Giraffe MK140 in top mode for Level Trappen

Level Trappen BV and Level Trappen & Constructies BV are specialists in creating custom designer stairs. Both companies operate from Hoogeveen and one focuses on the private market in particular, while the other takes on the business market. Together, they offer their services as TrappenXL. For one of the assignments, which they carried out for a private client in Amsterdam, they got to use the Tower Crane Giraffe MK140 in top mode.

An apartment complex is located at the Willem Frederik Hermansstraat, near the Public Library of Amsterdam. Level Trappen was commissioned to deliver three flights of stairs and a glass rooftop terrace for the apartment on the upper floor. To be able to lift the flights of stairs and the materials for the terrace into their positions, Saan Crane Rental was employed. Due to the height of the building and the limited space around the apartment complex, the decision was made to carry out this project using the Giraffe Liebherr MK140 Tower Crane. In top mode, this mobile tower crane, provided with extensions on the boom, reaches a hook height of an impressive 95 metres high. This led to some beautiful photos on the day the work was carried out!

During the intake, it was established that the crane could be set up at the Willem Frederik Hermansstraat. When applying for the permit, this proved not to be the case. Due to construction work elsewhere, this street currently served as a detour route at the time of execution and wasn’t allowed to be blocked. Luckily, the tower crane could be set up on the forecourt of the Oosterdokskade. Pedestrians and traffic were led around the crane by traffic controllers. The work was carried out by Level Trappen and Saan as quickly as possible to minimize the time they impeded traffic the best they could.

When realising designer stairs or other projects like balustrades, Level Trappen focuses on the client’s wishes. All projects are carried out completely in-company. This is realised by their own design department. Production takes place separately in two production halls and the final assembly on location is carried out by experienced assembly crews, who work throughout the Netherlands. More information can be found at www.trappenxl.nl.

The Liebherr MK140 has a maximum boom length of 65 metres and the MK140 in top mode reaches a maximum hook height of an impressive 94,4 metres. This makes it the biggest tower crane of its kind. However, the crane is still very compact: the turning radius of the ballast is within the outriggers and the maximum outrigger pressure is 48 tons. Additionally, it can run on a three-phase current and has a plus module for more capacity. This powerhouse is one of the mobile tower cranes that was part of the expansion of Saan’s fleet. The giraffe stickers are a nod to Saan’s history. Previously, Saan already had vehicles with unusual names and stickers, like the Donald Duck (a Chevrolet), the Pipo (a Ward la France) and the Bambi (a BHC crane truck).