The Unic 706 was selected by Thomsonfly after a visit to this year’s Vertikal Days exhibition at Haydock Park. Base maintenance group leader Dave Brundell says the class leading capacity and reach of the 706 gave it an edge over rival machines.
“Together with the excellent customer service we received from Unic, the 706 was the only mini crane with enough lifting power for rudder removal. The flexibility of the crane allied to its radio remote control capability means we can position it very close to the aircraft for precise operation which is all important in aircraft maintenance.”
Replacing Thomsonfly’s ageing Coles mobile crane, the Unic mini crane will carry out precision lifting work of aircraft components including tail fins, flaps, rudder and exhaust systems as part of the fleet’s regular service schedule.
A Unic 706 has also recently been purchased for maintenance work by a Scandinavian airline. Unic Cranes Europe CEO Graeme Riley commented: “The aviation industry is a growing sector for mini cranes. Whereas our smaller models have generally been used work for helicopters and light aircraft, the 706 with 6t of capacity is ideal for passenger jets.”
