/S, a joint-venture crane and heavy transport company in Scandinavia.

Danish crane company BMS and Norway’s Stangeland, owner of Crane Norway, have expanded their collaboration with their joint acquisition of Havator in Finland and Sweden.

Stangeland and BMS initially established their joint venture in 2021 with the sale by BMS of Kranringen to Norway's Stangeland-owned Crane Norway Group. At the same time BMS bought 50 per cent of Stangeland’s holding in Crane Norway.

Trond Helge Skretting, Crane Norway Group

» Japanese crane manufacturer MAEDA has named Cropac Equipment as its official dealer in Ontario, Canada. .

Cropac will now offer Maeda’s complete line of telescopic boom crawler cranes across Ontario.

“Partnering with Cropac in Ontario represents a significant step in our ongoing

efforts to expand our footprint in the North American market,” said Robert (Buck) Trawick, COO, Maeda America.

“Cropac’s commitment to excellence and their deep understanding of the lifting equipment market make them the perfect partner to introduce our mini cranes to a wider audience in Canada.”

CEO, commented, “This partnership has been very successful – building on the same values from two strong family owned companies.”

Commenting on the latest acquisition Jens Enggaard, BMS owner and chief executive, said, “We have followed Havator closely for quite some years and we are very happy that the time was now right to join forces.”

Joint company BMS Stangeland will acquire 100 per cent of Havator Group Oy. The deal is expected to close in May or June 2024.

The holdings Stangeland and BMS have in Crane Norway will also be transferred to the BMS Stangeland A/S JV. The Havator name will be retained in Finland and Sweden.

China’s largest crane and construction equipment manufacturer XCMG has announced a premium crane brand called G2. It said the move, launched on 8 April 2024, is a series of models aiming to create greater value for end users and to pioneer innovation. XCMG said it has brought to bear its crane experience and that from 300,000 users gained in the last 61 years into the new G2 brand.

G2 series crane models are designed to offer a number of improved features, including the following:

■ Reduced fuel consumption, by more than

to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from its machines by 35 per cent by 2030.

EVOLT is designed to offer the same performance as its diesel equivalent. Working radius is 34 metres, its maximum lifting height from the ground is 44.2 metres, and it can travel at up to 49 km/h.

Lower noise, both at work and in transit driving on the road (allowed in Japan) is a further environmental benefit. Power is provided via a pair of electric motors offering a maximum output of 97 kW (132 PS) and an impressive maximum torque of 2,500 Nm.

The energy for these comes from a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 226 kW-h. A fully charged machine gives “an average day of crane work and driving in the Japanese construction landscape,” the company said. This equates to around 5 hours of crane work and 42 km of road travel on a full charge. On site, just being used for lifting, the run time should be around 11 hours. When just driving on the road a full charge should give 70 km.

POTAIN FLAT TOPS AT WORK IN NL

Dutch rental company MultiCrane has deployed six Potain MDT flat top tower cranes for the De Zaanse Helden residential project in Zaandam, near Amsterdam.

The project, consisting of ten buildings with solar panels and rooftop gardens, will comprise 607 apartments and commercial spaces.

Throughout the construction process a diverse range of materials, including precast concrete, formwork, floor panels, and steel structures, all required precise lifting and placement. Contractor Stebru Bouw chose Multi-Crane and its Potain fleet based on previous positive experience.

The project presented a unique challenge due to its confined space. Multi-Crane and Stebru Bouw planned the crane positioning, hook heights, and oversailing, creating numerous drawings to optimise the site layout and logistics.

Mobile and maritime cranes boost Liebherr

Construction equipment and crane manufacturer Liebherr Group posted sales of €14 billion, up 11.5 per cent on the previous year.

As a single product type cranes accounted for the largest proportion of the group’s sales. Combined, the three crane divisions generated a total of €4.939 billion, or just over 35 % of the group’s total sales for 2023.

By crane division, sales in wheeled and crawler mobile cranes were €3.452 billion, up €443 million or 14.7 per cent, on the €3.009 billion of 2022. Europe accounted for the largest share, with 42.2 % of the total, followed by North America with 27.8 % and then Asia and Oceania with 13 %. Non-EU countries were 8.1 %, Africa and the Middle East 6.2 % with Central and South America taking 2.7 %.

In outlook the company said, “Based on a good order situation, Liebherr is optimistic about the year 2024 in the mobile and crawler cranes product segment and expects renewed growth.”

Tower crane division sales were €510 million, down 9.1 % on the €561 million of the previous year. The decline was largely attributed to there being less construction activity in Europe, the product’s main market. Sales were also down in Asia and Oceania but they were up in the Americas, Africa, the Near East and the Middle East. Considering the already difficult market, the company

forecast a further decline in tower crane sales for 2024. It was a different story in the Maritime crane division in 2023 where a strong 20.3 % increase was achieved. Sales were €977 million, up by €165 million.

The company said it managed to sell more mobile harbour cranes even though the total world market was smaller than the year before.

Third Liebherr for Taiwan

Taiwan-based crane rental company Xin-Hong Crane Engineering has taken delivery of its third Liebherr crane.

The new LTM 1300-6.3 mobile crane is the first 300 tonne crane in the Taiwanese crane rental company’s fleet.

The company chose the crane for its 90 metre long boom and high lifting capacities.

“Liebherr is simply the best. Not only their cranes, but also their after-sales service,” said Chien-Min Wu, owner and CEO at Xin-Hong.

The mobile crane can carry its telescopic boom with a 12 tonne axle load on public roads. In addition to the long telescopic boom, key factors for choosing this economical and fast-erecting crane were its compact ballast options thanks to the VarioBallast and its VarioBase support technology.

A lineup of XCMG cranes in the new G2 premium series at the factory in China

20 per cent

■ Increased operational efficiency, up 20 %

■ Smoothness of operation and precise movement, up 30 %

■ Cabin with 10 % more space and a 15 % better field of view

■ Maintenance time reduced by 20 %

■ Reliability up by 20 %.

After its purchase of five all terrain cranes, a customer in Australia provided more than 200 suggestions for improvement, all now incorporated, the manufacturer said, contributing to the benefits of the new G2 series cranes.

» URIQUIP is a new digital marketplace created by industry veteran Uri Toudjarov. It will facilitate the trading of heavy machinery and construction equipment on a global scale. The new platform streamlines the procurement process for buyers and sellers of used equipment, the company said.

It offers a direct transaction process between parties, allowing efficient online transactions without intermediaries. There is also a facility for parties to connect and network directly on the platform. It supports listings for both sale and rental, incorporating features like virtual tours of machinery.

Denzai expands fleet with 2,500 tonne crane

Lifting and transport specialist Denzai KK is expanding its fleet capability with the addition of a 2,500 tonne capacity lattice boom crawler crane.

The Liebherr LR 12500-1.0 will be the first of its type in the APAC region after it leaves the factory in Germany in July to join the Japan-headquartered company. Its first job begins in October at the S-OIL Shaheen project in Ulsan, South Korea. Projects in Japan and overseas will follow, the company said.

Denzai’s current largest crane is the 1,350 tonne capacity Liebherr LR 11350 with P-boom. Growth in the offshore wind industry has also seen the size and weight of turbines and their components increase dramatically in recent years such that the former fleettopping crane now needs a larger sibling.

Turbines in Japan’s offshore wind construction projects now underway have heavier tower sections than those in Europe, further necessitating a larger crane and sooner.

Working radius is also expected to be larger than in Europe. In some cases cranes in Japanese ports loading ships will have to reach further due to the quay having a lower load bearing capacity.

Where the components are heavier, with nacelles weighing more than 800 tonnes, a 1,350 tonne crane is unable to lift it to the far side of a vessel. The 2,500 tonner, however, lifts 951 tonnes at a 48 metre radius.

Denzai said it expected the new crane to handle the Round 1 and 2 offshore wind farm work, followed by the onshore assembly of offshore turbines to come after that.

Challenging landscape

Finland-headquartered materials handling equipment manufacturing group Cargotec has released its Q1 financial report.

According to Casimir Lindholm, Cargotec president and CEO, the first quarter of 2024 provided a strong start for the year. “All businesses combined the company’s comparable operating profit amounted to Euro 137 million, resulting in the best first quarter in Cargotec’s history,” said Lindholm.

Hiab, Kalmar and MacGregor all improved their comparable operating profit margins. In Q1 of 2024, costs related to the planned separation of Kalmar and Hiab, announced last year, amounted to Euro 16 million. Costs are reported as part of discontinued operations. For the year 2024, Cargotec estimates to book approximately Euro 65 million for costs related to the separation.

Austrian manufacturer Palfinger has also released its Q1 results. The company recorded revenues of Euro 578.5 million. The company thus achieved its strongest EBIT and consolidated net result in a first quarter despite what it said was a very challenging economic environment with geopolitical uncertainties and a weakening of core markets in Europe.

