Complex lifting operations depend on careful planning, particularly when multiple loads must be received and installed within an active site. When a series of large process units required positioning at a site in Balsall Common, Coventry, Elevas was appointed to provide a complete contract lifting solution.
Ahead of the operation, the site and lifting requirements were assessed by our Appointed Person, considering the available working area, crane positioning, ground conditions, surrounding infrastructure and the planned lifting radius. From this, a detailed lift plan, Risk Assessment and Method Statement were developed to ensure each movement could be completed safely.
Our Grove GMK5120L 120-tonne all-terrain mobile crane was selected for the operation, providing the lifting capacity and reach required while remaining suitable for the available working area. For the planned lifts, the crane was configured with 35.5 tonnes of counterweight, approximately 34.8M metres of main boom and working radius of between 19m and 30m metres. The heaviest Meccanna unit weighed approximately 10.5 tonnes. Supporting the crane mobilisation was our four-axle semi low-loader, which transported the additional ballast and setup equipment required for the planned configuration. Once on site, our Crane Operator, Lift Supervisor and Slinger/Signaller established the Grove in its predetermined position, set the outriggers and prepared the crane ahead of the first scheduled arrival.
With the crane ready, the operation progressed through a series of 3 individual lifts. As each load arrived, the vehicle was positioned within the designated lifting area before the Elevas team connected and checked the unit ready for lifting. Each was then carefully lifted from transport and transferred directly into its designated position within the site.
The Grove GMK5120L was particularly well suited to the project. Its combination of a 120-tonne maximum lifting capacity, long telescopic boom and five-axle carrier provides considerable lifting performance within a relatively compact footprint. For this operation, this allowed the team to achieve the required lifting radii while working within the available site constraints.
Throughout the day, close coordination between the lifting team and arriving vehicles allowed each movement to follow the next efficiently, with the crane remaining established and ready as successive units reached the site.
The project demonstrates the complete approach behind an Elevas contract lift. From the initial site assessment and lift planning through to ballast mobilisation, crane setup and final positioning, each element was managed as part of one coordinated lifting operation.
The programme at Balsall Common was completed successfully, with 3 units safely lifted from transport and positioned ready for the next stage of installation. Careful planning, the correct crane configuration and an experienced lifting team ensured the operation progressed safely and efficiently from the first lift through to the last.
