07.07.2016

First six axle Spierings for Scotland

Scottish crane rental company Bernard Hunter has taken delivery of a new six axle Spierings SK 1265-AT6 mobile self-erecting tower crane, the first to arrive in Scotland.

The SK 1265-AT6 has a maximum capacity of 10 tonnes at a radius of 13.2 metres, and can lift 1,700kg at the tip of its 60 metre jib, the longest jib on this type of crane. The official handover occurred at Vertikal Days last month, where it was displayed prior to delivery.

Bernard Hunter has been running Spierings cranes in its fleet for more than 12 years and previously ran the four axle AT4, five axle AT5 and 18 tonne, seven axle AT7, which while larger than the new AT6 in terms of maximum capacity, has a shorter 50 metre jib. The new AT6 replaces the five axle AT5.

Jim Rafferty of Bernard Hunter said: “We have a long experience with the Spierings cranes. In 2003 we took delivery of an SK 598-AT5. This crane brought a revolution to Scotland, generating a very positive experience for a lot of our customers. At this stage we have a fleet of three Spierings cranes, a four axle, six axle and the seven axle. We are delighted to add the 60 metre Spierings to our fleet, it’s the first in Scotland.”

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The official handover at Vertikal Days - (L-R) Mark Rafferty of Bernard Hunter, Koos Spierings, Jim Rafferty and Leo Spierings

Koos Spierings added: “Bernard Hunter is one of our partners in the UK. They are an ambassador for our cranes since 2003 and we are delighted that they have chosen to add the world’s most powerful mobile tower crane to their fleet. The SK 1265-AT6 has a proven design, with over 130 units delivered over the past 13 years, all of which are still working, with second hand examples rarely coming up for sale. We are very proud of it.”

Mark Rafferty said: “It is up to me now to promote this new crane to our customers. But the fleet of Spierings cranes have already proven themselves to many of them, so I am sure that the SK 1265-AT6 will find its place in Scotland. We can now offer jib lengths from 44 to 60 metres and a maximum tip load with the seven axle of 5000kg at 42 metres.”

Bernard Hunter, now in its 70th year, operates from a single location in Edinburgh, with two division, cranes and metal recycling. The fleet ranges from spider cranes to a 500 tonne Liebherr All Terrain.