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Tower cranes for bridge renovation

A pair of tower cranes was chosen for the lifting work on a project to renovate and upgrade a road bridge in Spain.

A lifting height of 110 metres was one of the requirements. Challenges included the design and implementation of securely mounting the cranes to the bridge pylons.

Two Liebherr 420 EC-H 16 Litronic conventional saddle jib models were chosen for the job. It is the Puente Quinto Centenario road bridge in Seville, the fourth largest city in Spain. The three lane bridge spans the Gualdalquivir River and another lane is being added

Each crane was attached to the bridge pylons using two ties, the lower of which had to be guided between the bridge’s supporting cables to reach

as part of the refurbishment project. It will mean two lanes of traffic in each direction to

help ease congestion.

Puente Quinto Centenario is a cable stayed bridge that

Terex replaces RT dealer in Turkey

Manufacturer Terex Cranes has appointed TSM Global as its distributor for rough terrain cranes in Turkey. TSM will offer the full RT range, plus service and spare parts throughout Turkey. The company was set up ten years ago in 2014 as a heavy equipment distributor. In addition to its Istanbul headquarters, it has expanded to include offices in Adana, Ankara, Antalya, Bursa, Diyarbakır, Izmir and Trabzon.

Taking on the Terex line of RT cranes also capitalises on TSM’s connection with other Terex brands, including Finlay and Fuchs, the company said.

TSM replaces Turkey’s previous Terex RT crane dealer for Turkey, Urcan Makina, appointed in 2021. Advantages offered by TSM are the existing coverage of Terex products and greater geographic coverage, as outlined above, Terex said.

Commenting on the appointment Burak Ertuğrul, TSM general manager, said, “We are excited about the opportunity to represent Terex Rough Terrain Cranes, a global leader in the industry, and to bring their world-class products to our customers in Türkiye.”

For Terex Stefania D’Apoli, senior sales support manager at Terex Rough Terrain Cranes, said, “It underscores our ongoing commitment to reinforcing our position as a key player."

Texas, USA-based Sundt Construction, known for construction projects, including heavy civil, industrial, large commercial and renewables, purchased a 250 US ton capacity Link-Belt TCC-2500 telescopic crawler crane for the construction of a water reclamation facility in Taylor, Texas.

“We had been seeking a TCC-2500 for some time,” said Michael Wallin, regional equipment manager, Sundt Construction. “Telescopic crawlers are ideal for road projects; they can manoeuvre under overpasses, retract the boom, and require minimal disassembly. Our operators have had

opened in 1991. It has 80 stays suspended from a pylon on each bank of the river.

The tower cranes on opposite banks of the river are each tied to the pylons using two struts. These struts are welded up from 500 mm box section steel. They have to reach through the stay cables to the bridge pylons and must not contact the cable stays which was a challenge.

In designing and implementing the scheme crane owner Sancho Toro Sur was supported by the Liebherr Tower Crane Solutions (TCS) project department. The tower cranes were installed and erected to their final height using a mobile crane, without needing any subsequent climbing or jumping to raise the height.

Installing the ties was done first, followed by the slewing sections of the cranes. Safety was especially important as the bridge remained open during crane assembly.

Loads lifted by the cranes, to a height of 110 metres, include pylon reinforcements weighing 7.5 tonnes. Ten of these parts are needed to add the extra lane to the bridge.

positive experiences with this crane on joint venture projects, making it a highly soughtafter asset.”

The TCC-2500 offloaded precast and other construction materials on the extensive site with its pick and carry ability.

“It’s just a versatile crane, we’ll use it for the initial setup of this job, and then it will lift larger forms, precast and place steel once we get the exterior of the building up.”

Sundt Construction purchased a Link-Belt 250ton TCC-2500 telescopic crawler crane for a construction project in Taylor, Texas

Paraded in Paris

More than 127,000 visitors attended the 2024 event in Paris, from 24 to 27 April, 21 per cent of whom were from outside France.

Exhibitors totalled 1,065, 68 % of which were non-French companies. Chinese manufacturers again made a big impression, numbering around 290 – more than 25 % of the total. There were 350 French exhibitors, 89 from Italy and 59 from Germany.

This year’s show followed a different

Zoomlion showed one of its R-type cranes with round tube tower from the Superior series of high spec flat top models for the European market

format in that it was two days shorter than the last show in 2018 which had more than 173,000 visitors. That show had 30 % of its visitors from outside France. They numbered 52,000 people, close to double the 27,000 this year, indicating it a has become more of a French event.

A theme of sustainability and decarbonisation helped focus visitors and exhibitors alike on this vital topic. Adding to this were the multiple, high-level conference sessions on the topic, plus hundreds of new products powered by batteries or new power technologies.

It was encouraging that the organiser beat its target of attracting 1,000 exhibitors so there was plenty to see. From an ICST point of view it would have been good to have more crane and transport-related exhibitors but those who were there perhaps benefited from having fewer competitors than at previous shows.

ELECTRIC POWER

From a crane industry point of view, a theme that emerged from the manufacturers was to show new telescopic boom crawler cranes. One was also very much in line with the decarbonisation theme in that it was a fully electric model.

Intermat 2024 was a quite different show from previous iterations.

DAHM reports

Marchetti's CW 25.35 HY

The Marchetti CW 25.35 HY is a 25 tonner with a 17 tonne pick and carry capability. It has a 25.5 metre five section telescopic boom and up to 8.1 metres of extensions can be added. Features include a short tail swing radius to help operations in confined space and 70 per cent gradeability.

It has a 100 kW electric motor to run the hydraulic pumps and the 80 kW-h lithiumion battery is designed to accommodate a full shift of operation. Recharging time is five or six hours from a 32 Amp supply.

A range extender is also part of the design. This is a 37 kW onboard Kubota diesel engine generator that can be used if necessary to recharge the battery where suitable site power is unavailable.

Marchetti is now taking orders for its new e-crawler with deliveries due to start in a couple of months.

Liebherr’s new telescopic boom crawler crane also made its show debut in Paris. The LTR 1150 lifts 150 tonnes, 50 per cent more capacity than the 100 tonne LTR 1100, its next nearest sibling in the range.

In a first for the telescopic crawler crane series, this new 150 includes Liebherr’s VarioBase system. Taking readings from sensors and feeding them into the system allows the control system to determine the best possible load capacity, depending on the track width and angle of rotation of the crane in any position.

Also on show was the 75 tonne capacity Kobelco TKE750G (E for Europe) telescopic

boom crawler crane which is new for the European market.

Available from mid-2024, it has a Mercedes-Benz E9H01 (Daimler OM936LA) diesel engine. The straight six turbocharged unit produces 254 kW and meets the Non-Road Mobile Machinery – Europe (NRMM) EU Stage V regulation for engine exhaust emissions.

At the show the new Kobelco model was the backdrop for a new crane handover ceremony. Crane Norway ordered four units of the 250 tonne capacity CKE2500G4 lattice boom crawler crane. The first one delivered will go to a jobsite in Oslo to help construct new accommodation units for 500 students.

Faymonville’s extensive display of specialized transport equipment included an ECO 1000 self propelled modular transporter (SPMT) module from its Cometto line

Zoomlion from China was the other manufacturer showing a telescopic boom crawler crane. Its 100 tonne capacity (315 tonne-metre) Zoomlion ZCT1000V552.1 attracted plenty of attention. It has a 47 metre boom and can have up to 14.2 metres of boom extensions. Power is from a 209 kW, 6.7 litre Cummins QSB6.7-C280 straight six diesel engine.

ROUGH TERRAIN READY

Moving away from crawler cranes another notable launch was Italian manufacturer Locatelli’s new Gril 110.100, a 100 tonne capacity rough terrain. It has a 47 metre boom in five sections to which up to 16 metres of extensions can be added.

This completely new design boats a bigger cabin and is now the largest rough terrain model in the range, surpassing the 80 tonner. Engine options are a 6.7 litre Cummins diesel to EU Stage V or Tier IIIA exhaust emission standards for different end markets.

Intermat will next be held again in Paris during April 2027. ■

Liebherr LTR 1150

Kobelco TKE750G

Zoomlion ZCT1000V552.1

Locatelli’s new Gril 110.100

Liebherr’s upgraded 300 tonner, the LTM 1300-6.4, with the new LICCON3 system

Nooteboom trailers from the Netherlands were out in force at the show

Marking a 4-crane deal

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TOWER CRANES

Tower cranes continue to dominate the skyline of all major cities and new products are continuing to proliferate. NIAMH MARRIOTT reports

On the rise

One the back of recent strong demand, several new tower cranes have already been launched to the market in the first quarter of 2024.

We reported at the end of 2023 that manufacturer Jaso would be unveiling a new tower crane for the USA, Canada and Eastern Territories (Asia and Oceania) markets. said its new luffer would feature an exceptional freestanding height capability, streamlined for international transport (everything fits in high-cube containers), and that it would boast impressive load charts and tip load.

