A Maeda mini-crane recently helped move materials beyond a tower crane's reach. On an addition to the St. David’s Medical Facility in Austin, Texas, the tower crane couldn’t access the farthest corner of the structure. The stage steel beams, the tower crane hoisted a Maeda MC 285 mini-crane to the roof. Erectors found the mini-crane was much faster at assembling the steel because of its close proximity and precise placement. The mini-crane operator was able to closely monitor the workers on the beams and communicate directly with them, which also improved steel erection safety.
The Maeda was a less expensive alternative to a large mobile crane rental. The crew was able to bolt-up the steel columns and beams in a day on the rooftop corner. The track-mounted MC 285, which was rented from Inman Texas Company in Houston, was easily able to maneuver on the roof with its compact 30-in. width.
Lift & Access is part of the Catalyst Communications Network publication family.
