Spotlight Cranes
By Seth Skydel
Compelling
Solution
Mini cranes are game changers when jobs require navigating tight spaces and precise lifting capabilities
The mini crane market continues to grow, noted Colt Vacek, USA product manager at Jekko.“ As the performance and ease of use of these machines continues to advance, it places mini cranes in a position to address equipment costs in tight budgets,” he said.“ The more versatile mini cranes become, the more jobs that single piece of equipment can accomplish.”
Michael Gnazzo, president of Innovativ Hoisting, Böcker’ s U. S. distributor, expects more companies to turn to mini cranes to improve jobsite efficiency.“ As the skilled labor shortage continues, these machines allow smaller crews to accomplish more in less time,” he said.“ That’ s one reason they are gaining traction across a variety of industries.
Böcker’ s latest innovation is the AHK 36e, a fully electric mini crane featuring a newly developed electric winch that also recovers energy when the load is lowered and feeds it back into the battery.
“ The most popular applications we see for mini cranes are where compact footprints are essential,” Gnazzo added.“ That includes roofing, prefab construction and building restoration where mini cranes allow for set up in tight spaces and often closer to the work area. In addition, their design makes them ideal for weight-sensitive surfaces, reducing the risk of property damage.”
One application that may seem unique but is increasingly common is using mini cranes to install large glass curtain walls on the exterior of skyscrapers, related Colt Vacek.“ Due to their small footprint and precise controls, mini cranes can be positioned
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June 2025 • www. cranehotline. com