North America - Page 1
Stay up to date with the latest North America updates from the global cranes industryLatest North America Update
USA projects round up This month we review projects from California, Kentucky, Washington, New York
Bringing it all together In recent years, Maxim has merged with AmQuip, acquired heavy lift and transport specialist Crane Rental Corp, and most recently, bought the assets of Essex Crane and purchased Essex subsidary Coast Crane. Will North spoke to COO Frank Bardonaro about the development of the business
Sustainable lifting Will North spoke to Link-Belt CEO Melvin Porter, as he approached six months in the job, about building a sustainable crane business.
Cranes and lifting in Las Vegas This year’s big show is ConExpo in Las Vegas. In this issue, we look at a selection of the crane exhibitors at the show. In February, we will have more cranes, along with related lifting and special transport equipment.
Sponsored: A family of giants Lampson International is a third generation family owned and operated heavy lift and heavy haul construction corporation. Started in 1946 by Neil and Billie Jane Lampson, this once small crane and drayage company grew to be one of the largest and most well respected heavy lift companies in the world. Kate Lampson explains the history of the company, and its current offering.
Fleet of foot Sarens’s specially designed Floating Foundation Installer (FFI) is being utilised to install 38 footings for the New Champlain Bridge, Canada.
Manhattan transfer The new 432 Park Avenue in New York City currently stands as the tallest residential building in the Western Hemisphere. Earlier this spring Able Rigging Contractors (based in NY’s Long Island) was tasked with dismantling and lowering a Potain MR415 electric tower crane from the roof of this ‘supertall’ structure.
Deep rescue When the world’s biggest tunnel boring machine broke down 120ft underground, Mammoet was called in to retrieve it.
Bridging the Hudson The New NY Bridge, replacing the 1955 Tappan Zee Bridge, has been planned since 1999. Over more than a decade, the project was delayed while more than 150 different concepts were discussed. The project moved forward in 2011, and the first span is due for completion in 2016.
Proceed with caution The US crane market has been through some lean times in recent years, but now thanks to a growing energy sector and a focus on value added services the US lifting industry can start looking ahead with more confidence. Zak Garner-Purkis examines the reasons behind the cautious optimism.
Taking a test drive in Kentucky ConExpo’s little brother, ICUEE, offers users the chance to put construction equipment, including cranes, to the test.
Jobmap Key projects in the USA and Canada
Under-the-hook update This month Cranes Today takes a look at rigging products developed for wide-ranging industries including light construction, oil and gas, and salvage. The Versabar Claw is designed to quickly remove sunken topsides offshore. Other companies focus on lighter loads, such as Pemco, offering a pipe safety hook. For lifting light loads without electricity, we interview Global Track on a new hook for its manual overhead crane.
US cranes get a lift The US federal stimulus package is now being allocated by local state officials. The benefits are not immediate, but, as Robert Ebisch reports, some of the billions available should soon trickle down to crane users.
Facing facts In the second of a series of interviews with high profile members of the industry, Manitowoc president and general manager Eric Etchart gives his take on the downcast market to Richard Howes.
Slimmer, faster, cheaper A new containerised gantry system developed by Hydrospex for US heavy lifting firm Burkhalter lifts 1,000t loads, and can be largely assembled from the ground without a big assist crane or guy ropes. Will North reports.
Tracking towers High profile crane accidents in New York and London have led to pressure on regulators to establish public registers of tower cranes. Earlier this month, both the UK HSE and the New York Department of Buildings announced they would require tower cranes to be registered. Will North reports.
Roof extension Roof extensions are a handy way to gain a bit more space in crowded cities. In Chicago, they do things a little bigger. Will North reports
Amco Veba knuckleboom mounts in drilling platform National Oilwell Varco in Canada has kitted out a new design of temporary drilling platform with an Amco Veba 946F loader crane.