That new model, the J638PA, has now been launched on the market. It has Jaso Optimus Line technology, which the company says represents a leap forward in crane design and functionality.

A spokesperson for the company says, “This advanced technology ensures optimal performance, efficiency, and safety, making it an indispensable asset for construction projects of all scales.”

The crane was developed in collaboration with its design partners and offers a maximum reach of 65 metres, providing construction teams with greater flexibility and access to heights. It lifts 29 tonnes and offers a maximum tip load of 7.1 tonnes at full reach.

Jaso offers its new luffer for the US and Canadian markets

DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN

As previously reported in the April issue of ICST, page 13, a new 32 tonne luffing jib tower crane with moving counterweight has been launched by Potain for heavy modular construction applications.

The MCR 625 is a heavy duty model for Asia, Australasia, the Middle East and Latin America. Built at the Zhangjiagang factory in China, it is for non-CE markets. The design is new, with a moving counterweight, like its MR 618 counterpart for the European and North American markets.

“We are excited to introduce the Potain MCR 625, a crane that offers the perfect

The Potain MCR 625’s moving counterweight design helps get more performance into a smaller package

Manufacturer Potain has launched two smaller luffing jib crane models, the MR 309 and MR 329, to market

balance in power, precision, and compactness. By leveraging the proven design of the MR 618 and adding design elements for fast-emerging global markets, we are empowering contractors to tackle ambitious projects in urban environments with unprecedented efficiency and reliability,” says Leong Kwong-Joon, regional product manager for Potain tower cranes.

Maximum boom length is 65 metres, at the end of which it will lift a maximum of 6.4 tonnes. Booms can be 30 or 40 metres and then increased in 5 metre increments.

The manufacturer has not stopped there, and even more recently, launched two new smaller luffing jib crane models, the MR 309 and MR 329, which come in 16 and 25 tonne capacity variants.

These new models follow the successful introduction of the MR 229 at the Bauma 2022 trade show, which was the first Potain luffing jib crane with the Potain Crane Control System (CCS) and Potain Connect

telematics. These new models also have these features.

While both cranes share a 60 metre jib and 3.4 tonne capacity at the tip, they have different load curves and heights under pivot thanks to the respective 2 metre and 2.45 metre pivot and mast configurations.

The company says this latest generation arose from customer feedback for simpler and quicker erection, a greater height under pivot, more powerful load charts, and a smaller out of service radius (minimum 9.5 metres up to 12 metres).

The jib on the MR 309 and MR 329 can be mounted horizontally, section by section, while the reduced windvane spans make installation on tight jobsites easier, manufacturer Potain says.

LIEBHERR LAUNCH

Manufacturer Liebherr’s latest is the 195 HC-LH 6/12. First shown at the Bauma exhibition in 2022, it will soon be ready to ship to customers. The crane can hoist up to 2.55 tonnes at the jib head at its maximum

LUFFERS IN TORONTO

Canadian company Avenue Building Corporation has deployed two Raimondi LR273 luffing jib cranes for the construction of The United Bldg, described as an historic landmark development which is in Toronto, Canada. EllisDon is the main contractor for the project.

Installed between December 2023 and January 2024, the two 18 tonne capacity luffing jib tower cranes are on site at a height of 60 and 54 metres with jib lengths of 45 and 50 metres, respectively, and a tip load of 4.5 tonnes.

Equipped with an 86 kW hoisting gear, the LR273s lift at a maximum speed of 204 metres per minute and have a drum capacity of 980 metres.

Scheduled to be onsite for several years with varying timelines, the cranes will be internally climbed to reach final heights of 65 and 195 metres, respectively.

The wide swing angles of the LR273 allow for greater site coverage, Raimondi says

radius. The hydraulic luffing jib crane achieves these values when combined with the climbable 16 EC tower system with dimensions of 1.6 by 1.6 metres. The crane has a very small footprint and can be transported easily to the jobsite.

In addition, the hydraulic luffing jib crane was designed to be easy to erect. The very small out-of-operation setting and the facility to control it using the popular Litronic assistance systems such as Micromove, the operating-range limiting system and level luffing are state of the art, Liebherr says.

NEW CONTROL

Construction equipment manufacturer Terex will soon launch a new version of a city class flat top tower crane to the market.

Terex’s new model will have two winch options

efficiency in daily lifting operations.

The new model will have two winch options (18 or 22 kW) to satisfy the different needs of the market and there are new design improvements such as a pinned connection between the jib and slewing unit, and the removal of counter jib ballast to simplify and speed up installation.

195 HC-LH 6/12 is ready to ship to customers

The CTT 152-6 is a 6 tonne capacity crane. Its jib lengths range from 25 to a maximum of 60 metres to better adapt to different job sites and it has a freestanding height of up to 61.2 metres. The crane’s tip load is 1.7 tonnes, or 1.91 tonnes with Terex Power Plus. Terex Power Plus boosts operating capacity by an extra 10 per cent, the manufacturer says. It features an easy set up and is provided with a S-Pace cabin with an ABB control system and it is compliant with the tower crane safety standard EN 14439-Rev1. The crane features the latest Terex technologies, including T-Torque slewing, which the company says will improve »

SAUDI SURGE

There are so many areas across the world that are seeing a rise in construction projects, most notably in the Middle East, and in particular in the Kingdom Saudi Arabia. This means more tower cranes are needed on a range of sites.

Saudi Arabia is undergoing transformation at breakneck speed, as the Kingdom aims to reduce its dependence on oil and diversify its economy to incorporate public services and tourism under its Vision 2030 project.

While headline-grabbing projects like the 170 kilometre linear city, The Line, garner

Liebherr’s latest tower crane

A total of 13 Wolff tower cranes are helping to build the new 4,000-room hospital in Germany

huge amounts of publicity, elsewhere in the country, there is a wide array of other ambitious projects worth many billions of dollars, presenting opportunities for architecture, engineering and construction companies all over the world.

BUILDING BOOM

In response to the new construction landscape in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, manufacturer and rental company Wolffkran has established a new venture business, based in the Saudi capital Riyadh, to provide rental solutions and services throughout the region.

The venture is being led by experienced mechanical engineer Tariq Al-Sawaie and has already tendered projects for a fleet of 90 tower cranes, with many other tenders in progress.

Wolffkran says that the timing of this venture strategically aligns with the Saudi

Arabia’s ongoing building boom, which the company says is marked by an impressive US$ 56 billion-worth of projects in the pipeline. It says that its projections indicate this figure will surge above US$ 90 billion by 2029.

SURGICAL PRECISION

Wolffkran has been working in other areas too, including in Europe. On one recent job it diagnosed and prescribed solutions for a series of challenges on a hospital construction project in Germany. Military and other parameters added up to a multiplicity of requirements on the 13 crane site. The project is to construct what will be the largest US military hospital outside the USA. Being built close to the Ramstein air base near Kaiserslautern, it will replace the US Army hospital built in 1953 in nearby Landstuhl.

The new hospital will have more than

4,000 rooms including nine operating theatres. It is being built by ARGE US-Klinikum Weilerbach, a construction consortium consisting of Ed. Züblin AG and Gilbane.

“Even before the crane foundations could be planned, numerous bureaucratic hurdles had to be overcome,” says work planner Daniel Rüttinger, responsible for process planning and construction operations at Ed. Züblin.

AERIAL INTERFERENCE

With the project sitting directly on the flight path of Ramstein Airbase the site, plus mobile cranes there, the company needed aviation permits from the German Armed Forces Aviation Office. Special lighting also had to be fitted.

Ground conditions presented another challenge. “Due to the highly heterogeneous subsoil, consisting of several soil layers, exploratory drilling was carried out at each crane site,” explains Daniel Rüttinger.

Buoyancy created by rising groundwater and underground pipes had to be factored into the foundation design. A further consideration was the compatibility of the concrete for the foundations with naturally occurring radon in the ground.

To give the cranes full coverage of the site some of them had to be positioned low in the ground. These had foundations up to 2.4 metres high and shoring around the lower tower sections so the tower could be completely removed at the end of the job. ■

Always ready

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Tennessee tower talks

For the first time Music City USA hosts this year’s Tower Cranes North America (TCNA) conference, bringing together top figures in the industry. D.ANN SHIFFLER, editor at ICST sister title American Cranes & Transport, reports sector of the lifting industry.

Country music, the Grand Ole Opry, Belle Meade Plantation, Frist Art Museum and “hot chicken” are just a few of the things that have made Nashville, Tennessee, world famous.

In June, the major players in North America’s tower crane industry will turn up to discuss “what’s up” in this vibrant

EVENT DETAILS

WHAT: Tower Cranes North America

WHERE: Music City Center, Nashville, TN

WHEN: 11 and 12 June 2024

ORGANIZED BY: EXCLUSIVE PARTNER

While the finishing touches are being put to the schedule, the event will start with a networking event on the evening before the conference, which will begin on Wednesday 11 July with a keynote address by Sam Moyer, general manager at

REGISTRATION: www.khl-tcna.com

The venue for TCNA 2024 is Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee

Tower Cranes North America is a mustattend one day conference for the tower crane sector.

