The first Luffing Jib Tower Crane was installed in Derry last month, alongside the only double-decker bridge in Ireland.

A Saez SLH 205R Luffer was installed close to the Craigavon Bridge, one of the few double-decker road bridges in Europe. Construction started on the bridge in the late 1920s and was completed in 1933. The lower deck, which originally carried a railway line, was replaced by a road in 1968.

Luffers, with their unique jib which can be raised and lowered in a motion known as luffing, are distinct from Tower Cranes with their traditional fixed horizontal jib. The luffer can work in restricted spaces, near tall buildings, or on sites with multiple cranes due to its reduced swing radius.

The SLH205R is perfect for the construction site in Derry, where new apartments are being built overlooking the Craigavon Bridge, as the site is adjacent to existing apartments and retail businesses.

By raising and lowering the jib, the crane can be used to its full potential while avoiding any over sail issues.

When out of service, the luffer can be parked at a reduced radius compared to a tower crane, which must be left parallel to the site with the jib at a fixed radius.

On projects where there are multiple cranes, the reduced slewing radius of the luffer, compared to a tower crane, makes it the perfect option.

A luffing jib tower crane will not encroach on other crane’s working areas and will ensure an efficient and safe lifting solution.

The safe and efficient operation of a Luffing Jib Tower Crane requires skilled crane drivers due to the complexity of the luffing mechanism of the crane.

The increasing use of luffer cranes in modern construction can be attributed to their flexibility, leading-edge technology and improved safety and efficiency when working in urban settings.

Mantis Cranes has a range of Luffing Jib Tower Cranes for hire and sale in UK and Ireland.