Fast self erector from FM Gru
18 October 2011
FM Gru in Italy has launched a fast self erecting tower crane with a unique ballast and boom lifting system built onto its trailer that reduces erection time.
The Doll trailer-lift system erects the boom and counterweight in one movement, before the jib automatically unfolds into position. Designer Patrick Kramer, from self erector specialist rental company Kramer Kran, told IC the compact crane can be fully installed in 45 minutes. This includes engaging four legs below the crane, before the trailer is lowered on its axles and driven out, leaving the crane standing in a portal design. The trailer also has multi-axle steering for positioning in tight areas.
Four versions of the new design are available, with 24, 28, 31 and 40 m jib lengths. Maximum capacity is 5 tonnes.
Kramer, based in Germany, designed the unit following increased calls for fast working cranes in compact areas, and then went about looking for a manufacturer, and eventually partnered with long-standing Italian self erecting crane manufacturer FM Gru. Kramer added the crane is ideally suited to Italian and other Southern European cities, but was also growing in popularity in the likes of Germany. According to the manufacturer two units have been sold to Switzerland and Germany so far
