Mini crane makes light work of low headroom for retail refit
A Maeda mini crane and glass vacuum lifter supplied by Hird has helped glazing installers overcome a challenging lack of headroom as they fitted shopfront windows during a refurbishment project.
The Maeda MC305 tracked spider crane was combined with a Kappel DSZ2 glass lifter to install windows at the King William House development in Hull, East Yorkshire.
The 200kg glazing units were being installed under a covered walkway at the former office building that has been transformed into upper floor apartments and ground floor shops, bars and leisure facilities.
Variable outriggers
Despite the low headroom and limited space for outriggers, this proved to be no problem for the Maeda MC305 spider crane, controlled by a Hird mini crane operator.
It could be positioned inside the walkway, providing enough boom height for the windows to lifted into position.
The Maeda MC305 spider crane has maximum safe working load of 2.98t, a maximum working height of 12.52m and a maximum working radius of 12.16m.
Stowed for tracking, the spider crane is just 1280mm wide, which makes it easier to move into position. Variable position outriggers allow the operator to overcome space restrictions.
Bi-energy capability
The spider crane has a diesel engine. It can also be operated on 110v mains electric power, supporting fume-free, low-noise and low carbon lifting. This is particularly useful in enclosed and semi-enclosed spaces.
The Maeda MC305 spider crawler crane can be operated with onboard controls or remotely, via a cable remote control, allowing the operator to get close to the hook to support precision lifting and safety.
It can be fitted with a powerful two-speed winch and paired with the Wirth Oktopus glazing manipulator for excellent control of glass, even where it is being installed overhead.
Electric crane option
Hird can now also supply for hire the latest all-electric Maeda MC305, with power provided by lithium batteries for optimum zero-emissions lifting and unrivalled sustainability.
The crane delivers battery run-time of up to eight hours and can be charged off a 110v standard 16amp plug while the crane is being operated so there is no charging downtime.
The Kappel DSZ2 glass vacuum lifter has a maximum lifting capacity of 450kg, which increases to 750kg with extension arms and additional suction pads fitted.
Slim glass lifter
Operated by wired remote control, it provides 360-degree continuous powered rotation and allows the load to be manually tilted through 180 degrees.
The battery-powered glass vacuum lifter is just 180mm deep, making it ideal for lifting glass in constrained working environments like the ones at King William House.
Find out more about Maeda spider cranes and glass vacuum lifters from Hird. We have one of the biggest mini crane hire fleets and most extensive ranges of glass lifting equipment in the UK.
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