Self-erector Handles Materials on Hospital Expansion

Enlarge Image Potain HDT 80 at work

August 29, 2011—The small footprint and superior reach of the Potain HDT 80 self-erecting crane has helped a contractor keep pace with a tight schedule on a hospital extension project in Chambersburg, Pa. Waggoner Construction is managing the cast-in-place concrete work on a four-story addition to Chambersburg Hospital. The 6.6-ton self-erector with a 15’x15’ footprint was an effective solution to the limited space of the job site, where material handling takes place all day long. â€œWe use the crane to lift materials for our concrete work,” explained Byron Waggoner, owner of the company. “We lift gang forms, lumber, rebar and even some structural steel. The crane works six days a week from the time we get to the job at 6 a.m. until we go home at 5 p.m. The crane has performed well the entire time.”

 

In addition the self-erector has reduced labor costs because the operator can see the load from the cab. “We do not need to rely on a dedicated signal man to direct lifting operations,” said Waggoner.

 

The crane was provided by Stephenson Equipment, which re-rented it from Tipton Crane of Atlanta, Ga., when Stephenson’s own model was already out on lease. On the job since March, the crane is expected finish its work the end of August.

 

The Potain HDT 80  offers a maximum working radius of 147’7” and maximum hook height of 112’2” feet. The crane’s telescoping mast and 10 different jib configurations help maximize jobsite flexibility. It runs off electrical power, which is especially important on jobs like the hospital addition, where noise from equipment can be an issue.

 

Also on the job is a Grove RT650E rough-terrain crane that Waggoner Construction is renting from Stephenson Equipment. The 50-ton crane is primarily unloading rebar from trucks that arrive at the job site.