Project Overview

In collaboration with our client, Hollybrook, we undertook the challenge of installing precast cladding panels on a new Travelodge hotel project. These panels, weighing up to 20 tonnes each, required a robust lifting solution to ensure efficient and safe installation. Through innovative thinking and expertise, Heathrow Cranes proposed the use of a Saez SL730 crane, ultimately providing a reliable and effective solution to the complex task at hand.

Challenges

Heavy Precast Panels: The installation of precast cladding panels, each weighing up to 20 tonnes, demanded a crane with a substantial lifting capacity and reach.

Height and Reach: The installation required a crane capable of reaching heights and distances that matched the building's dimensions, ensuring full coverage of the construction area.

Site Constraints: The limited space and tight site conditions posed challenges for crane setup and operation.

Solution

Heathrow Cranes identified the Saez SL730 crane as the optimal solution for the precise requirements of the project.

Saez SL730 Crane: The Saez SL730 crane was chosen due to its remarkable specifications and lifting capabilities. Erected to a height of 36 meters with a jib length of 50 meters, this crane provided the necessary height and reach for efficient panel installation.

Lifting Capacity: With a maximum lifting capacity of 36 tonnes and the ability to lift 14.5 tonnes at a 50-meter radius, the Saez SL730 was perfectly suited for handling the heavy precast panels.

Benefits

The selection of the Saez SL730 crane for this project yielded several key benefits:

Efficiency: The crane's high lifting capacity and impressive reach reduced the number of lifts required for panel installation, leading to increased overall project efficiency.

Space UtiliSation: Despite the limited site space, the crane's strategic placement allowed for efficient panel installation while maximizing available area.

Safety: The Saez SL730's advanced capabilities ensured safe and controlled lifting, minimizing the risks associated with conventional methods.

Future Trends

As construction sites in London become increasingly constrained and space becomes a premium, the adoption of off-site manufacturing methods is expected to become standard practice. Prefabrication offers advantages such as reduced project timelines, decreased on-site labor requirements, and improved safety compared to traditional construction methods.

Saez SL730 Capabilities:

The Saez SL730 crane boasts impressive specifications that enhance its versatility and efficiency:

Lifting Speed: Capable of shifting a load of 1,725 kg at a speed of 248 meters per minute.

Maximum Capacity: Able to handle loads of up to 6,700 kg at a 70-meter radius using 2 falls, or 5,500 kg using 4 falls.

Conclusion

The successful installation of precast cladding panels on the Travelodge hotel project through the utilization of the Saez SL730 crane underscores Heathrow Cranes' commitment to innovative solutions and technical excellence. This case study serves as a testament to the benefits of strategic crane selection in overcoming complex construction challenges and achieving project success.