In case you haven’t noticed, a large construction crane has appeared between the Milton S. Eisenhower Library and the Merrick Barn on the future site of Brody Learning Commons (BLC). Manufactured in Germany by Terex Peiner, the 140-foot-tall, Peiner SK 405 Tower Crane, operated by Miller Long & Arnold is expected to be on campus for the next 7 or 8 months.
The crane is used to move materials, pour concrete and erect the steel structure of the BLC. In crane terminology the tall vertical section is known as the mast. Attached to the top of the mast is the slewing unit, the gear and motor that allows the crane to rotate, and the operator’s cab. The large horizontal section forward of the cab is known as the jib, working arm, or boom, which extends 161 feet forward of the slewing unit. The shorter horizontal machinery arm, extending aft, contains the crane’s motors, electronics, and the large concrete counterweights.
The entire apparatus is anchored to a huge concrete pad with large anchor bolts, ensuring its stability. This crane has a maximum lifting capacity of 11 tons, and vertical lift distance (or hook height) of 121 feet.