COMMENT Ӏ AUGUST 2024
CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION ARE KEY
In this issue we cover opposite ends of the lifting spectrum, from small to large. Small is covered by our mini cranes sector profile (p24), while giant crawlers and even bigger ring cranes are covered in our heavy lifting feature (p34). One theme, however, stands out and unites these very
different lifting machines: the importance of using 'the right tool for the job'. Although this may seem straightforward, the selection of the right crane for the job is more nuanced than may first appear. This is because many modern machines are now designed to be as versatile as possible enabling them to be used for a range of potential lifting applications. Add to this the rapidly evolving lifting landscape where technological developments are shifting traditional boundaries and machine hybrids are emerging. See the mini cranes feature, which covers the development of the 'pop- up' and the blurring of the line between crane and material handling machines, as evidence of this. Technological developments are also facilitating the
development of new tools; we now have new cranes designed to tackle ever larger and heavier loads. Writer Julian Champkin questions where the logical limit of this expansion lies in the heavy lift feature. There's another idiom I'd like use: 'there's more than
one way to skin a cat'. In the lifting industry this is perhaps truer now than ever before. The lifting industry is largely driven by finding efficiencies - utilising the fastest, safest, and most cost-effective
MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE Almac
Autokrane Schares Barnhart
Bagant Ecuatoriana Bennetts Cranes Bigfoot Crane City Lifting
Correct Maskin
Crowland Cranes Group Debenho Denzai Ematec Enerpac
Engineered Rigging Filli Partner
Foster Cranes
26 40 23 28 15 17 28 29 28 20 37 12 40 42 18 28
approach. This is illustrated, for example, in the residential construction feature (page 16) where Moldovian real estate construction company Filli Partner uses a Potain MD 305 B tower crane in place of two smaller cranes. Underpinning all of this, however, lies user experience.
There may be a range of tools that can do one job, or one crane that can do a range of jobs.... identifying the correct approach, however, comes down to the knowledge, wisdom even, of the engineers and lift planners wielding the tools. Their experience helps realise the potential of their machines and recognise the limitations of even the most versatile cranes – enabling them to find the balance between versatility and specialisation. Ultimately modern crane users need a deep understand of their cranes and how to use them in order to maximise their potential in a safe and efficient way. Technology may be able to help us with this but, as yet, can’t replace this human attribute.
This is perhaps best surmised by Cale Anderson, managing director at Canadian company Bigfoot Crane, who (speaking about the residential construction job outlined on p17) says: “As well as the challenges on site requiring the right equipment we also needed a team willing to find creative and innovative solutions.”
Christian Shelton, Editor
Christian.Shelton@
progressivemediainternational.com
GGR Group Grove
Harbour-Link Hird Crane Hire Hoeflon Itinera Jekko
Kiloutou Kolex
Kraanverhuur T. Pater Kranlyft
Liebherr Maeda
Mammoet Manitowoc
Manta Equipment
25
12, 20, 23 39 32 28 8
26, 28 32 29 23
30
10, 17, 23, 35 28, 30 10, 38
Multi-Crane
Oxford Builders Potain
Public Crane Sany
Sarens
Schußmann Simeri O Skyjacks
Stebru Bouw Tadano UNIC
VDL De Meeuw Vestas
8, 12, 15, 18, 20, 23 Westurban Developments 20
18 18
8, 15, 18 39
27, 39
20, 35, 39 23 28 28 18 10 25 20 10 17
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