Ainscough kiln lift in the UK

Since the beginning of 2009 Ainscough Crane Hire has been helping to build a kiln at Tunstead Quarry, Buxton, in the UK.

The company has used a range of cranes to place each section on top of each other, including its 1,000 tonne capacity Liebherr 11000 DS wheeled mobile crane. It lifted the final penthouse module, which holds the machinery needed to operate the kiln. The crane was rigged with a 160 tonne counterweight to lift 91 tonnes at 21 m radius, using the machine to 94.3% of its safe working capacity, said Ainscough.

The Kiln module was hoisted to 32 m, clearing all surrounding structures. The crane was then slewed to position the module over the concrete structure, which was then lowered into place.

"For us, it was important to work with a crane company located near our site which could offer flexibility. It is always difficult to plan precise lifting dates as they will depend on the progress of work," said Ralf Tripmaker, Hoffmeier GMBH site manager.