Our Maeda MC285CRME spider crane was recently called upon to undertake a specialist glass installation at the picturesque waterside village of Noss Mayo, near Plymouth, Devon, where careful planning and precise timing were essential to completing the operation.
The project involved lifting and positioning a substantial 250kg glazed panel, measuring 3.888 metres by 1.530 metres, beneath an overhang at a waterfront property.
However, this was no ordinary glazing installation. With the crane required to operate on the exposed foreshore, the entire lifting operation had to be carefully scheduled around the local tidal conditions.
Working Against the Tide
As the photographs show, the Maeda MC285CRME was positioned on the rocky, uneven foreshore at low tide, with its outriggers extended onto support pads to provide a stable working arrangement.
Access to the lifting position was dependent on the tide, making the timing of the operation particularly important. The installation was therefore planned to coincide with a suitable low-tide working window, allowing the crane to be positioned and the lift undertaken before rising water could affect the working area.
This required careful consideration of crane access, ground conditions, lifting arrangements and the time available to complete the operation.
Specialist Glass Lifting Beneath an Overhang
The large glass panel, weighing approximately a quarter of a tonne, was handled using a P11104 glass lifter, providing a specialist attachment for controlled lifting and positioning.
Installing glazing beneath an overhang presents additional challenges, as the panel must be carefully manoeuvred into its final position while working around the surrounding structure.
With its compact tracked design and telescopic boom, the Maeda MC285CRME was well suited to the restricted working environment, providing the reach and controlled lifting capability required for the installation.
A Fully Managed Contract Lift
Sparrow Crane Hire provided a Full Contract Lift for the operation, incorporating the planning, lifting equipment and supervision necessary to carry out the work.
The combination of specialist glass handling equipment, an appropriately selected spider crane and careful coordination around the tidal conditions provided a practical solution to a challenging waterside installation.
This project demonstrates the versatility of Sparrow's mini crawler and spider crane fleet, particularly for specialist glazing, restricted-access lifting and projects where conventional mobile crane access may not be possible.
Whether working on a construction site, within a building or beside a tidal estuary, Sparrow Crane Hire can provide tailored lifting solutions for demanding environments across Devon, Cornwall and the wider UK.
đź“Ť Looking for reliable crane hire for your next project? Get in touch with Sparrow Crane Hire to find out more here.
