Mobile cranes and loading platforms from Preston

Preston mobile cranes and loading platforms tackle QUT Science and Engineering Building project

All hands on Superdeck!

In a first for the company, a representative model from each of the Preston loading platform and mobile crane ranges were enlisted by Leighton Contractors to tackle the construction of the new QUT Science and Engineering Centre.

The $230 million dollar project, which is due for completion in 2012, required a range of mobile cranes, steel props and loading platforms to complete the construction of a 50m below ground-level swimming pool and the new P and Y Blocks of the building. Preston was able to assist in the construction of the swimming pool through its range of Superminicrawler mobile cranes and crawlers including the Maeda LC-383, which installed formwork and shutters, and performed general lifts within the area.

Narrow access areas such as stairwells in the new P and Y Blocks of the building necessitated the use of various mobile cranes including the Maeda MC-285, MC-305, MC-405 and LC-785 models to assist construction. Exterior construction was assisted by Preston's patented Superdeck range, which utilises a retractable loading platform system to allow for the vertical stacking of units.

This increases the efficiency of materials handling and crane productivity by providing cranes with uninhibited access to the platforms from above to minimise any hindrance to their ropes and loads.

By taking advantage of Preston's retractable loading platform system and Superminicrawler mobile cranes and crawlers, QUT has been able to achieve expedited construction of the below ground-level swimming pool and P and Y blocks, as well as minimising costs and increasing overall safety of construction.