PHOTO: FINNCO

Sam Moyer KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Jim Wiethorn

Matt Finnerty

Timothy KleinBrooks Nunley

Kelly HadlandJR Moran

Christ Noblit

SHOW GUIDE TCNA

All Tower Crane, the largest tower crane rental business in North America. Moyer is a professional engineer who joined the All Family of Companies 10 years ago and has led the tower crane business for six years. He will discuss how the industry has evolved and talk about the way these indicators will shape future trends.

PARTNER UP

TCNA is organised by American Cranes & Transport and International Cranes and Specialized Transport, in exclusive partnership with the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA). It is the only conference and networking event for North America’s tower crane industry in 2024.

This year’s conference will include presentations on the legal aspects of tower crane contracts; preparing for severe weather; a roundtable discussion about crane erection, climbing and disassembly; a case study on the fascinating Crazy

WEDNESDAY, 12 JUNE

08.00 to 09.30

Registration and coffee

09.30 to 09.35

Welcome

ALEX DAHM, editor, International Cranes and Specialized Transport (ICST) and D.ANN SHIFFLER, editor, American Cranes & Transport (ACT)

09.35 to 10.00

Keynote address

SAM MOYER, general manager, All Tower Crane.

10.00 to 10.25

Preparing for severe wind and weather

JIM WIETHORN, founder and chairman, Crane Risk Logic.

10.25 to 10.50

Synthetic rope versus wire rope: the two distinctions

TIMOTHY KLEIN, principal engineer – structures and fabrication, WireCo.

Horse Memorial project in South Dakota and a discussion about the challenges of workforce development.

While the programme may change, the

BROOKS NUNLEY, Kennedy Wire Rope.

10.50 to 11.30

Networking coffee

11.30 to 11.55

The Rise Tower project, Mexico: how tower cranes can optimise CapEx/OpEx on a major project

PEDRO ALONSO, CEO and owner, Espamex.

11.55 to 12.40

Panel discussion:

tower crane procedures: assembly, climbing and disassembly

MATT FINNERTY, owner, Finnco Services

KELLY HADLAND, president, Compass Equipment (Uperio)

JR MORAN, director of crane operations, Brasfield & Gorrie

CHRIS NOBLIT, director of engineering and service, Tower Cranes North America, Manitowoc

Moderator: ALEX DAHM, editor, International Cranes and Specialized Transport

12.40 to 14.10

Networking lunch

14.10 to 14.35

preliminary programme listed below was correct at the time of writing in late April. Check in at: www.khl-tcna.com for an up to date schedule. ■

The ‘Borrowed servant’ concept and minimising contract risks

JESSE CALLAHAN, shareholder, May Potenza Baran & Gillespie, P.C.

14.35 to 15.05

Heavy lifting to avoid legal pitfalls

DARELL BARGER, partner, Hartline Barger

ANNA DODDS, associate, Hartline Barger

CLAYTON CALLEN, partner, Bowman and Brooke.

15.05 to 15.35

Site report: Crazy Horse Memorial – three generations of passion

PETER JUHREN, president and COO, Morrow Equipment Company.

15.35 to 16:15

Networking coffee

16.15 to 16.40

Panel discussion: challenges of workforce development, best practices for luring and retaining employees

ANDREAS ERNST, general manager Cranes Americas, Terex USA

SHELLY GAYRING, director of marketing, Select Crane Sales

Moderator: D.ANN SHIFFLER, editor, American Cranes & Transport

16.40 to 17.05

Using technology to improve safety on lifting operations (provisional title)

CASEY SAVLOV, executive vice president at Vita Industrial.

17.05 to 17.10

Closing address

ALEX DAHM, editor, International Cranes and Specialized Transport, and D.ANN SHIFFLER, editor, American Cranes & Transport

17.10 to 19.00

Drinks reception

Jesse CallahanDarrell Barger

Peter Juhren

Anna DoddsClayton Callen

Andreas ErnstShelly GayringCasey Savlov

TEC-RANGE EVERY OPERATOR‘S DREAM

The TEC-range was built from the best ideas. Now PALFINGER is going one step further: Our knowhow with all the advantages of the previous crane ranges and the experience of our operators has been further developed into a completely new generation. It supports PALFINGER customers even better with outstanding performance and new comfortable assistance systems. A dream come true − TEC at its best!

LIFETIME EXCELLENCE

MASTERING EVERY TASK. SAFE AND RELIABLE.

Maximum flexibility

With a clue in the company’s name, maximum flexibility is a key requirement for equipment in the Flex Rent Specials fleet.

This Dutch company offers heavy duty vehicles for rent worldwide. It has just added a trio of new Faymonville CombiMax combinations. Multiple axle lines and accessories were assembled at the Lentzweiler factory for collection. Before the Flex Rent Specials team left with their modular construction kit they were taught what is possible to achieve, including semi trailer or low bed configurations.

Components supplied included three goosenecks and 32 axle lines for the

backbone. They could be divided into five 2-axle centre bogies, three 6-axle centre bogies and four 1-axle jokers.

There were also two double telescopic add-on-beams up to 16 metres long, to allow configuration of modular and extendable semi low-loader combinations. Two telescopic vessel bridges mean a low-loader can be created. These can be widened hydraulically from 3,000 mm to 4,700 mm.

A turntable was supplied for the rear axle group, designed for use with a freeturning device. An additional solution if, for example, long carriers require maximum manoeuvrability during transport. n

NOVA PERMITS ACQUIRES SECURE SPECIALIZED

Quebec, Canada-based Nova Permits and Pilot Cars has acquired all Secure Specialized assets and services.

“After the acquisition of ERDT in Eastern Quebec last fall, the integration of Secure Specialized confirms our commitment to share our expertise with all specialized carriers operating across Canada,” said Stéphane Labillois, recently appointed president since the acquisition of Nova in partnership with Chris Alain in September 2023.

Secure Specialized, in Clifford, Ontario, has been providing routing, logistics and pilot car services to specialized transport companies in Ontario, the Northeastern United States and Western Canada for 12 years. Ryan Dodd, president, will continue to serve his clients. “I will be able to continue serving my clients with the same attention but now I can also offer solutions for all their oversize overweight permits,” said Dodd. “It is truly a win-win for everyone.”

EXG transports heavy refinery equipment

Express Global Logistics (EXG) moved 31 pieces of heavy industrial equipment for the Mega PX-PTA project at the Paradip Refinery in India.

The equipment was delivered in a narrow timeframe to meet the client’s timelines, achieving a turnaround time of five to six hours per piece.

The equipment, including the Isomar reactor, finishing columns, power transformer, gas compressor, and Xylene column, each weighing between 453 tonnes and 1,052 tonnes.

Among these critical units, the heaviest weighed 1,052 tonnes with dimensions of 74 metres in length, 9.5 metres in width, and 10.3 metres in height. The longest unit

moved was 90 metres, weighed 544 tonnes and involved jacking the equipment onto self propelled modular transporter (SPMT).

This operation required 56 SPMT axle lines in various configurations, along with two power pack units. in addition, four hydraulic jacks with a capacity of 181 tonnes each, coupled with power packs, were used to jack up the equipment to

It must have been heavy to transport as a giant ring crane was needed to install it

achieve the necessary axle insertion height.

EXG, a member of the Worldwide Project Consortium (WWPC), used its own SPMT and hydraulic jacks, which significantly contributed to cost-effectiveness, the company said. n

Flex by name flexible by nature –CombiMax and Flex Rent Specials

ARTICULATING LOADER CRANES

Loader cranes are paramount for many construction sites, delivering materials to where they need to be. Now there are electric options, too. NIAMH MARRIOTT reports

Fully loaded

Electric cranes are increasing in popularity, driven by various government regulations on noise and fossil emissions on site, as well as pressure from customers and end-users seeking more sustainable options.

Meeting this demand, a battery power option is now available on three more hydraulic articulating loader or knuckle boom cranes in the HiPro series from manufacturer Hiab, part of Cargotec.

In addition to having a battery-powered electric power take off (ePTO) the crane hydraulics can still be powered via a conventional power take off from the truck’s diesel engine.

Called Hiab wspr, it is an option on midrange Hiab loader cranes in the HiPro range.

“A Hiab wspr solution, operated by electric power, is better for people and the planet as it is emission-free and future proofs businesses for stricter regulations. By being emission-free and near silent it also provides the flexibility to operate in low- or no-emission zones, or late at night, thereby increasing business opportunities. This is also providing a healthier working environment for operators and the communities they serve,” said Mattias Berglund, Hiab director, global product management, special applications and digital products, loader cranes light and medium.

