South African contractors can now rent self-erecting cranes – an easier and less expensive option than a conventional tower crane – from SA French.

The Potain IGO self-erecting crane offers a quick, easy and efficient solution to lifting and moving requirements on both small and large building sites. SA French – South Africa’s Potain distributor – reports a growing demand for these self-erecting cranes and in response has increased the number available in its rental fleet.

Why choose IGO

Offering a maximum lift capacity of four tonnes, and one tonne at 40 m, the IGO is particularly popular for lifting applications at projects such as small apartment blocks, and supplementary lifting on construction projects such as shopping centres.

The compact size – a 4.5 m x 4.5 m base – means the IGO can be moved around site with an ordinary freight truck, circumventing the need to employ a truck crane. In addition, there is no need to prepare a special platform for the crane and it can be installed at a height of several floors. When dismantled, the crane takes up even less space, with dimensions of 2.5 m x 3.5 m.

The fact that there is less movement of wheeled equipment on the ground also improves the level of health and safety on site, decreasing the risk of man-machine collisions.

The crane can be dismantled, erected and commissioned in six to seven hours and the installation of the ballast does not need to be performed by a mobile crane, but can be done independently using a frame beam.

Arranging the crane into operating position takes only 10 to 15 minutes, saving substantially on working time on site and it requires only one operator with a remote control to assemble the crane and move cargo. The jib can be shortened or luffed which allows it to neatly bypass obstacles it may encounter.

State-of-the-art mechanical specifications enhance the IGO’s operability, safety and operating cost. Standard features include wireless remote controls, quiet and efficient electric motors, variable frequency motor drives, and overload protection systems. It is even able to save energy, with a consumption of not more than 22 kVA.

Servicing of the unit is made more convenient by having all mechanisms at ground-level.