The HDT 80 worked for sub-contractor Century Steel Erectors and helped add two stories to the existing five-story building. Local Potain dealer American Contractors supplied the HDT 80 to Century Steel.
Chuck McKee, project manager at Century Steel, said a lack of space forced the company to look at alternatives to its normal lifting choices.
“We chose the HDT 80 because lifting work had to take place in a narrow street. Space was very limited,” he said. “But with the small outrigger footprint, we could set up the crane and keep pedestrians moving.”
Construction work took place in 30 ft x 30 ft (9.1 m x 9.1 m) bays. The heaviest loads were header beams, weighing up to 4500 lbs (2 t) each. The crane also lifted 1500 lbs. (680 kg) infill beams and bundles of metal floor decks weighing up to 4500 lbs. (2 t).
“We were very impressed with the line speed of the crane and the chart was fabulous,” he said. “It picked exactly what it said it would.”
Another benefit that Century took advantage of was the crane’s remote control. McKee said it allowed them to save on labor costs “By using the remote control, we were able to eliminate the radio man,” he said.
Portability was another selling point for the crane. McKee said.
“At one stage we had to move the crane to another location which took just five or six hours. If you look at that versus a normal top-slewing tower crane there’s no comparison in terms of speed and ease. They are definitely an attractive prospect especially somewhere like Pittsburgh with its tight, narrow streets.”
Century Steel was involved in the construction of the original department store back in 1998. The 150 ft x 150 ft (46 m x 46 m) square building was initially 70 ft (21 m) above street level. This has increased 35 ft (11 m) with the addition of the extra floors. Reinforcement work started in June this year, while the crane handled construction work during September.
