Edinburgh-based, Bernard Hunter Mobile Cranes has ordered Scotland’s first electric powered, mobile tower crane. The Spierings Model SK487-AT3, named, ‘The City Boy’ by its manufacturers, brings previously unattainable sustainability levels and zero emissions to urban construction projects. The electric crane is the latest innovation in the Gilmerton company’s established environmental policies, which commenced in Spring 2011 with the purchase of low emission Smart City cars.
“Our new Spierings electric mobile tower crane will keep us one step ahead of Scotland’s forthcoming city Low Emissions Zones (LEZs),” reports Mark Rafferty, Managing Director at Bernard Hunter Mobile Cranes.
“The City Boy gives us the potential to drive into Edinburgh in full electric mode. Once the vehicle is safely parked in its designated lifting position, we can plug it into the grid to work at 100% electric throughout the day. This will deliver zero emissions for an entire day’s work,” Mark Rafferty adds.
Due for delivery in mid 2020, Bernard Hunter Mobile Crane’s Spierings electric crane will also be one of the first three such models imported into the UK. At the sharp end of lifting technologies, The City Boy can also be used as a plug-in Hybrid, with the back-up of an ultra-low emission, Euro 6 diesel engine. Innovative safety systems are included in the new model’s design and these include full remote control operation for challenging access conditions. The crane’s unique, three-in-one cab design also permits the operator to use a single space for driving, elevator and crane cabin modes. Finally, Intelligent Foot Print (IPF) outrigger technology automatically adjusts the crane’s lifting capacity to ensure maximum stability during all lifts.
“The City Boy will revolutionise urban operations for our company. This new mobile tower crane can work at four different tower heights. Its compact dimensions and three steering axles will deliver unparalleled manoeuvrability levels, thereby offering our customers a flexible service with industry leading, safety standards,” Mark Rafferty concludes.
In the last eight years, Bernard Hunter Mobile Cranes have frequently invested in the latest vehicle technologies to lower its carbon footprint, whilst delivering unmatched safety and operational standards. The company were amongst the first to procure the then, new Euro 6 emission heavy commercials vehicles in 2013 and nowadays 90% of its fleet conforms to this latest standard. The remaining ten per cent of its vehicles will be either replaced or converted by the end of 2021. Introduced nine years ago, the company still uses low emission Smart City company cars, in addition to plug in hybrids and full electric saloons. An entrenched policy for new building works sees sustainability and low carbon footprint design prioritised in any new construction projects, whilst an in-house recycling division recovers around 5,000 tonnes of metal per annum.
Founded in Edinburgh during 1946, Bernard Hunter is now one of the UK’s leading crane companies. The business currently owns some of the most modern equipment within the industry, ranging from Scotland’s first mobile tower crane, to machinery for recycling various electrical cables that would have normally gone to landfill. Currently the company operates a strategic variety of mobile cranes, ranging from Maeda crawler cranes to a Liebherr 500 tonne truck mounted mobile crane.
Bernard Hunter Mobile Cranes was awarded the prestigious Transport News award for Scotland’s Top Health and Safety Operator during 2013, which was followed five years later with the Transport News award for Scotland’s Top Training Operator in 2018.
