How one contractor installed a Terex flat top crane on a mountain top

The company, which is based in Pelugo in Northern Italy, commissioned the Terex FC 6.24H crane as part of a project to renovate and expand a remote mountain refuge lodge.

Accessible only by foot, the Principe Pass Refuge is situated at the bottom of the mountain range’s highest summit, the Catinaccio d’Antermoia - Kesselkogel. It was built in 1952 to provide respite for walkers and climbers in the area, and current works to the site will see the addition of new catering and accommodation facilities.

Pollini Andrea used a helicopter supplied by Elikos Helicopterservice to transport and help assemble the Terex FC 6.24H crane. (PHOTO: Terex)

As the remote location of the lodge required building materials to be manually carried to the site, Pollini opted to use the Terex FC 6.24H model for the project, as its component parts are light enough to allow the crane to be easily transported and assembled by helicopter.  

Luca Zanut, self-erecting product specialist at Terex, said the crane was specifically designed for use in challenging and inaccessible locations.

“The Terex FC 6.24H crane is unique in the market and features a patented assembly system that makes it an effective and indispensable tool on construction sites in inaccessible areas, such as mountain huts or those with difficult access roads, as well as in historical centres between buildings and very narrow streets,” he said.

The lightweight components of the FC 6.24H were a key reason Pollini chose the model for the mountain-top project. (PHOTO: Terex)

Pollini’s FC 6.24H crane, which was provided by rental company Tecnoedil Noleggi, features a modular boom with an overall length that ranges from 12.6 metres to 24 metres. It offers a maximum capacity of 1.5 tonnes, with a maximum tip capacity of 0.6 tonnes at 24 metres.

While the tower reaches a maximum height of 26 metres, it can reach greater heights of up to 43.1 metres when anchored to buildings.

Pollini’s crane began its ascent to the Principe Pass Refuge from a hut further down the valley, which was reachable by truck.

Before the crane’s helicopter lift-off, its components were pre-assembled and weighed by Tecnoedil Noleggi’s technicians in order to coordinate and minimise the number of aerial trips required.

The FC 6.24H Flat Top was operational in just one hour after its installation. (PHOTO: Terex)

According to Terex, careful coordination between technicians on the ground and the helicopter operator meant the crane’s assembly was completed quickly, and that it was made available for use within just one hour.

“Assembling the crane at Principe Pass Refuge was quick and easy, thanks to the various components being lightweight and easy to handle, alongside the support of highly skilled technicians,” said Zanut.

“It is wonderful to see our Terex FC 6.24H crane performing in such a captivating location.”

Contractor Pollini expects expansion works to the lodge to be completed by the end of 2024.