Tandem Valla mini crane lift beats food factory access challenge

Crane access challenge

Hird completed the complex lift and machinery moving project in one day at the poultry processing plant in Hull, East Yorkshire.

Access had been restricted because of additional plant installed after the building had been constructed, requiring the use of the mobile crane.

The boiler vessel, which weighed two tonnes, was lifting to the plant room in the same way.

The Valla 22E pick and carry crane backed into the plant room lifting the bottom of the vessel while the Valla 35E followed it in, lifting the top.

Hird Technical Manager Jake Coulman, the appointed person for the lift, said: “The height of the vessel meant it had to be tipped on its side to get through the door, which is why the tandem lift was needed.

“Once the vessel was inside, the Valla 22E lowered it onto machinery moving skates. This allowed the crane to be moved out of the way.

“Then the Valla 35E’s boom was telescoped out to lift the vessel upright onto the skates and chocks. The Valla 35E could then be used to lift the vessel again and place it where it was being installed.

“We’re pleased to say our client was delighted with the result. Without the flexibility provided by the Valla pick and cranes, there was no other way of getting the vessel in without opening the roof.

“As electric pick and carry cranes, they were also ideal for indoor lifting, with zero fumes and low noise, especially in a clean operational environment like a food factory.”