CHOICE OF THREE

Two of the three new Hiab wspr models have their lithium-ion battery packs integrated with the crane base which makes installation easier and has minimal impact on the truck. One is the Standard model, designed for the larger segment of

the market. Its 200 Ah battery is enough capacity for one or two days of work, in most applications, Hiab says. The Light Duty model, aimed at drop-off applications, also has its battery in the crane base.

The Heavy Duty model, with its larger battery, is for customers who work long hours or require extended periods between charging. Its battery is mounted on the truck chassis. A two-year warranty is provided but the battery cells are covered for five years.

The new integrated 40 kW ePTO is designed to save space on the truck chassis. Where it is used on an electric truck the Hiab wspr saves the truck’s traction battery capacity by having its own battery. Maximum hydraulic pump flow is 90 litres a minute and the crane’s capacity is the same as on the conventional PTO so performance is said to be on a par with diesel but response is improved by the electrical system’s ability to deliver instant torque.

Where the battery is exhausted power can be delivered from the truck’s power

Hiab launched its Effer iQ.1400 HP, a 135 tonne-metre rated hydraulic articulating crane, in 2023

source, be it a diesel engine or traction battery, to help get the job done.

The Standard model can be ordered now, and the other two variants will be available later on in the year.

RANGE OF OPTIONS

This latest model follows on from Hiab’s new Effer iQ.1400 HP, a 135 tonne-metre rated hydraulic articulating crane, launched in 2023, and prior to that, the Effer iQ.950 HP, a 90 tonne-metre model announced earlier in 2023.

Instead of the 12 sided boom section of the smaller 90 tonne-metre model, the 135 tonner has the V10-Force decagonal (ten-sided) boom and the latest SPACEevo control system. The V10-Force boom, as also used in the Effer 1000, is designed for increased strength enhancing vertical performance, to its maximum 83 degrees working angle. With the control system it also helps reduces oscillation to help place loads more precisely.

Both models shares parts, components and controls with other iQ. and iX series cranes. Hiab says this helps with operator

ARTICULATING LOADER CRANES

MANITEX DELIVERS ON ARTICULATED CRANE

Truck crane, specialized industrial and construction equipment provider Manitex International announced the first deliveries of the recently launched PM 70.5 SP articulated truck mounted crane.

The new 70.5 SP articulated crane is the latest addition to PM Group’s 65 series of articulated cranes with applications for the global market. The 70.5 SP is multi-industry capable, serving heavy industrial, infrastructure, concrete and general construction.

Giovanni Tacconi, managing director at PM Group (Manitex Italy), explains the company delivered five 70.5 SP cranes in Italy during the first quarter of 2024 and expects momentum to quickly build through the years. The new offering from PM Group is initially being sold in Europe and will be available in North America next year.

The new 70.5 SP articulated crane is the latest enhancement to PM Group’s 65 series of articulated cranes

“A key component of our Elevating Excellence strategy is to expand our distribution of PM Group products in North America, and the PM 70.5 SP is the first of several new product offerings that will be integral to us achieving this goal,” adds Michael Coffey, chief executive officer, Manitex. “This innovative new product will enable us to expand our addressable market and should contribute to further market penetration and service into North America.”

familiarisation and reduces inventory for parts and service items.

Austrian manufacturer Palfinger offers a range of loader cranes, and says they are seeing strong demand for loaders in India, as well as in North America. It offers two new heavy-duty cranes, the PK 1350 TEC and PK 1650 TEC. The company says that the entire new TEC range combines maximum outreach (up to 38.7 metres) the highest lifting capacity and the greatest precision.

“Complex tasks in urban areas and on large construction sites as well as heavier and larger loads require solutions that are smart and powerful,” says Andreas Klauser, CEO of Palfinger. “The new PK 1350 TEC and PK 1650 TEC heavy-duty cranes are equipped with the very latest electronic controls and intelligent assistance systems.

“As a technology leader, Palfinger sets industry standards, always with the aim of using smart and connected solutions to improve the way customers work. The heavy-duty cranes in the TEC range are our latest example.

“Based on decades of experience and working together with customers and operators, we have created a completely

Three new Hiab wspr models of hybrid loader cranes are new in the the Hiab HiPro series

new class of crane that combines the best hardware with smart software.”

Loader cranes are a staple of construction sites and with increasingly improved lifting capacities and smart accessories, lifting, moving and placing materials where they need to be is becoming quicker and easier.

The availability of electric options prove too that loader cranes manufacturers are embracing the green revolution and offering solutions with sustainability in mind. ■

ARTICULATING LOADER CRANES

HYVA GOES ELECTRONIC

A new electronic platform for Hyva cranes complies with European Standards which the company says assures safety and performance. Its entire crane range for CE markets are now fully compliant with European Standards EN 12999:2020 and EN 13849* for a higher level of safety and performance in crane controls.

This has been achieved through a completely new electronic platform, which with new ergonomics, precision calculation software, clear displays, controls and top component reliability, delivers higher safety levels for the operator.

This new platform underpins all Hyva cranes and the company has introduced a five step process for crane selection.

Performance and safety are also improved through service initiatives such as Connectivity 4.0 (web access to crane data, status, position and analytics) and CUST, a software that can be used on every crane for installation, service, crane calibration, troubleshooting and maintenance.

The company says it is now working on systems for automatic levelling (ALS), automatic stabilizer activation (OAD), and verified cane lifting capacity based on truck stability (DLD).

“We are proud to promote safety and performance in our cranes through compliance with these new European Standards,” says Davide Catellani, LoB director cranes. “The modularity of our crane builds ensures that we can always supply a crane to match each customer’s requirements.”

All Hyva Cranes for CE markets are now fully compliant with European Standards

Austrian manufacturer Palfinger has a range of loader cranes

GEDA 2 PK – CRANE OPERATOR HOIST

CTT 292-12 PRECISION IN MOTION

Lifting and logistics contractor

Barnhart Crane and Rigging has purchased South Carolina, USA-based White Crane

Mergers and acquisitions dominate the crane and specialized transport landscape in North America. ICST sister publication, ACT, highlights several transactions already made in 2024

While we are only five months into 2024, mergers and acquisitions have dominated news in the crane and specialized transportation sector, shaking up the industry. Many of ACT ’s top lists, such as the ACT 100 and ACT TRANSPORT50 will be significantly impacted by these developments.

Here below are a few of the most noteworthy transactions.

JANUARY

■ In early January 2024, BARNHART CRANE AND RIGGING purchased South Carolina-based White Crane, giving the company its second branch in the state.

In the company’s second acquisition of 2024, Barnhart acquired Baxter Crane and Rigging of Tupelo, Mississippi. The purchase agreement includes Baxter’s crane rental service, equipment and employees.

FEBRUARY

■ BARNHART purchased CR Holland Crane Service of Forest City, Iowa. The acquisition marks Barnhart’s fifth branch in

Age of acquistions

the state, further solidifying the Memphisbased company’s presence in the upper Midwest, where it also operates branches in Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

■ North American specialized transport operator Daseke was acquired by TFI INTERNATIONAL in an all-cash transaction worth $1.1 billion. TFI is a Canadian general transport and logistics company that has made 126 acquisitions in the USA and Canada since 2008.

Daseke is more involved in specialized transport. It has a fleet of 4,900 tractors, 11,000 flatbed and specialized trailers, plus one million square feet of industrial warehousing. It is the sixth largest specialized transport company in the world, according to the 2023 IC T50 transport company ranking.

In the ACT TRANSPORT 50 ranking, just for North America, Daseke is ranked in second place.

■ Industrial services grop STEEL RIVER in the USA purchased crane and equipment repair specialist Wheco. Wheco repairs, restores and inspects cranes and other heavy equipment worldwide. It specializes in repairing accident-damaged cranes and offers certificates and warranties. Facilities include shops down the west of the USA and one in South Carolina.

Steel River said it aims to build a lifting equipment solutions platform across the nation. The company said, “The acquisition significantly expands Steel River’s capabilities in its existing markets, bringing expansive new facilities and additional technical expertise on board.”

Adding Wheco’s team of more than 60 employees to Steel River, mostly on the west coast, takes the total above 250. The acquisition reinforces the Steel River CraneTech division by expanding capability in mobile cranes and aerial work platforms. ■ Rope company SAMSON acquired French »

TOWER CRANES NORTH AMERICA

Tower Cranes North America (TCNA) conference will be held this June, 11 and 12, in Nashville, Tennessee. The conference, organised by American Cranes & Transport and International Cranes and Specialized Transport magazines, in exclusive partnership with the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA), is the only conference and networking event for North America’s tower crane industry in 2024.

For more information read the TCNA guide on page 21 or see: www.khl-tcna.com

NORTH AMERICA FOCUS

rope company Corderie Henri Lancelin

The deal between Washington-based Samson and Ernée-based Lancelin was for an undisclosed sum.

Lancelin is a fourth-generation family company started in 1907. It is known as an innovator, especially in the field of maritime ropes. It has a testing facility with a machine capable of breaking ropes with a strength of up to 600 tonnes.

