mega-crane-repairs

Mega Crane Repairs

Case Study:

How to Replace Burned Out Lights on a Floating Mega Crane’s Boom in Just Two Hours

What was the challenge?

The 328-foot-high mega crane dubbed “Left Coast Lifter” is one of the world's largest crane barges, capable of lifting 1,750 tons. It was used during construction on New York’s historical Tappan Zee Bridge and serviced at the Staten Island Port, one of the biggest ports operating on the East Coast. The floating crane underwent an inspection and, as a result, required replacement of burnt-out safety lights.

  • To perform lightbulb replacement on the crane’s boom, the client’s strategy was to lower the crane to the ground. Due to the crane’s monstrous size and length, this project would require the closing of a large ground area, a special permit, and police guards. This plan had all the makings of a long, time-consuming, and expensive project.
  • The construction crane operator engaged Alpha Platforms’ all-inclusive rental service to reach the floating crane with a super-long boom lift to replace the lights without lowering the crane to the ground.

What was the solution?

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Alpha Platforms deployed its A-250 lift with a maximum height reach 250 feet and side reach of 115 feet. They employed their most experienced IPAF- and manufacturer-certified operator for this first-of-its-kind job.
2
The crane operator lowered the crane boom over the parking spot above the A-250. An electrical worker and all of the necessary parts and tools loaded up into the 12-foot cage. The Alpha operator expertly lifted the cage and provided a safe and steady environment for the worker to replace the broken lights in one go.
3
Due to the enormous side reach, our boom lift operator maneuvered the cage along the entire length of the crane boom to give the electrician access to all the light fixtures.
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The specs of our state-of-the-art A-250 lift:
Details

What was the outcome?

The smooth and steady cage maneuverability allowed for the contactless yet super-close approach to the crane boom fixtures. The lift operator expertly and continuously adjusted the approach to account for the crane's small movements in the water.

The entire project was completed by Alpha Platforms in just a couple of hours from a single parking spot.

The original plan would have required ground closure, perimeter preparations, large-scale permit, and a sizable police operation, costing the client at least $100,000. Choosing Alpha Platforms significantly minimized the client’s workload on this challenging job to just climbing into the cage and replacing the lights, saving an incredible amount of time and budget. Our all-inclusive service significantly reduces the amount of effort and costs to our clients, helping them reach their objectives of major savings and project acceleration.

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Our precise German-made lifts have become the height access method of choice for those who try them, as they combine unmatched productivity, safety, and reach.
Notable 250 Foot Boom Lift Capabilities
  • 12-foot extra large cage
  • 1,322 lbs lifting capacity for crew, equipment, and materials
  • Cage rotation 2 x 200°
  • Side reach up to 130 feet
  • Unique "under and up" or "up and over and back" access
  • Smooth controlled motions to move close to and around glass and fragile structures
  • Jib length 49’2’’

Alpha Platforms has helped hundreds of teams like yours


Customer Testimonials
from Case Studies

Carlos Honorio Jr.
Honorio Designs
Architecture,
PLLC

Great experience! First time on the 300 foot boom for a Local Law Facade Inspection. Vadim, the operator, was in complete control of the equipment and made the whole process smooth. Flagmen secured the area below and allowed my Client to operate their hotel without any disturbance. Honorio Designs Architecture, PLLC

Brian Rosado Hernández
The Telecom Company Foreman

Excellent service, arriving on time every day, responsible with the load limit, very attentive to the lubrication and controls of the crane.

Thomas Inciarte
Telecom Company Representative

Excellent team working with us, always willing to do anything for the best

Jon
The Signage Company Owner

It was a pleasure to work with Alpha Platforms, the crew was skilled and helpful, the equipment was top-notch. Our installers appreciated the security of the platform vs working off of a swing stage, it made their job easier and more efficient. From the first meeting thru to the end of the work day everything ran as smoothly as it could. We will definitely be partnering with Alpha Platforms on future projects. Thank you for your help!

Ryan Hughes

I had an emergency project on a 140' high voltage tower and needed Alpha Platforms next day. They were so helpful and expedient walking me through the entire process so I was comfortable with the deal. They showed up to my site next day and cut about 2 days off of the project due to the safety, speed and efficiency of their lift and operators. I'll never rent or hire another lift company. I would recommend Alpha platforms for all your high reach needs.

Liz Jones

Jon told me that it was a pleasure to work with Alpha Platforms, the crew was skilled and helpful, the equipment was top notch. Our installers appreciated the security of the platform vs working off of a swing stage, it made their job easier and more efficient. From first meeting thru to the end of the work day everything ran as smoothly as it could. City Sign Service, Inc. will definitely be partnering with Alpha Platforms on future projects.

Justin N.
President

That is a fine piece of equipment! And the competent, professional group that goes along with it is just the cherry on top. I really appreciate everything. I'm sure we'll be able to use Alpha again in the future as we get these opportunities. In fact, it will only help our business knowing we have a safe, reliable solution to these over 50‘ height challenges.

Byron Nivelo

We had an exceptional experience with Alpha! They are professionals, great operator team. Overall reliable, recommended will certainly return for my future needs hands down.

Nick Muhlon

My company used alpha lifts to clean a 14 floor building and they were great. Very accommodating, always on time, and will work with you to get the job done safe and sound. The lifts they provide are state of the art and can pretty much reach any low rise building under 250 feet. I’d recommend them to anyone doing window cleaning or facade cleaning, or anything king of height access work!

Mike P.
Building restoration services family business owner

We wanted to give it a try and see what this boom truck could do. We loved the idea of a wide basket that could reach up to 30 feet and get to the brick wall over the roof. The main reason we loved the truck was how it maneuvered the boom to lower the bricks inside a dumpster, which was located behind the truck. It saved us at least one extra day of work. It all went great.

Jason A.
Director of operations, family-owned regional electrical services provider

Alpha has the most efficient and leanest site setup time I’ve ever seen. My brother, who is the top climber of our group, first struggled to understand how this cage could go around the tower better than the crane - and when it did the whole 360°, he became a believer. Also, each laborer said how incredibly safe they felt - very different from the small crane basket. We were able to secure and push back the panels in place without the basket ever moving.

Joseph A.
Head stone mason, national cathedral

The project was performed successfully, and we were really glad to have contactless means of reaching the building, as we all know that pipe scaffold might damage the structure, in this case, very very sensitive.

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