Link Construction Increases Homebuilding Speed By 3 Weeks with Potain Self-Erecting Crane

Potain self-erecting tower cranes are changing how contractors build houses from the ground up. As the U.S. homebuilding industry remains stable amid downturns in other sectors, homebuilders continue to seek out better efficiency on projects to enhance productivity.

Increase efficiency, minimize multiple equipment needs

One of the most notable advantages of self-erecting tower cranes found by homebuilders is using them on plots of land where multiple homes are being built. By placing the crane between homes, contractors exponentially increase construction efficiency as they use the crane to move and place materials around the entire construction site, building two or more homes at the same time. Self-erecting cranes can also eliminate the need for other equipment, such as mobile cranes or additional forklifts.

Link Construction is one contractor that is leading such change in homebuilding. On a recent project, the homebuilder placed an Igo MA 21 unit between two homes. The strategic location, and the crane taking up just 13.8 sq ft of footprint while reaching 85.3 ft of jib radius, allowed workers to reach the entire jobsite using just one piece of equipment, considerably increasing building efficiency on both builds. “On these two homes the Igo MA 21 self-erecting crane helped put us ahead of schedule by two and a half to three weeks,” said Patrick Link, owner of Link Construction. “It saves us a lot of time because it’s just so quick and easy to operate. We used it for setting the floors, the walls and the roof trusses, among other tasks.”

A more efficient way to build
The Potain Igo MA 21 self-erecting crane is operated via radio remote control, which allows operators to move around the jobsite and cooperate with subcontractors on different tasks they are working to execute. They can work on the ground side by side subcontractors increasing communication and cooperation. “Using the crane was very handy. It worked phenomenally after I quickly got a hold of it,” said Joseph Link, crane operator at Link Construction. “With the remote, you don’t have to be sitting in the crane. It just gives you a lot better sense of what you are doing on the job because you can move around and see things for yourself.”

Quiet Operation, no emissions
Additionally, working fully from electric motors, the Igo MA 21’s quiet operation is another significant advantage for residential projects as it minimizes noises and has no emissions that can disturb neighbors. Based in Shakopee, Minnesota, Link Construction rented the crane from RMS Rentals, who guided the contractor on assembling the crane and provided full support during the homebuilding project. RMS Rentals is the light and general equipment division of Road Machinery & Supplies Co. (RMS). RMS, headquartered in Savage, Minnesota, operates eight branch locations and seven affiliated companies. The company recently celebrated 50 years of partnership with Manitowoc at CONEXPO 2020 in Las Vegas.