MARCH

■ The BAY CRANE COMPANIES has purchased two crane service companies in the Mid-Atlantic region from ML Holdings: United Crane & Rigging and Crane Rental Company. This acquisition adds to Bay Crane’s two full service locations in Baltimore and Capital Heights, Maryland, along with a fleet of 88 cranes and hoists and almost 200 trucks, trailers and other support equipment.

■ BENNETT ON-SITE SERVICES, operating as BOSS Crane & Rigging and its subsidiary BOSS Heavy Haul, affiliates of the Bennett Family of Companies, has acquired over-the-road super heavy haul transport equipment, along with drivers and operational managers, from Cowboy’s Services’ division CSI Heavy Haul. CSI Heavy Haul, formerly operating from Channelview, Texas, brings decades of experience as an expert in specialized super heavy haul, heavy haul and trucking services since its establishment in 1983.

■ UNITED RENTALS completed the acquisition of temporary roadway rental business Yak Access, Yak Mat and New South Access & Environmental Solutions from Platinum Equity for $1.1 billion in cash. Yak rents a fleet of 600,000 hardwood, softwood and composite mats to provide surface protection in construction and

BOSS Heavy Haul has purchased super heavy haul transport equipment, along with drivers and operational managers, from Cowboy’s Services’ division CSI Heavy Haul

NORTH AMERICAN CRANE SALES REBOUNDING

Chris Sleight, managing director at global market research and forecasting company, Off Highway Research, discusses the US crane market.

While sales of many types of construction equipment boomed in 2021 and 2022 in response to low interest rates and other economic stimulus, the North American mobile crane market (the US specifically) remained stubbornly low. It is only this year which is seeing crane sales return to a normal level.

The problem throughout 2021 and 2022 was a shortage of components for crane manufacturers, which significantly hindered production. These bottlenecks were compounded by shipping and logistics constraints, which stretched out lead times even further. This was most apparent in the US market, which is roughly ten times the size of the Canadian market, meaning the sheer volume of cranes required to meet demand was a barrier to growth.

As frustrating as this has been, it means there is significant up-side in the industry this year and into the mid-2020s.

“The USA has more potential for growth than Canada, though Canada has made the better recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic of three years ago. In 2023, there was still some pent-up demand due to long lead times and delivery delays, and lots of potential from infrastructure, oil and gas and wind power investments, in the case of wind particularly if government incentives are available. This is a positive for producers of lattice boom crawler cranes, which are used for installing and repowering wind turbines, and for manufacturers of all terrain cranes, which perform general maintenance functions in the industry,” says the report.

maintenance and repair operations, in particular for utility and midstream oil and gas customers. Yak generated revenues of US$ 353 million in the year to 31 December 2023.

APRIL

■ MANITEX INTERNATIONAL, an international provider of truck cranes, specialized industrial equipment and construction equipment rental solutions to infrastructure and construction markets, announced the first US deliveries of the recently launched PM 70.5 SP articulated truck mounted crane built in Italy by its subsidiary PM Group.

■ SANY AMERICA is rolling out its third rough terrain crane in two years, the

SRA550A, a 55 US ton (50 tonne) unit that was “designed for a multitude of jobsites,” says general manager of cranes Brian Smoot.

The new Sany America SRA550A rough terrain crane has an advanced and userfriendly LMI system, a spacious cab with high visibility and a flat deck design with multiple access points. It is powered by a Cummins diesel engine, Dana transmission and Meritor axles.

“It has the longest boom and is the strongest RT in its class,” adds Brian Smoot. The new unit was designed to be used for municipality work, refinery work, power plant maintenance, laydown yard staging and as a general construction support crane. ■

WIRECO Germany GmbH | Casarstr. 1 | 66459 Kirkel

Phone: +49 6841 8091-0 | E-Mail: info@casar.de | www.wireco.com

STEEL WIRE ROPES – FOR A BETTER FUTURE

Your crane should deliver high performance reliably. Then trust CASAR Steel Wire Ropes. Rotation-resistant heavy duty ropes such as the CASAR EUROLIFT, CASAR STARLIFT PLUS and CASAR DOUBLEFIT offer high breaking strength, highest rotation resistance and the best in class multi-layer spooling behavior.

2024 MEMBERSHIP

Bridging the gap

The merger of tech and reverse mentoring could be a workforce sweet spot. In the age of rapid tech advancement and emerging AI, a two-way knowledge flow can not only help older workers leverage tech, it can also build team trust among generations, while also serving as a valuable component in the next-gen worker search.

Reverse mentoring, as it has been designated, is a practice where younger or less experienced employees mentor older or more experienced colleagues – and it has all the potential to bring myriad benefits to the modern construction industry.

Younger workers often have a better understanding of emerging technologies and digital tools. By participating in reverse-mentoring relationships, older construction professionals can learn about new construction management software, building information modelling (BIM) technologies, drones and other innovations that can improve project efficiency, accuracy and safety.

Reverse mentoring also facilitates the transfer of knowledge

SPECIALIZED CARRIERS & RIGGING ASSOCIATION

CHAIRMAN

Scott Bragg

Bragg Companies, Long Beach, California, USA

PRESIDENT

J Rozum

MSA Delivery Service, Canton, Michigan, USA

VICE PRESIDENT

Jim Sever

PSC Crane & Rigging, Piqua, Ohio, USA

TREASURER

Michael Vlaming

Vlaming & Associates, Vallejo, California, USA

ASSISTANT TREASURER

Harry Fry

Harry Fry & Associates, West Newbury, Massachusetts, USA

ALLIED INDUSTRIES GROUP

Mike Walsh

Dearborn Companies, Bridgeview, Illinois, USA

CRANE & RIGGING GROUP

Matthew Rix

Pro Lift Rigging, Memphis, Tennessee, USA

TRANSPORTATION GROUP

David Yarbrough Yarbrough Transfer Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA

SC&R FOUNDATION

PRESIDENT

Jennifer Gabel

JK Crane, Kenvil, New Jersey, USA

VICE PRESIDENT

Kate Landry

Deep South Crane & Rigging, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA

TREASURER

Stephanie Bragg

Bragg Companies, Long Beach, California, USA

and expertise between generations. Experienced professionals can share their insight, wisdom and practical know-how with younger workers, while younger workers can contribute fresh perspectives, up-to-date technical skills and knowledge of modern construction practices.

On the safety side, younger workers may have received more recent safety training and education, making them well-equipped to mentor older colleagues on up-todate best practices. Ultimately these relationships can generate conversations about safety protocols, hazard recognition and injury prevention, leading to a safer work environment for everyone onsite.

As for the workforce benefits, in a rapidly changing industry landscape, construction companies need to be adaptable and agile to remain competitive. Reverse mentoring encourages a culture of continuous learning and adaptation by leveraging the insight of younger workers who are more attuned to changing market trends.

At the same time, such programmes can, and often do, enhance employee engagement and retention by providing opportunities for professional development, skill enhancement and mentorship. Younger workers often feel valued and respected for their contributions, while older workers may appreciate the opportunity to learn from their younger counterparts and stay relevant.

NEW ERA

Swinging back to tech, looking ahead, the possible applications of AI for the construction industry appear to be as transformative as they will be in just about every other industry – spanning everything from design to procurement, construction, operation and decommissioning. Designers and contractors are already applying AI and machine learning to manage the volumes of data involved in the design of buildings, the planning of construction projects and the day-to-day operations of sites.

In addition, experts believe AI could have a positive impact, for example, by assisting in monitoring safety via sensors, cameras, predictive trend data and modelling to determine ways to make construction work zones safer and more efficient. Just as the introduction of CAD has been transformative of the practice of building design, the use of AI tools could too transform.

It makes sense to understand that a younger workforce will be driving this new era forward. Within the transformation existing workers of all ages will need help getting caught up on the changes. This window of opportunity could prove very effective in attracting new workers to the trades. ■

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

SC&RA endorses new effort to promote mental health in the trades. MIKE CHALMERS reports

Breaking down barriers

As part of an ongoing mental health focus in 2024, SC&RA unveiled two new support tools at its recent Annual Conference from 15 to 19 April in Texas, USA.

In line with similar efforts growing in effectiveness throughout the industry, one of the tools is a poker-style chip with language on the front and back assuring chip holders they are not alone, and encouraging them to text or dial the 988 national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The second deliverable comprises a 988 Lifeline hard hat sticker – another tool that has seen productive use and positive results since its inception.

much worthwhile support and awareness as it can out to its member companies, and relatedly, to the larger industry, has been a team effort – with more and more member companies joining the endeavour all the time.

The aim is to both create and drive awareness while also giving workers in the trades a viable, around-the-clock resource for mental health support. When people call, text or chat on the 988 Lifeline, they are connected to trained crisis counsellors who are part of the existing 988 Lifeline network, made up of more than 200 local crisis centres. These counsellors are trained to provide free and confidential emotional support and crisis counselling to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, and connect them to resources.

