I finally switched from a standard to a luffing jib for a tight city job

I was setting up for a job in downtown Seattle last month, moving HVAC units onto a roof with maybe 15 feet of clearance from the next building. My boss wanted me to use our standard jib, saying we'd just 'make it work'. After looking at the site, I rented a luffing jib crane for the day instead. The ability to raise the jib angle and not swing into the other building made the whole lift smooth and safe. Anyone have other tips for working in really tight urban spots?

2 comments

2 Comments

terrymitchell1mo ago

Good call on renting the luffing jib. I've seen guys try to force a standard jib in a tight alley and put a hook straight through a third-story window. The extra rental cost is nothing compared to that insurance claim.

robin_foster11mo ago

My boss would've just told me to close my eyes and swing for it.