Downtown Toronto is the definition of close quarters for building construction work. For Avenue Building Corporation, building a new residential high-rise in the Bloor Yorkville area, those close quarters called for a Raimondi luffing jib crane.
55 Charles Condo is surrounded by several high-rise developments that make it challenging to swing cranes. The Raimondi LR273 has proven to be a popular model for this situation, especially in crowded cities, said Avenue Building Corporation President Jim Patullo.
"The features of this versatile machine, including the out-of-service radius and the ease of its internal climbing, allow us to install the luffer on several ‘zero lot line' projects," Patullo added.
An LR273 was also used for the construction of Nobu Residences and Hotel, also in downtown Toronto, which had similar requirements. In this case, the 18-ton maximum lifting capacity crane was installed in February 2021 and is at work with a 40-metre jib, clocking in at 15 metres out of service radius with a tip load of 8.20 tons in UltraLift.
The crane was installed on tower sections rising from a below-ground parking site and started at 36 metres above ground. Today it has reached its final height of 167 metres. Sitting on the roof, the LR273 is in the final stages of the project. Dismantling is expected to take place in December 2023.
"Another asset of this luffer is the ability to promptly switch from two falls to four falls and reverse, allowing to lift large generators, air handling units, BMUs, and more without any downtime. This ensures that the developer gets its necessary equipment in place cost-effectively and quickly. Further, equipped with an 86kW hoisting gear, the LR273 can lift at a maximum speed of 204 meters per minute and have a drum capacity of 980m, boasting excellent lifting performances and meeting site deadlines," Patullo explained, noting that the weight-optimized luffer is also very easy to assemble and boasts excellent load curve.
Avenue Building Corporation currently has seven Raimondi cranes in its fleet, and two additional LR273 luffing jib cranes are expected to go up at another Toronto development.