In combination with the chips and stickers, SC&RA also unveiled a page on its website designed specifically to provide mental health support links to information, for individuals as well as company management.

SC&RA’s commitment to getting as

“I think with the trades, these are craft people – men and women – though it’s dominated by men… and over the years, while it’s softened a bit, it’s always been a tough-guy, difficult industry to work in,” noted SC&RA president Scott Bragg (Bragg Companies). “People bust their butts and put their lives on the line a lot – the stigma that you’re soft if you’re struggling mentally, either with your work or personal life, has been hard for people to deal with over the years. But getting this message out –especially through the 988 number – that it’s okay to ask for help, has never been more important.”

In addition to fully supporting SC&RA’s chip and sticker initiative, one thing Bragg Companies is working on through its HR department is figuring out how to work mental health support into its overall health insurance platform for all its employees. “I personally don’t think we, or our insurance companies, spend enough time, effort or money on developing strong mental

The aim of SC&RA’s mental health advocacy push is to both create and drive awareness while also giving workers in the trades a viable, around-the-clock resource for mental health support

health programmes. But hopefully this is a productive first step for us.”

He also commended SC&RA for taking the steps to move mental health to the front of the line. “Any time an Association like SC&RA shines a light on a topic as vital to the future of the trades as mental health, it’s going to not only snap everyone to attention, but galvanise the larger collective and dial them into a common mission.”

WORTH EVERY EFFORT

Echoing Bragg, SC&RA Crane and Rigging Group Chair Jeremy Landry, (Deep South Crane & Rigging), acknowledged that “it has taken a while to shift the industry culture to even report physical injuries, and

Scott Bragg, Bragg Companies

Jeremy Landry, Deep South Crane & Rigging

I think we face the same challenge in mental health.”

That said, Landry doesn’t believe there is a one-size-fits-all solution to mental health. “I think it will be different depending on the person and what makes them the most comfortable. The most important step is the first one, and I believe SC&RA has done that. The poker chips and hard hat stickers will be a big step towards awareness. And over the next several years, we’ll have to add more tools.”

An additional mental health deliverable SC&RA is promoting comprises a 988 Lifeline hard hat sticker – a tool that has seen productive use and positive results throughout the industry since its inception

and require mental fortitude to be accomplished without incident.”

As a result, said Eddy and Kimberly Kitchen (Kitchen’s Crane & Equipment), “Removing the stigma from mental health in both construction and transportation could mean saving a life and-or saving a family from the emotional trauma of suicide or drug addiction – and is certainly worth every effort.”

The Kitchens believe the success of such efforts is dependent on consistent education, workplace training programmes and the development of peer support teams at every level. “These changes can have lasting positive effects for our industry, including a stronger, more productive workforce, more success for companies in our industry, improved industrial output for our country and, certainly, more healthy and happy individuals and families.”

Merrill added, “I think that just starting the discussion will lead to overarching benefits for SC&RA members, and the rest of our industry.”

GIANT STEP

Transportation Group Chair, Louis Juneau (NOVA Permits & Pilot Cars) explained why the compounding effect of mental health challenges can be so destructive. “Stigma can decrease selfesteem, leading to a loss of self-respect, while increasing shame and hopelessness. People with mental illness may be viewed in a negative way, which can lead to discrimination and, in turn, more or longerlasting mental illness.”

Moreover, noted Dave Merrill (Pahoa Express), “So many people can be affected by one person’s mistake. The jobs our members run can be extremely stressful

At Buckner HeavyLift Cranes, said Meredith Williams, they’re trying to make mental health, as well as support and awareness, a topic of general conversation – similar to how physical health is universally discussed. “At Buckner, we’ve made efforts to highlight the mental health, counselling, therapy and support services that our company insurance provides,” she indicated. “Increasing awareness that these benefits already exist helps employees know they are there and free to use – to get ahead of any issues. We are also in the process of working on a pilot programme to allow our employees to use the money they accrue as part of their safety incentive towards

counselling sessions if they elect to do so.

Our focus is on how we can help support benefits for employees to take advantage of – to help avoid a crisis.”

Meghan McNally-Wininger (McNallyNimergood Crane Rentals) sees it the same. “You never know the difference that you can make in someone’s life, and in the lives of those who love and care for them,” she emphasised. “Knowing that someone cares and is there to listen, can make a bad day better. There is a stigma in this industry, and we need to acknowledge that we created that stigma. It’s up to us to do what we can to fix that – and let people know that there is strength in asking for help. It’s not weak to try to better yourself.”

Disarming stigma is something that Matt Rix (ProLift Rigging) considers a long-time coming across the trades. “For too long no one has wanted to talk about it which makes SC&RA’s efforts to build out this conversation so transformative – and we’re glad to be a part of it.”

Rix first remembers hearing about mental health at an SC&RA meeting in 2023. “And then the next meeting, I heard a little more – and people were much more engaged,” he pointed out. “They wanted more information. And the Association is, once again, stepping up. Which is vital –because when an organisation as influential as SC&RA makes the effort to break down some of these barriers and open up discussions, it’s a giant step in the name of progress that hopefully spreads throughout the industry as a result.” ■

Eddy and Kimberly Kitchen, Kitchen’s Crane & Equipment

Meghan McNally-Wininger, McNally-Nimergood Crane Rentals

Louis Juneau, NOVA Permits & Pilot Cars

Dave Merrill, Pahoa Express

THE UNIQUE COMBIMAX PRINCIPLE: MODULARITY IN MOTION!

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Paris performers

The results of the 2024 ESTA Awards were announced on 25 April at the Hilton Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport in France where first-time winner Ainscough Crane Hire from the UK grabbed two of the top crane prizes.

The gala dinner and awards event was held during the Intermat construction exhibition taking place nearby.

Ten awards were shared between nine winning companies from four countries in Europe. They were selected from a total of 37 finalists across the ten categories from 12 countries vying for the trophies. More than 400 guests attended the dinner to celebrate what ESTA believes to be its strongest shortlist to date.

TRANSPORT UP TO 120 TONNES GCW

Heavy Load Service (HLS)

The transport of two gigantic tanks with a diameter of 5.5 metres from Hengelo in the Netherlands to the French village of Golbey, involved 140 kilometres of road transport through rural France and the approval of five electricity companies.

Commenting on the event Ton Klijn, ESTA director, said, “Everyone at ESTA is delighted and honoured that our awards receive such excellent support. Of course, we congratulate the winners but we would also like to thank all the finalists and everyone who entered.

“It is your commitment and effort that enables us to show the world, including our clients and political leaders, the important and professional work that our industry delivers day in, day out.

“We look forward to seeing everyone in Munich, Germany, next year for the 2025 edition,” Klijn concluded.

The 2024 ESTA Awards winners are listed by category below: ■

TRANSPORT ABOVE 120 TONNES GCW

Kahl & Jansen

On its way from Ibbenbüren to Niederaussem in Germany, a 350 tonne generator crossed several bridges with a maximum permitted axle load of 14 tonnes.

Transport specialists at Kahl & Jansen used a transport combination of 2 x 26 axle lines and a girder bridge, resulting in a gross combination weight of 798 tonnes.

ESTA AWARDS OF

European transport and crane association ESTA’s annual awards event is a big draw and last month’s in France was no exception. Graham Anderson reports

The journey took in a mountain road

ESTA AWARDS 2024 WINNERS

TELESCOPIC CRANES UNDER

120 TONNES CAPACITY

MJ van Riel

Sixteen cranes were used by Van Riel’s team to move a 352 metre long section of heat pipeline during a drilling operation under the busy Erasmusplein street in The Hague, Netherlands, a solution that allowed trees and bushes along the route to be spared from disturbance.

COMBINED TECHNIQUES

Allelys

UK-based Allelys completed a unique beach landing operation and subsequent challenging road transport of a 155 tonne transformer from Black Rock Sands in North Wales to a substation at Trawsfynydd.

CRANES, LATTICE BOOM

Ainscough

Crane Hire

For the upgrade of Liverpool’s Anfield football stadium in the UK, Ainscough

TELESCOPIC CRANES ABOVE

120 TONNES CAPACITY

Ainscough Crane Hire

For the exchange of a kiln installation during the largest shutdown in the history of the Rugby Cement plant in the UK, Ainscough Crane Hire carried out several complex lifting operations down to the centimetre and completed over a six-day period working 24 hours.

removed an existing stand structure using an ingenious tandem lifting operation using two crawler cranes.

SAFETY Liebherr-Werk Nenzing

The engineers at Liebherr-Werk Nenzing in Austria developed an individual mode for crawler crane operation on a floating unit (pontoon or barge) with different load curves, which results in significantly safer lifting operations.

INNOVATION BKV

Dutch specialist BKV developed the TensionMaster, a tool designed to eliminate the risks of hoist rope damage, shock loading of the crane and potential damage to the lifted object.

