Military grade mini crane

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Italian mini crane manufacturer Jekko has collaborated with the Belgium army to deliver a battle-ready version of its SPX1280 mini crane. The mini crane is designed for air transport and can be delivered or dropped at its destination via parachute.

The military grade version retains the SPX1280’s eight tonne maximum lifting capacity and two-tonne pick ‘n’ carry capacity.

Jekko says it is the only mini crane in the world designed for air transport and it came to fruition following two years of development in partnership with its Belgian dealer Rentalift and the Belgian Defence Forces - Air Component.

The mini crane has a reinforced chassis which complies with NATO STANAG standards. The crane’s frame has anchor points so it can be secured on a plane and for a parachute to be attached. In addition, the crane has an anemometer, a cold-weather engine starting kit, and filters for working in dusty or sandy environments.

“We are excited about this new military grade Jekko crane,” said Davy Bintein, Rentalift sales manager. “The Belgian Defence Forces first approached us in 2018 at the MATEXPO exhibition, looking for a crane able to fly on an Airbus A400M and working on the aeroplane maintenance. Of the four companies it contacted Jekko met all the army expectations and was the only competitor able to build the cranes in a short time, managing to win the contract. The standard SPX1280 already had the main features they were looking for: its balance between size/weight and lifting capacity, the pick and carry functionality, the automatic stabilisation, the fully radio-controlled crane, and the many customisations available. It possesses a natural sturdiness and reliable stability, and the outcome is a special model for special operations that embodies the most advanced technical solutions!”