News Link www. facebook. com / cranehotline www. linkedin. com / company / cranehotline
News Link www. facebook. com / cranehotline www. linkedin. com / company / cranehotline
Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn 10
Sarens Supports HVAC Upgrade Project as Texas Power Demand Expected to Hit Record High
As Texas prepares for what could be a record-breaking summer for electricity demand, heavy lifting company Sarens recently completed a crane-supported HVAC installation project at a residential complex in Conroe, Texas.
According to forecasts from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas( ERCOT), statewide electricity demand is expected to reach 98,000 megawatts( MW) this summer, surpassing the previous all-time peak of 85,508 MW recorded in August 2023. Average daily demand in Texas typically ranges between 53,000 and 58,000 MW, depending on weather conditions and time of day.
ERCOT data indicates that residential air conditioning remains the largest contributor to peak energy demand during summer afternoons and evenings. Approximately 83 % of Texas households use central air conditioning systems, though older, less energy-efficient units continue to contribute to higher electricity use during peak periods.
Against that backdrop, Sarens partnered with Raven Air Conditioning and Heating to support the installation of five rooftop HVAC units( RTUs) at a residential complex in Conroe. The project aimed to improve the energy efficiency of the property’ s HVAC system and align with current federal efficiency requirements.
Current regulations from the U. S. Department of Energy require minimum efficiency improvements for HVAC equipment, while the Environmental Protection Agency’ s AIM Act includes requirements related to refrigerants with lower global warming potential.
Before installation began, Sarens dismantled the facility’ s existing rooftop units. For the lifting work, the company deployed a Grove GMK 4090 crane equipped with a fold-away jib to position the new RTUs, which weighed approximately 1,200 pounds each.
Although the load weight was below the crane’ s lifting capacity, Sarens said the crane configuration was selected for maneuverability and reach, particularly for units located farther from the building structure. Due to limited visibility from the ground, the operation required ongoing communication between the crane operator and rigger to complete the lifts safely.
Sarens said the project reflects growing infrastructure and energy-efficiency upgrades occurring as Texas prepares for increasing electricity demand.
Liebherr Launches AI-Powered Parts Assistant App for Crane Maintenance
Liebherr Maritime Cranes has introduced a new digital application, Parts Assistant, designed to simplify spare parts identification and maintenance planning for maritime and industrial cranes. The company said the app combines artificial intelligence-supported part recognition with maintenance tools to help users identify and order components more efficiently in cargo handling, port logistics and offshore operations.
Available globally through the App Store for iOS and Google Play for Android, the Parts Assistant app is free for customers with a valid MyLiebherr business account. According to Liebherr, the application was developed with input from operational users and is intended to support maintenance teams working in ports, terminals and offshore installations where quick decision-making is critical.
The app includes an AI-powered spare parts identification feature that allows users to identify crane components through several methods, including photo recognition, text search in more than 100 languages, QR code scanning and item number entry. Liebherr said users can also combine search methods, helping teams locate components even if nameplates are damaged, unreadable or missing. Identified parts can then be cross-checked against the official Liebherr parts catalog before ordering to help reduce errors.
In addition to parts identification, the app provides maintenance planning support by listing machine operating hours and service kits required for upcoming maintenance intervals. Users can review spare parts, service materials and consumables needed for scheduled maintenance and customize lists based on operational requirements before placing orders.
The application also includes an“ expert check” feature for situations where users want additional confirmation on part identification. Through the app, customers can submit a verification request directly to a Liebherr service partner via a service ticket for professional review.
Liebherr said feedback from a trial phase showed time savings, fewer ordering errors and improved visibility when preparing maintenance activities across crane fleets.
According to Liebherr, the Parts Assistant app supports mobile harbor, offshore and ship cranes, as well as deep foundation, duty cycle and crawler cranes up to 400 metric tons. The company said the launch reflects its broader effort to expand digital service tools across its industrial equipment portfolio.
July 2026 • www. cranehotline. com