self erectors c&a Easy does it Manitowoc's latest self erector, the Igo 30, is available in two versions: a 30 metre jib version that has a tip capacity of 900kg and a 28 metre jib version that can handle 1,000kg. Maximum capacity for both versions is 2.2 tonnes, which the crane can take to 14.6 metres radius. Height under hook is 21 metres and the jib can luff to either eight or 20 degrees. With a total weight of less than 26 tonnes, it can be transported on a single truck in most markets, reducing transportation costs. Dunham Cranes, the Ramsbottom/ Bury-based distributor for FB Gru self erectors which introduced its largest machine, the 1,000kg at 36 metre radius GA136 last year, has seen the demand for the longer radius self erecting cranes increase in the UK. Unfortunately its request for a larger FB crane has so far gone unheeded, so it has entered into an agreement with Benazzato to distribute its 40 metre self erector. Dunham director, Alan Dunham said: “We now have an arrangement with Benazzato and its UK dealer to take the 40 metre crane should we need it. We have been asking FB for a while to produce a larger self erecting crane but this does not look like happening in the near future.” Dunham also thinks that the small city tower crane has great potential in the UK. “FB Gru's new GHS 401 is much lighter and needs a much smaller base than a self erector - 2.8 metres by 2.8 metres compared with 36 cranes & access May/June 2009 The crane also features the SmartCom system that incorporates special sensors and an on-board computer to improve efficiency and bring additional safety to folding and unfolding operations. For ease of set-up, it has side ballast, which means the counterweight does not need to be moved during erection and dismantling. This is especially Looking for something bigger about 4.5 metres square,” he says. Dunham took delivery of the first GHS 401 in the UK last year. Designed in six metre modules, the unit can be easily handled and transported to site on one truck. The units can also increase its height with the addition of more tower sections, unlike the fixed height self erector. useful on job sites where 'free slew' is not possible or where there are strict rules regarding the position of the jib during out-of-service operation. All of the mechanisms are frequency controlled and radio remote control is included. “The emphasis on the Igo range is to make everything about the job as easy as possible,” says Vincent Milan, Manitowoc's senior product manager for self-erecting cranes. “When designing the cranes, we focus on transporting it to the site, rigging, maintaining, operating on site and then moving on to the next job.” New four axle MK While the UK has something of a blind spot for self erectors, it does like the mobile version which can offer many of the advantages of a regular self erector while retaining the mobility of an All Terrain crane. Liebherr has recently introduced its four axle MK88 mobile tower crane, the successor to the MK80 of which sold nearly 150 units. Like the three axle MK63 and five axle MK100 models in the Liebherr's range, the new MK88 is an extremely compact, manoeuvrable design and therefore ideal for use in town centres where space between buildings is limited. Transport dimensions are similar to the MK80 but the crane superstructure is distinctly larger allowing a maximum hook height with the jib in the 45 degree 'super steep-angle' position to increase to more than 57 metres and the maximum working radius to more than 44 metres. The completely new design, the two-section lattice-construction telescopic tower is said to be exceptionally rigid and has three standard steep-angle jib settings: 15, 30 and 45 degrees. The electric power supply for crane erecting and operation can be taken either from the standard compact 48-kVA generator on the superstructure or by connecting to an outside source. The generator allows the crane to be erected and operated where no suitable outside power supply is available - a major bonus in town centres and noise protection areas. The cranes radio remote control includes a full display of the essential load and operational information, including actual working radius, hook height, lifting speeds and the load on the hook.
The Guide for buyers and users of lifting equipment Access Equipment Cranes Telehandlers Haydock Park 24th & 25th June 2009 www.vertikaldays.net
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