Two Potain HDT 80 self-erecting cranes are helping to build an apartment complex in downtown Indianapolis, IN. The contractor, Larry R Wagler Construction, chose the cranes for their easy assembly and ability to operate in limited space.
Larry Wagler, owner of the company, has used Potain self-erecting cranes since 2006. He finds self-erecting cranes indispensible for the type of framing work his company does, which is primarily building commercial properties in crowded urban areas.
"The self-erecting cranes are great for compact jobsites. The cranes take very little room to set up," he said. "They're also quick to erect."
On this job, the cranes are setting walls and trusses for an apartment complex called The Avenue. It is located in a crowded urban area near the Indiana University campus. Despite the small jobsite, the cranes are able to work efficiently, even with overlapping operation zones. The Potain HDT 80 can operate at three different mast heights and has a maximum working radius of 148 ft, but it has only a 15 x 15 ft footprint. Maximum capacity is 6.6 USt with a maximum hook height of 176 ft 2 in.
Self-erecting cranes allow owners to eliminate a second signal person during crane operation, saving labor costs. The cab on the HDT 80 travels up the mast and allows the operator to follow the load during the entire pick. Alternatively, the crane also comes with a radio remote control that runs the crane as the operator walks alongside the load.
The HDT 80 can run on three-phase 480V power, reducing overall fuel costs. Electric operation also minimizes the environmental impact in terms of engine and noise emissions, a frequent problem when working in densely populated urban spaces.
The cranes, one owned by Larry R Wagler Construction and one rented from R. H. Marlin Crane Rental, both based in Indianapolis, were expected to remain on the jobsite for four months.
