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LGH Megalift provided an alternative lifting solution to install a 16.5 tonne hopper at a UK-based manufacturer of plaster board and other gypsum products. “Limited access was the main problem as the receiver hopper had to be installed to project between the first and second floor, standing on 7 m long legs,” explained Bob Hamilton, LGH Megalift. “The hopper itself, with the lid attached, was too high to fit between floors and using a crane would have meant removing the roof, which would obviously have proved costly and time consuming.”

The Minilift system of hydraulic lifting units was chosen as the most viable alternative to a mobile crane. It comprises four lightweight hydraulic cylinders and a pair of 7 m beams. The cylinders are 1.9 m high when closed and extend to 4.9 m. These were placed under four “knee” braces attached to the hopper, which was then lifted, minus its lid, through the hole and temporarily blocked into position.

Repeating the process with the knee braces fixed lower on the hopper allowed the unit to reach the required 7 m height, at which point the support legs were attached to the hopper.

For more on alternative lifting see the feature starting on page 22.