LGH custom-made cranes for glass facade installation

Exterior Profiles Ltd had been contracted by Bovis Lend Lease to install the exterior glass façade in Leeds City Centre’s newest development, Bridgewater Place. When completed it will be 105 metres high, the tallest building in Leeds, the construction of which involves 2 structures being joined together by a magnificent 8 storey glass atrium.

Exterior Profiles Ltd contacted Lifting Gear Hire with the intention of creating a runway system around the exterior of the building, enabling the glass panels to be hoisted into position before being installed. This system had been developed by Lifting Gear Hire for Exterior Profiles Ltd when they collaborated on a job several years earlier. However, the complex shape of the building prevented this from being a viable solution.

Instead, following an engineering study, Lifting Gear Hire were able to design and supply 4 counter balanced floor cranes, which were light enough to be easily manoeuvred between floors using the external lift, enabling the panels to be fitted quickly and cost effectively.

The floor cranes were designed to be positioned a number of floors above the level where the installation was taking place and a chainblock lowered to the installation level to attach the glass panel. The crane could then be used to raise the panel vertically and manoeuvre outside the building before installing in the correct position.

In addition to the counter balanced floor cranes, Lifting Gear Hire also designed and manufactured a number of ‘Philly’ trollies. This enabled boxes, each containing 2 glass panels, to be safely unloaded from the transport and moved to the relevant floor in preparation for installation. Lifting Gear Engineering also devised a turnover lifting beam, which was fitted with webbing slings, in order to enable the glass panels to be removed from their transportation cases, before being rotated 90 degrees and laid horizontally on skates. From this point the floor crane could be attached and carry out the vertical lift.

“We were very pleased with the solution Lifting Gear Hire provided as, by utilising a series of 4 floor cranes we were able to position the subsequent panels ready for installation whilst the installation of the previous glass panel was still taking place. This allowed us to improve installation efficiency and ensure we remained on schedule.” commented Alan Phillips, Managing Director, Exterior Profiles Ltd.