SPMT Wagenborg Nedlift

Netherlands-based Wagenborg Nedlift transported two large storage tanks from the inland quayside in Urmond in the Netherlands to the Chemelot Geleen industrial estate, going through the village and crossing the Netherlands’ busiest motorway, the A2.

TRAINING Prangl Gesellschaft

In Austria Prangl set up an internal training and development campus called BePrangl. Every year it compiles an updated training manual with all available courses. In 2023 a total of 58 training courses took place at BePrangl with 421 participants.

THANKS TO THE SPONSORS

ESTA thanks its sponsors for their commitment to supporting the industry and helping to celebrate best practice in all its forms. The sponsors of the 2024 awards were:

GOLD: Faymonville, Liebherr, TII Scheuerle, XCMG

SILVER: Kässbohrer, Manitowoc, Spierings Mobile Cranes, Tadano

SUPPORTERS: ERNA, GIS, Goldhofer, Köhler Kran-Service, Nooteboom, Schaften Cranes

NETWORK RECEPTION: Beequip

The ePM comes equipped with a standard battery pack and can be operated continuously for up to nine hours

Green choice for swap body transporter

Transport equipment manufacturer

TII Kamag has launched the third generation of its fully electrically powered swap body transporter. The Kamag ePrecisionMover (ePM) enables emissionfree handling of swap bodies and trailers which the company said optimises the sustainability of all yard logistics operations.

It is designed to offer precise, quick and safe handling of swap bodies in all conventional sizes as well as semi-trailers and trailers. The company said it retains the same operating comfort, ergonomics and functionality as diesel models. Its electric drive offers quiet and local emission-free operation.

Improved technical features include increasing the on-board electrics to a 700 Volt system. This means it can be recharged in a significantly shorter time and results in lower heat loss. The company said this feature offers an increase in energy efficiency and provides a greater operating range.

The ePM comes with a standard battery pack consisting of four Webasto batteries with a total capacity of 140 kWh. It can be operated continuously for up to nine hours depending on the operating conditions. A complete recharge takes 90 minutes. ■ For more information see: www.tii-group.com/tii-kamag

Large puller system to improve safety

Enerpac announces its largest lockgrip puller system so far, the LGH3100 synchronous lock grip system, which delivers up to 100 tonnes of hydraulic force for pulling medium to large size wheels, sprockets, bearings and other similar shaftmounted parts.

The puller’s self-centring closing lock-grip system moves all the jaws simultaneously, allowing one operator to safely handle the removal of large wheels, bearings, and shaft couplers.

Removing large, shaft mounted, components that may have become seized and corroded can be a challenge for maintenance operators. Dangerous practices such as torching, cutting and hammering are liable to damage expensive parts, increasing the risk of maintenance

delays and extended equipment downtimes.

The puller is mounted on an ergonomically designed rolling cart with a low centre of gravity that minimises the physical effort needed to position and operate the puller. The cart features large industrial castor wheels and pockets for a forklift. The hydraulic pulling power is provided by the onboard Enerpac ZE3Series electric two stage pump and remote operating control pendant.

Removed components are captured and held securely in the synchronous locking jaws.

When both space and budgets are tight, the 3-jaw LG3100 is easily converted

Removing a wheel shaft with the Enerpac LGH3100 lock-grip puller

Four-camera system uses AI to detect hazards in blind spots

AI UPGRADE FOR VEHICLE SAFETY CAMERA SYSTEM

UK-based Brigade Electronics has added artificial intelligence technology that can identify human beings in vehicle blind spots to its Backeye 360 vehicle safety solution product.

The system is designed to assist with manoeuvrability in challenging situations by providing drivers with a complete 360-degree view of their vehicle in a single image. Multi view options are available too.

The system combines images from four cameras placed around the vehicle and provides a real-time 1080p HD view on a monitor inside the cab. The result is a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle and surrounding area.

■ For more information see: www.brigade-electronics.com

into a 2-jaw , avoiding the need to use valuable budget on a separate puller.

■ For more information see: www.enerpac.com

EVENTS DIARY 2024

EUROPEAN RENTAL ASSOCIATION CONVENTION

15 and 16 May 2024 Lisbon, Portugal www.erarental.org/event

TOWER CRANES NORTH AMERICA (TCNA)

11 and 12 June 2024 Nashville, Tennessee, USA www.khl-tcna.com

HILLHEAD

25 to 27 June 2024

Derbyshire, UK www.hillhead.com

VERTIKAL DAYS

11 and 12 September 2024 Nottinghamshire, UK www.vertikaldays.net

IAA TRANSPORTATION

16 to 22 September 2024 Hannover, Germany www.iaa-transportation.com/en

SC&RA CRANE & RIGGING WORKSHOP

24 to 26 September 2024 Arizona, USA www.scranet.org

CRANES & TRANSPORT MIDDLE EAST (CATME)

1 and 2 October 2024 Dubai, UAE www.khl-catme.com

POWER PROGRESS SUMMIT & AWARDS 2024

1 and 2 October 2024 Chicago, USA www.dieselprogresssummit.com

INGO SCHILLER has been named as CEO at hookmounted camera manufacturer Netarus. The company offers its HoistCam for the crane, lifting and heavy equipment industries.

CHRISTOPHER MACHUT, CEO since 2018, will embark on a new venture in the company, leading the development and expansion of the SiteTrax products. This expansion will fill a growing need for intermodal asset tracking using AI-powered visual recognition technology, the company said.

LARRY LIS has been promoted to chief operations officer at Maxim Crane Works.

During his tenure at Maxim, Larry has held numerous roles across the entire company, specifically in operations and sales. He started his career with Maxim in 1999 as a sales representative, moving into

PUZZLE PIECES: Dutch crane company Multi-Crane has deployed six Potain MDT flat top tower cranes for the De Zaanse Helden residential project in Zaandam, near Amsterdam in the Netherlands. The project’s confined space demanded meticulous planning of the crane positioning, hook heights, and oversailing. Multi-Crane’s ability to solve the puzzle with its fleet of Potain MDT series flat top tower cranes won the company the rental contract.

operations management in 2009. In 2012 he was appointed as the regional vice president of Maxim’s northeast region and the vice president of the midwest region in 2016, before moving to the vice president of fleet management role.

SAM MERCER has been promoted from COO to CEO at UK-based plant rental company

OBITUARY

Plantforce. Its previous CEO, founder CLAIRE TROTT, will move into a new role as founder executive director.

The changes are significant as the company enters another phase of planned growth. Trott founded Plantforce 25 years ago with a yard in Yatton, three machines and two staff, serving local contractors in the Southwest and has taken it to a Tier 1 national plant provider.

RICHARD COLLETT 1942 – 2024

With regret we report the death of Richard Collett Senior on 9 February 2024, at 81.

Richard was chairman at UK heavy haulage specialist Collett & Sons until retirement in his late 70s. Even after that Richard was still found in the office providing knowledge and experience.

Born in 1942, the seventh of nine children, Richard helped on his father’s farm from an early age, collecting milk from local farms and delivering it to dairies. In 1960 he married Patricia and went on to have five sons – Richard, David, Lincoln, Mark and Michael. In addition to milk, Collett delivered animal feed, running a fleet of eight trucks and doing all the repairs himself.

In 1975 Richard formed R. Collett & Sons (Transport). With five sons potentially joining the business, he turned to heavy haulage, starting with a small second-hand single axle Crane Fruehauf low loader.

Richard’s last journey was on the back of his vintage 1952 Bedford O type milk wagon. He will be missed.

MARKETPLACE

International Cranes and Specialized Transport's Marketplace is designed to help readers find the products and services they need. The Marketplace is divided into colour coded sections to help you quickly find what you need.

Operational aids, communication systems, components, controls, software, crane mats and outrigger pads, crane repair, hydraulics, jacks, attachments, personnel baskets, rigging hardware, rollers, slings and chains, tires, winches, wire rope, batteries, braking systems, and new, used and refurbished parts.

Training, insurance, inspections, financing, consulting and safety equipment.

Transportation permits, freight forwarding, heavy haul, pilot car services, trailers, wheels and tyres. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Employee recruitment and job postings.

To advertise in the International Cranes and Specialized Transport Marketplace, please contact: JOHN AUSTIN on: Tel: +44 (0)1892 786245 e-mail: john.austin@khl.com

LIFT - N - LOCK

Lift and move heavy loads safely and conveniently with J&R Engineering hydraulic boom gantries as detailed in this brochure. The exclusive LIFT-N-LOCK® feature holds up the load in the event the lift cylinder loses pressure. Other exclusive patented safety feaures include Stabilizer bars, Octagon booms, Load sensing, Digital height indicating system and Oscillating header plates. Field proven models up to 1800 ton capacity and lift heights up to 100 feet. Crawler mounted gantries up to 700 ton capacity and other specialized lifting and transportation equipment available.

E-mail: info@jrengco.com Web Site: www.jrengco.com