A requirement for tight manoeuvring on a cramped construction site in Munich’s old town led German contractor Riedel Bau GmbH & Co to hire a Wolff 166B B luffing jib tower crane from Wolffkran.
The design of the 166B, with hydraulic luffing gear, means the jib can be raised in a near vertical position, which proved imperative on the Maximiliansplatz office development project surrounded by other construction sites and cranes.
Norbert Zährl, Riedel site manager, said: “Because of its design, the Wolff can slew in the minimum of space without projecting beyond the site, meaning we can work without any danger of collision.”
The 166B, able to lift 12t in the two-fall operation, was used to lift concrete and other structural components. Its tip load capacity is 3.4t with a 45m jib and the maximum lifting speed is 87m/min.
Wolffkran said the luffing crane could be erected on a lower tower height than with a saddle jib crane, saving additional time. Crane erection took just one day.
Rocketing property prices and the popularity of Munich’s old town meant the office project was fully leased even before construction began.