A Maeda MC815 spider crane supplied by Hird was the big star of the show at the O2 arena, as it was used to support construction of a new £185m designer outlet village.
The spider crane, the largest in the Maeda mini crane fleet, played a vital role in the erection of steel framework sections right under the roof of the world-famous entertainment venue, on Greenwich Peninsula, London.
The MC815 is Maeda’s latest spider crane, and Hird was the first hire company in the world to place an order for the machine.
Hird Director John Wilding said: “We’ve only just taken delivery of the spider crane, and this was its first commercial lift. So, it was apt that the project could not have been designed better to show off its capabilities.
“The new designer outlet village is being built under the O2’s canopy roof. The only way to lift steel sections up into such a confined space was with a mini crane.
“On top of that, the unique conditions within the O2 arena meant the Maeda MC815’s lifting capability and capacity were ideal for the task, allowing the crane to complete it without any undue fuss.”
Hird was commissioned to carry out the contract lift as work on the designer outlet village, which was due to be completed by the end of 2017, gathered pace.
It is reported that the development, similar to the Bicester Village, in Oxfordshire, will have around 100 shops and restaurants, and will complete the circle around the arena.
The Maeda MC815 spider crane was brought in to lift steel beams weighing 1800 tonnes up to a height of 14 metres, which was very close to the roof of the O2 Arena, formerly the Millennium Dome.
The tracked spider crane’s boom also had to be positioned with care so it could operate very close to steel beams already in place.
A Hird crane operator and lift supervisor worked with the onsite contractor to carry out the lift.
John Wilding said: “Our client was delighted with what the Maeda MC815 mini crane was able to achieve. Indeed, they were so impressed that they kept the crane of site for longer to carry out further lifting tasks.”
The Maeda MC815 has a maximum lifting capacity of eight tonnes, a maximum working height of 18.8 metres, and a pick and carry capacity of 1 tonne.
The spider crane can also be fitted with an optional 1.5 tonne hydraulic fly jib, allowing even greater up-and-over reach, a feature that is especially useful where operating height is restricted.
Call Hird for more information about Maeda MC815 mini crane hire, and all other Hird lifting services, includes pick and carry crane hire, crane operator training, glass lifter hire, and powered access hire.
Northern 01482 227333
Central 01302 341659
Southern 0203 174 0658
Email: [email protected]
