Two Raimondi luffers in Toronto

Canadian company Avenue Building Corporation has deployed two Raimondi LR273 luffing jib cranes for the construction of The United Bldg, a historic landmark development in Toronto, Canada.

The two 18 tonne capacity luffers are currently onsite at a height of 60 and 54 metres. (Photo: Raimondi)

EllisDon is the main contractor for the project.

Installed between December 2023 and January 2024, the two 18 tonne capacity luffing jib tower cranes are currently onsite at a height of 60 and 54 metres with jib lengths of 45 and 50 metres respectively, and a tip load of 4.5 tonnes.

The United Bldg project is North America’s largest heritage retrofit. (Photo: Raimondi)

Equipped with an 86kW hoisting gear, the LR273s lift at a maximum speed of 204 meters per minute and have a drum capacity of 980 metres.

The 55 storey condominium, preserving elements from the 1928 building and the 1961 expansion, has earned a place in the historical conservation sector, making The United Bldg North America’s largest heritage retrofit.

“With the project preserving the 10 storey existing facade, along with its structural steel retention systems, 75 per cent of the jobsite space was already occupied,” said Jim Patullo, president of Avenue Building Corporation.

“We carefully evaluated both of the crane positionings to ensure maximum site safety and efficiency,” 

The wide swing angles of the LR273 allow for greater site coverage, coupled with the superior machine performances in terms of lifting capacity, also played a significant role in the deployment of this specific luffing model, Patullo added.

Scheduled to be onsite for several years with varying timelines, the cranes will be internally climbed to reach final heights of 65 and 195 metres, respectively.

Located along University Avenue, at the intersection of Toronto’s primary cultural, institutional, and retail hub, the high-rise mixed-use development will include modern residential units and commercial spaces.

The cranes will be internally climbed to reach final heights of 65 and 195 metres. (Photo: Raimondi)