We’re living and working in an ever more sophisticated
world.
Yet Hird’s MFC750K counterbalance floor crane shows that adding ever more gizmos is not always a good idea.
The mini floor crane (hence MFC) is our Product of the Month for September 2019.
Leading on mini crane design
We’re pleased to be able to say that Hird had the original idea for the MFC750K. We then teamed up with German manufacturer Wienold to co-design the mini crane, carried out all the testing with the prototype to CE approval and have been market leaders in introducing it in the UK.
We knew that a well-conceived floor crane, if designed well and manufactured to a high standard, can be simple to operate and highly effective.
Counterbalance crane genius
In fact, throughout the ages, the point has been made that simplicity and effectiveness go hand in hand.
Around 2,500 years ago, Chinese philosopher Confucius said:
“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.”
About 1,000 years later, Leonardo da Vinci ventured the opinion:
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”
And in the last 10 years, Sir Jonathan Ives, designer of the Apple iPhone, said:
“Defining qualities are about use: ease and simplicity.”
Our MFC750K counterbalance floor crane incorporates all this wisdom in one very effective mini crane. Well, in fact, in two cranes.
Two mini cranes in one
As the MFC750K, in its fully extended form, the counterbalance floor crane has a maximum safe working load (SWL) of 750kg yet is just 1800mm long.
By removing its extension legs, an operator can quickly adapt the machine to become the MFC750Ks, or the Shorty, as it is known.
In this format, it is just 650mm wide, and 1200mm long, but can still lift an impressive 500kg.
Confined space lifting
You can just see Leonardo standing back and admiring the cleverness in this machine’s simplicity and saying: “Why didn’t I think of that?”
Since its introduction in 2016, Hird’s counterbalance floor crane hire customers have grown to really appreciate this flexibility.
As an MFC750 Shorty, the machine is often the only one compact enough to operator off a roof in front of a maintenance rail.
It can be fitted with a materials hoist to lift construction materials up a building or an additional vacuum MFC750K counterbalance floor crane has a maximum hook height of 3.05m, while the boom can be extended to 1.2m.
The mini crane can be rapidly assembled and taken apart on site. When ready for use, it will fit in a standard lift.
Certified for dynamic lifting
The Wienold MFC750K also sets the standard for dynamic lifting, or negative lifting.
As a UK leader in glass lifting equipment hire, Hird wanted to ensure the crane could be fitted with winch and a vacuum lifter and be used to lift glass loads up the sides of buildings.
Therefore, we ensured the MFC750K underwent separate testing and certification for lifting these dynamic loads. As far as we are aware, it is the only counterbalance floor crane in the UK to be certified in this way.
Simple design – no compromise
The Wienold MFC750K and the Shorty provides Hird mini crane hire customers with a very simple, robust and compact lifting solution without compromising on productivity or safety.
Lockable swivel castors are fitted as standard. Lateral outriggers can be added in both configurations, and all-terrain front tyres are available to reduce ground loading and improve manoeuvrability.
Where space is limited, and access is an issue, the MFC750K floor crane from Hird could be the perfect choice.
It is that simple.
Lifting expertise and innovation
For more information about the MFC750K (and Ks) mini crane, and other counterbalance floor crane hire options from Hird, call today.
We provide contract lifting solutions and mini crane operator training, so you lift project can be completed smoothly.
Hird is also a leader in working with manufacturers to design innovative lifting equipment, including glass vacuum lifters, for the glass and façade installation industry. Talk to us about bespoke glass lifting solutions.
Northern 01482 227333
Central 01302 341659
Southern 0203 174 0658
