Showcase project for Geda operator hoist

Bavaria, Germany-headquartered construction and industrial hoist manufacturer Geda supplied one of its 2 PK crane operator hoists to Marr Contracting to aid access to the free-standing tower crane being used for the demolition of the 233 metre high TV transmission tower in Sydney, Australia (www.cranestodaymagazine.com/news/iconic-tv-tower-dismantled-by-marr-9004127a).

According to Geda, due to the height of the bespoke Favelle Favco M310D tower crane (which was raised up on 200 metres of tower sections) access for the operator via ladders would be time-consuming and dangerous. Also, because the tower crane is freestanding, access is not possible via an external structure.

The solution, provided by Australian Geda dealer Hasemer Materials Handling, was the Geda 2 PK operator hoist which provides access at a speed of 24 metres per minute. This is much faster and more efficient than climbing ladders, Geda said. For example, using the Geda 2 PK, 60 metres can be covered in just over two minutes; without it, it would take the crane operator about five times as long, the company claimed.

The crane operator hoist was installed and completed by Hoist & Lift Tec and can be installed on free-standing cranes and slewing tower cranes from any manufacturer.

Its safety features include: a small ramp with side protection that folds down and provides safe access to the car in conjunction with the access barrier on the crane; a speed-dependent safety gear; and electrical safety elements to prevent operating errors.

Geda said the crane operator hoist can also act as a life saver in emergency situations, as the recovery and rescue of unconscious or ill crane operators can be conducted quickly.