Dual Potain self-erectors overcome tight site challenges in Pittsburgh

Two Potain self-erecting tower cranes were central to building a six-story, 267-unit apartment complex in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood, where limited space along busy Butler Street posed major logistical challenges. A Potain Igo T 130 and an Igo T 99, supplied by Stephenson Equipment, provided the reach and maneuverability to keep the project on schedule without repositioning mid-build.

The cranes’ remote-controlled operation was crucial to the success of constructing a six-story apartment building in Pittsburgh, enabling the precise placement of large, prefabricated components.

The Installed Sales Division of 84 Lumber handled lifting for the wood-framed upper floors, with R.R. Miller Construction renting the cranes and Stephenson arranging a third-party operator. “The T 130 was brought in first, followed by the addition of a Potain Igo T 99 to support the later phases of construction,” said Steven Rider, commercial install manager at 84 Lumber. “This dual-crane setup allowed both machines to operate simultaneously with the necessary clearance and coverage across the site.”

Stephenson Equipment combined the abilities of the Potain Igo T 130 and Igo T 99 self-erecting tower cranes.

Configured with extra mast sections, the T 130 reached a 113-foot (34-metre) hook height with a 164-foot (50-metre) jib, while the T 99 stood at 126 feet (38 metres) with a 157-foot (48-metre) jib. Operated entirely by remote control and coordinated with two-way radios, the cranes lifted pre-assembled wall panels, trusses, and other materials weighing up to 2.4 USt (2.18 tonnes). Work began in November 2024 and wrapped in June 2025.

Stephenson provided technical guidance while Manitowoc delivered parts, service, and training support. “Without Stephenson Equipment’s help in selecting the right crane sizes and identifying suitable erection sites, the project could have turned into a disaster,” Rider said. “On jobs like this, the timeline is everything, and the team at Stephenson Equipment was always quick to respond whenever issues or questions came up.”