Commercial glazing is a key design feature of many modern buildings. From offices to retail spaces, glazing can give any building a stylish new look. However, installing these large panels can be challenging without the right equipment and an experienced team to ensure the process is carried out safely and efficiently.
Hiring a crane can offer a range of advantages for commercial glazing. Read on to discover the key benefits of how crane hire can improve your next project.
Why Hire a Crane for Commercial Glazing?
Commercial glazing involves installing large glass panels in buildings such as offices, retail spaces and residential flats. These panels are often extremely heavy and need to be lifted to great heights. Crane hire is essential for these projects as cranes allow for the safe and efficient lifting and positioning of glass. This significantly reduces physical strain on workers and minimises the risks of accidents, keeping both employees and the general public safe.
Choosing the Right Crane for the Job
At Total Lifting, we offer a wide range of cranes and lifting equipment to cater for any job. The type of crane required for your commercial glazing project will depend on several factors, such as the height of the building and the weight and size of the glass panels.
Here’s how our extensive fleet of cranes can help to make the process more efficient for you from start to finish.
The Böcker AK36/4000
The Böcker AK36/4000 is a highly effective solution for commercial glazing operations. With a 36-meter reach and a 4-tonne lifting capacity, it can easily handle large glass panels and framing systems. Its design allows access to tight urban sites, making it perfect for restricted or high-traffic areas.
The radio remote control enables precise glass placement, reducing the risk of damage during installation. The Böcker AK36/4000 is also equipped with a Euro 6 engine, stop-start technology and biodegradable hydraulic oil, which makes it ideal for projects with strict noise and emission standards.
The Böcker AK46/6000
With a powerful lifting capacity of 6 tonnes and a maximum reach of 44-46 metres, the Böcker AK46/6000 can effortlessly handle large glass panels at great height and distance. The 18-16 tonne chassis offers exceptional manoeuvrability in tight areas.
Its radio remote control includes a full colour display and an optional camera to deliver accuracy for delicate glass placement. This Böcker AK46/6000 is also equipped with eco-friendly features such as the Euro 6 engine, to ensure reduced noise and emissions.
The Böcker AK52/12000
The Böcker AK52/12000 truck-mounted crane has a boom length of up to 55 metres and a lifting capacity of up to 12 tonnes. Its flexible outrigger positions ensure stability on uneven terrain, and its quick setup helps to minimise downtime.
Built with lightweight materials, the Böcker AK52/12000 can operate efficiently through confined sites whilst providing precise and safe placement of glass units. This crane is also equipped with a cage, allowing it to act as an access platform for elevating workers.
The Liebherr LTM 1060 3.1
Powered by a 60-tonne capacity and featuring a 48m telescopic boom, the Liebherr LTM 1060 3.1 can easily lift glass panels to exceptional heights. This crane also includes a folding jib for a hoist height of up to 63 meters. Its compact 3 axle chassis with all wheel drive and steering ensures excellent maneuvering, perfect for tight spaces.
This crane’s ballast plate configuration enables it to carry out lifts in a variety of working conditions.
For safe and efficient glazing installations, explore our fleet of cranes that combine reach, control and sustainability to get the job done. We can help you choose the most suitable crane for your specific glazing project. Our team will assess your requirements and recommend the best solutions to ensure your job is completed safely and to the highest standard.
Key Safety Considerations for Glass Lifting Using Cranes
Glass lifting projects can cause significant safety risks due to manoeuvring fragile and heavy glass panels. Before you begin your project, a thorough risk assessment should be carried out to ensure the site is safe for work. Below are some key considerations to keep in mind throughout your project:
Crane Selection – You will need to ensure your crane has the correct reach and load capacity for your chosen job. We can help you decide which crane will best suit your project to ensure complete safety and efficiency. Using the wrong crane may result in damaged panels or injury.
Operator Training – Only trained operators should carry out lifting operations to ensure safe and precise placement of panels. Clear communication using radios or signals is also essential, especially in noisy environments.
Environmental Factors – Avoid manoeuvring glass panels in high winds or poor weather, as this could result in damage and injury.
Personal Safety – All workers should wear hard hats, safety boots, high visibility clothing and eye protection to ensure complete safety on site.
Emergency Procedures – Make sure you have a plan in place for any dropped panels or injuries or unexpected weather changes that may occur.
Following these key considerations will help to protect you and your workforce, ensuring glass lifting operations are carried out safely and efficiently without incident.
Glass Lifting Services: How Can We Help?
Looking for expert crane hire for your next commercial glazing project? Here at Total Lifting Services, we offer glass lifting equipment for hire in and around London to help with all your glazing project needs.
Call us today on 020 8226 4000 to find out how we can help support your next project.