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2nd November 2016

Ainscough Crane Hire Complete Challenging Project At Skelmersdale School

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Ainscough Crane Hire’s Preston Depot has completed a challenging project, lifting a specialist cabin into the grounds of Delph Side Community School in Skelmersdale, West Lancashire.

The closure of a neighbouring school enabled Delph Side Community School to secure the 64-square metre portable classroom, which weighed 4.5 tonnes.

Ainscough used a 40-tonne crane, a Liebherr LTM 1040-2:1 with VarioBase®, to manoeuvre the portable classroom along narrow passageways in order to position into the desired location.

Delph Side Community School caters for children aged three to 11 and teaches approximately 190 pupils and has a nursery.

Ainscough’s contract lift manager, Alex Schwarzer, said; “When we arrived on site, we were informed that another contractor had told the school the lift couldn’t be done. We had a detailed discussion about what they wanted and set about planning the lift.

“The lift was really awkward due to the configuration of the school buildings. The toughest part of the job was the space restrictions. The site where the cabin originally stood was difficult to reach. The crane was able to access it, but our transport couldn’t, as access to the site was too narrow.

“Our solution was to use a crane fitted with VarioBase® technology. The lift couldn’t have been completed without the flexibility these cranes in our fleet offer.”

Cranes fitted with VarioBase® technology allow for the stabilising outriggers to be set at different widths which enable the crane to operate in a wider range of situations.

Delph Side Community School’s business manager, Jo Whitfield, described the lift as a resounding success. She said: “I was delighted with the job that Ainscough carried out. We chose them as they are a very familiar name and have a great reputation.

“The children made the team a thank you card, which was a very sweet touch. It was a testament to Ainscough that everything was carried out safely and now the children can’t wait to use the new classroom.”

Photo from left to right: Steve Walmsley – slinger, Garon Clarke – lift supervisor and Dougie Smith, crane operator.

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