Picked the old American crane over the Japanese one for a high rise job last month

Had to choose between a 30 year old Manitowoc and a newer Kobelco for setting steel on a 12 story job in downtown Portland. Went with the Manitowoc because I know its quirks, like how the swing brake sticks when it's cold. First morning at 6 AM, temp was 38 degrees and sure enough the brake froze up on me. Took 20 minutes with a torch to get it moving again... anyone else stick with older iron even when it gives you headaches?

3 comments

3 Comments

chen.adam28d ago

Did the torch trick work for you at all @james_campbell12? I ended up bringing a small propane heater and parking it near the swing brake for the first hour each morning, that kept it from freezing up again after the initial thaw.

james_campbell1228d ago

Did you have to keep the torch handy all week or did it loosen up after that first warmup?

hunt.nora21d ago

Did you end up babying it the whole time though? I had to hit mine with a heat gun every morning for three days before it finally gave up.