A Potain Igo T 85 A self-erecting crane is being used to expand the Museum of New and Old Art (Mona) in Hobart, Tasmania.
Australian contractor Fairbrother chose the crane for its flexibility, lifting capacity and is close control of its movements.
The $27 million Siloam extension of Mona is a complex of chambers, gallery spaces and connecting tunnels featuring artworks by Alfredo Jaar, Ai Weiwei, Oliver Beer and Christopher Townend.
Siloam is a vast new subterranean extension that provides an alternative connection between Mona and the museum’s other existing gallery, Pharos.
Working around 10 hours each day, the Potain Igo T 85 was erected behind the museum to lift steel beams, scaffolding, steel and concrete panels for the upgrade. In addition, the crane also helps to remove soil for the underground tunnels. Lifted loads range from 300 kilograms to 6 t, for up to 80 loads a day.
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The crane was set up in two locations, with the second configuration having a 30 m working height and maximum 45 m job length. The Igo T 85 A has a maximum working height of up to 51 m available in raised jib position.
Fairbrother Project Manager Phil De Jong said the Potain Igo T 85 A balances the best of a mobile crane with the lifting abilities of a tower crane.
“…it was compact enough to fit between existing buildings while providing up to 6 t in lifting capacity. Plus, from a cost perspective the Igo T 85A stacked up as the best option,” he said.
“A traditional tower crane doesn’t provide the flexibility for quick relocation or setup, but the Igo T 85 A was easy to erect and dismantle so we could move it to the centre of the project when needed.”