Two MR 295 H20 models were erected at the site in October 2008 and the third, an MR 615, was brought in during January.
The AUD1m ($0.7m) City Square Tower will be 256m high (840ft), with a 1,800 sq m footprint situated on a 1.2-hectare site. It is being built for mining giant BHP Billiton to house its new headquarters, which are relocating from Melbourne.
D&G Hoist and Crane Hire, Manitowoc’s dealer in Western Australia, said contractor Brookfield Multiplex chose the cranes as the site is in a congested part of the city and space is at a premium.
“ If you need a tower crane to fit into an existing congested downtown space with the ability to lift large structural components, your choices are limited,” said Gino DeCesare, general manager of D&G.
D&G added the MR 615 was selected because its electric motor is “quieter and more suitable for city areas”. The MR 615 is a recent purchase for D&G, joining its existing fleet of 90-plus cranes. It is intended to provide the company with a lifting solution for similar jobs to the City Square Tower throughout Western Australia.
It also represents one of the firm’s largest investments, with DeCesare saying it was important to invest in a crane that was easier to sell in a downturn, as well as to prepare it for the cyclical nature of the construction industry.
“We know that Potain cranes are well regarded on all continents and can be sold more easily in the United States, Europe and Asia,” he said “Many of the others don’t command anywhere near the same level of international awareness, acceptance or demand.
“And they represent more dollars. We get equal or more performance than other cranes for less cost. We mitigate our risk, because Potain is the world’s largest tower crane manufacturer and we can resell one anywhere in the world.”
