Projects

Abberton Reservoir, Colchester, Essex

Product: Palazzani XTJ43
Client: Abberton Reservoir

Originally constructed in the 1930’s as a 474 ha body of water, Abberton is a wetland site of international importance for wildfowl, receiving up to 40,000 ducks, swans and geese each year. The reservoir was enhanced in 2013 to increase its capacity by an additional 15 billion litres and was opened by Sir David Attenborough.

Project: Fit ‘flight diverters’ to power lines near the reservoir to help reduce the potential of birds (particularly mute swans) flying into the overhead 132Kv power lines. The flight diverters are simple devices that are attached to the power lines but are very effective at reduced bird deaths and injuries.

Southampton Solent University

Product: Palazzani XTJ32 and TSJ34
Client: Southampton Solent University

The suspended pod-like structure will house an 80-seat lecture theatre and will be linked to the new and existing building via a number of bridge walkways. Southampton Solent University’s new £21.5m teaching building, designed by Scott Brownrigg, is due for completion in December 2015. When completed, the new 9,250 sq m, 7-storey building will connect to the existing Millais Building.
The pod is intended to reflect Southampton’s nautical heritage and the University’s forward-looking ethos. Beneath the pod, a lower atrium will lead to subterranean lecture theatres as well as lower level classrooms, kitchens, offices and a plant room.
Two Palazzani spiders, an XTJ32 and TSJ34, were chosen for the complex construction because of their low weight, compact dimensions and excellent working envelopes. The Palazzani's large rotating cages, on-board generators and 360 degree boom rotation (in all outrigger configurations), made these machines the perfect work platform for this innovative construction.

Westminster Cathedral, London

Product: Palazzani XTJ42
Client: Westminster Cathedral

A 42 metre track mounted Palazzani XT42/C spider lift was recently used to carry out repairs in Westminster Cathedral, London.
In order to enter the cathedral, the XT42/C had to climb the entrance steps and enter by the main doors. A specially built ramp was used on the steps in order to help prevent any damage to the machine or the steps.
The Palazzani was chosen for its compact dimensions, low point loads and platform stability even when extended to full height.
When indoors the unit has the ability to operate on either a regular 230VAC single phase electrical supply or 380VAC – 3 phase supply.

St. Enoch Shopping Centre, Glasgow

Product: Maeda MC405 fitted with fly jib
Client: Ivanhoe Cambridge

A Maeda MC405 was used to lift the amazing reindeer 'sculpture' (designed and installed by Centre Design). The Maeda was chosen because of its incredibly compact dimensions coupled with massive lifting capacity. The mini crane was fitted with a special 'fly-jib' to enable the reindeer to be lifted over 20m into position.
St. Enoch Centre, owned and managed by Ivanhoe Cambridge, is located in Glasgow's busy city centre, one of the UK's top shopping destinations outside London. The centre has recently undergone an exciting transformation programme, completed in Autumn 2009. The centre now has an extended mall with new stores, a wider selection of eating places and a new entrance at Buchanan Street, as well as an extreme makeover for the whole centre.

Cardinal Place, Victoria, London SW1

Product: Palazzani Ragno Spider
Client: Land Securities
Architects: EPR Architects
Main contractor: Sir Robert McAlpine

The Palazzani TSJ23/C was chosen as the best access solution for the cleaning and maintenance of Cardinal Place. The TSJ23 was ideal because of its compact dimensions and multiple outrigger positions. This dramatic and iconic building presented a number of access challenges all which the TSJ23 takes in its stride.

Heathrow Airport,Terminal 5, London

Products: Spider Cranes, Palazzani Spider Lifts, Merlo Roto's
Client: BAA
Main Contractors (included): Carillion Construction Ltd, Laing O'Rourke Civil Engineering Ltd & AMEC Building and Facilities Services

TCA Lifting had over 100 machines on hire on the T5 project, including Maeda cranes, Palazzani spiders, Merlo Roto's and a wide range of booms and scissor lifts.
In addition to rental, four Palazzani TSJ38 (38m working height) ragno spiders were sold to BAA for the installation and eventual maintenance of the extensive glazing.
After extensive tests at the T5 'trial site', Palazzani was selected as the most suitable machine for the project. Palazzani's ragno spiders were used throughout the project for a wide range of tasks because of their reliability, compact dimensions and low point loads. Maeda mini cranes also played a significant part in the construction of T5. Much of the internal glazing was lifted into place using TCA Lifiting Maeda mini cranes. Heathrow T5 is the largest single-span building in the UK and over 80,000 tonnes of steel were used in its construction. Notably, T5 set new standards for safety on a construction project and has influenced how all major projects are conducted today. T5 had a superb safety record and the project was completed on time and on budget.

The Stadium, Highbury, London N5

TCA Lifting supplied a Maeda MC405 mini crane which was used extensively throughout the stunning transformation of Arsenal's Highbury Stadium from football stadium to luxury apartments. The impressive development closely resembles Highbury Stadium respecting its heritage. The apartments are constructed in the same location as the four old stands and the pitch has been converted into a wonderful garden area. The best description of the Maeda mini crane came from the operator, "I've been using cranes for 20-years and this is best crane I have ever used'! The smooth, refined power of the Maeda MC405 was appreciated by the operator and installers alike. TCA Lifting also supplied a Palazzani TSJ34 which was successfully used for a variety of jobs throughout the construction. The TSJ34 is a favourite among users because of its smooth stable operation and incredible working envelope. Since completion of the impressive project TCA Lifting has provided several Palazzani spiders for routine maintenance and repair.

Nexus Place, Farringdon Street, London

Product: Spider Crane Maeda MC305
Client & developer: Tishman Speyer
Architects: Sturgis Associates LLP

In this congested part of London the best solution for lifting the glazing into place was by Maeda mini crane. Placed on the roof and a specially constructed steel frame, the MC305 was the ideal machine to lift the glass from ground level (47m below) into place. The original building had 9 storeys and rose to a total height of 37m. Work began in 2007 to increase the height of the building to 47m by the addition of 4 new floors. In addition to a recessed vertical extension, the building's reconstruction saw the installation of a new multi-faceted façade of glass and metal, as well as a new reception, courtyard garden and 9th-floor terrace.

Telecommunications

Clients (include): Orange, British Telecom, T-Mobile & Vodafone
Client & developer: Tishman Speyer
Architects: Sturgis Associates LLP

Palazzani spider's are widely used by all the major telecommunications companies for 'line of sight', general mast installation and maintenance. These machines are able to reach areas inaccessible by larger vehicles and cross the most severe terrain.

Ropemaker, London EC2

Products: Maeda MC285 & MC305 Spider Crane
Client: British Land
Main Contractor: Mace
Architect: Arup Associates

Maeda cranes have been widely used for glass installation on this major new addition to the London skyline. TCA Lifting engineering skills and resources were also required to strip the cranes to allow them to be removed from the building after the goods lifts had been removed!