Link-Belt 175 AT Helps PDI National Cranes Cap Cell Tower Work In Ontario

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PDI National Cranes often erects cell towers in the Toronto, Ontario, area using its new Link-Belt 175 AT all-terrain crane. (Photo courtesy of Link-Belt.)

PDI National Cranes, part of the PDI Group based in Ontario, Canada, recently added a new Link-Belt 175 AT all-terrain crane to its taxi fleet. The 175 AT and the rest of the fleet work on commercial, industrial, and general construction projects in the greater Toronto area.

Hard At Work

One of the tasks assigned to the 175-ton (150-metric-ton) crane is cell tower work. Dallen Rands, branch manager for PDI National Cranes, finds the 175 AT perfect for that kind of work. He says the crane is easy to transport and just needs one overflow truck. His team can set it up in approximately 30 to 40 minutes.

“In Ontario, we can run boom over the front, so no dolly is required,” Rands says. “Then, we only need one truck and once we stack counterweight on the deck of the crane from the overflow, now we have a clean work platform for the fly—which we typically use the SmartFly for cell tower work. It’s a very clean setup without anything extra.”

PDI frequently sets up cell towers that are just over 200 feet (61 meters) tall with five segments. The triangular base of the tower, which can measure 24 ft (7.3 m) wide, is erected in place on the ground.

The remaining tower segments taper as it rises. The largest section measures 57 ft (17.3 m) tall. Each segment can weigh between 6,000 to 8,000 pounds (2,721 to 3,628 kilograms).

“Once I get the next section within 2 to 3 feet, I am able to fine-meter on the crane, and on the camera as well as on the winch to precisely put it in place, just like the guys would want. Everything worked out perfect,” says operator Peter Gumney.

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“Once I get the next section within 2 to 3 feet, I am able to fine-meter on the crane, and on the camera as well as on the winch to precisely put it in place, just like the guys would want,” says operator Peter Gumney. (Photo courtesy of Link-Belt.)

The Link-Belt 175 AT

The all-terrain crane has a 175-ton (158.8-metric-ton) capacity, a 6-section 42.7- to 197.3-ft (13- to 60-m) greaseless boom, a maximum tip height of 315.1 ft (96 m). The 20-degree tilting operator's cab and 2-person driver’s cab have auto-climate control and Bluetooth radio for comfort.

To maintain visibility and safety, the crane has cameras to view the winch, swing, rear, and right side of the crane. The crane also has features for working in low light or at night. These include five illuminated compartments and controls, three boom floodlights, and eight work lights on the superstructure.

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Source: Link-Belt