A Maeda mini-crane came to the rescue of a structure that was beyond the reach of a tower crane. On this addition to the St. David's Medical Facility in Austin, Texas, the tower crane couldn't reach the farthest corner of the structure.

It could however, hoist a Maeda MC 285 mini-crane to the roof and stage the steel beams. Erectors found the mini-crane was much faster assembling the steel because of its close proximity and precision placement. The mini-crane operator was able to closely monitor the workers on the beams and communicate directly with them. This advantage also improved the safety of the steel erection.

The Maeda was a much less expensive alternative than a large mobile crane rental. The crew was able to bolt-up the steel columns and beams in one day on the rooftop corner. The track-mounted MC 285, which was rented from Inman Texas Company in Houston, was easily able to maneuver on the roof with its compact 30-in. (76 cm) width.

This is a trend that is making mini-cranes standard equipment on steel erection projects. As tower crane time becomes more valuable, the precision and safety of a mini-crane is faster and safer.

For more information, visit www.maedausa.com.