National equipment and crane hire firm Hewden has bolstered its crane business with the addition of 21 cranes ranging from 70 tonnes up to 220 tonnes in an investment totalling £11.5m.
The new fleet includes a UK first with a new flexible hydraulic jib from Japanese manufacturer Tadano capable of hoisting loads under roof constructions.
With the Construction Products Association forecasting an industry growth rate of 23% between 2014 and 2018, the investment in new equipment is expected to meet demand for housing, infrastructure and commercial projects.
Previously dealing in cranes up to 130 tonnes, the new range extends the capacity up to 220 tonnes, with two rigs from Tadano.
The 220 tonne cranes feature a 21m long fully-hydraulic telescopic luffing jib (HTLJ) that can self assemble and provide the flexibility needed for a range of jobs. It enables objects to be lifted beyond building edges and be telescoped into building structures with a ceiling, previously not possible with rigid boom extensions. It means that the Tadano HTLJ principally works like an additional fully-hydraulic main boom.
Another advantage is the safe ‘one-man only’ quick set up time of around 30 minutes, with assembly possible in very narrow spaces at the shortest jib length.
Mark Hierons, Operations Director, Hewden, says: “This is a significant investment for Hewden but the construction sector is continuing to show strong prospects in the UK, especially for large scale infrastructure and commercial projects.
“We’ve been involved in the commercial crane hire sector for more than 40 years but this latest venture is a significant development from our traditional fleet. We are going bigger and better, with the new Tadano rig showing how innovative technology can really help to cut costs and improve health and safety. We’re known in the sector for our safety, reliability, quality and security and the new investments will reinforce that reputation going forward to next year and beyond.”
Hewden will start to take delivery of the new range during January.
