ForConstructionPros.com

Self-erecting, remote-controlled cranes can offer a number of advantages for moving materials to heights, particularly on jobsites involving site restrictions or confined spaces. Following are two recent examples.

Masonry subcontractor Joseph Rizzo & Sons, New Castle, DE, had originally anticipated a straightforward plan to build a cement block addition onto the high school in Elkton, MD. However, the existing structure blocked access to two of the walls, limiting the ability to deliver bundles of cement block to workers. The general contractor also would not permit any type of equipment onto the addition's cement slab foundation. This ruled out using rough-terrain forklifts or other material-handling equipment to deliver the bricks.

Joseph Rizzo & Sons turned to a 2-ton-capacity Potain Igo MA21 self-erecting crane. With nearly 63 ft. of height under hook and an 85-ft. radius, the unit provided the necessary reach to access the entire jobsite. And with its small footprint, it did not take up much space on the already crowded site.

According to Kevin O'Connell, self-erecting crane product manager for local Potain dealer Shawmut Equipment, there were many benefits that made this crane a suitable fit for the job. "School was still in session during construction of the addition, so the crane's electric drives allowed for quiet operation," he states. "Because the Igo MA21 can be operated with 220-volt, single-phase power, the contractor tapped into an existing power source on the site, eliminating the need and expense for a three-phase generator. It only took about an hour and a half to position, erect and complete its required checkouts."

The radio control feature of the crane was particularly beneficial for delivering brick bundles to masons working on scaffolding. It allowed the crane operator to stay with the load the entire time to position the bricks exactly where they needed to be. "Even with picks that traditionally would have been blind with a hydraulic crane, the operator was able to reposition himself and stay with the load at all times," says O'Connell.