10.10.2003

European launch for UNIC mini crawler

UNIC Cranes Sales Europe and GGR Glass Services have announced the European launch of the latest UNIC mini crawler, dubbed the 295C. Measuring just 0.6 metres wide, and capable of entering through a standard doorway, the 295C is a 2.9 tonne capacity mini crawler crane with a maximum working radius of 8.41 metres. Incorporated into the design of the 295 is a computer controlled, intelligent voice warning system that informs the operator what mode of the crane is activated, such as crane mode or outrigger mode, to prevent improper use of the crane.

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Measuring just 0.6 metres wide, the 295C is capable of entering through a standard doorway.

GGR Glass Services was founded back in 1996 and began hiring glass handling equipment to the construction industry. It today claims to be the largest supplier of specialist construction vacuum lifting equipment in the UK and Ireland. In 2001, however, the company discovered the mini cranes concept and established GGR Crane Hire, which currently operates a 20-strong, 1 to 3 tonnes mini crawler crane fleet.

GGR’s initial search was for a mini crane for UK consumption that could be used in confined spaces but lift a relatively heavy weight at a good working radius. The company approached Japan-based Furukawa Corporation, which manufacturers the UNIC range of mini crawler cranes, with the intent of importing into the UK and Europe. The absence of CE certification, however, had previously prevented the sale of the cranes into Europe, but the standardisation of the range to European specification by Furukawa and GGR, and subsequent input from UK testing and certification group SGS, resulted in the first UNIC unit to hit UK shores in the 15.45 metre working radius, 3 tonne capacity 506C.

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The 295C provides a 2.9 tonne lift capacity and a maximum working radius of 8.41 metres.

A further unit based on UNIC’s 2 tonne capacity mini crawler range was subsequently developed exclusively for GGR and resulted in the delivery of two pre-production versions of the 295C for CE-type approval. Further modifications were made to convert the 295C’s engine to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), which is now available on all production models. Operators can use the petrol option to drive the machine outdoors and switch to non-toxic LPG when inside.

All UNIC mini crawlers are now available for hire through GGR or for sale through UNIC Crane Sales Europe. The 295C, 376CL and 506CL will all be on display at the launch, which is being held at GGR’s Crendon, Buckinghamshire depot on 23 and 24 October, 2003.