Crane Rental Corporation (CRC) of Orlando Florida used a Manitowoc 2250 300 US ton capacity crawler crane to perform lifts at the launch tower for the space shuttle at Kennedy Space Center’s (KSC’s) Launch Complex in Florida.
Highlights of the lifts, which were carried out over a four-month period, were the 50,000lb diversion doors (used for exhaust ventilation), and the 13,000lb top mast (“candlestick”) change out. The candlestick is used for lightning suppression and communication.
The boom combination shown in the picture comprises a 190ft main boom with 120ft luffing jib. CRC had to contend with tight security at the site, and schedule restrictions due to other launches at the KSC site.
Meanwhile, CRC has completed its sixth round of certification of crane operators at its Davenport facility in Polk County, USA. The testing is said to have given operators the opportunity to complete practical use skills on various crane types, and be graded on their performance. CRC claimed its commitment to effective testing was evident when it brought in and assembled an electric tower crane. “This,” it said, “makes the first time in the State of Florida that the use of an electric tower crane has been a part of a crane operators testing forum.”
