Industry Interview

Ingo Schiller, Uperio North America crane job is 12 months, so regular preventive maintenance is essential. Even on a bare rental crane we see and touch it at least once a month.”

The responsibility for what Schiller calls“ maintaining tower cranes in the air” falls to a special breed of technicians.“ The people who work on tower cranes are mechanically, electrically and hydraulically knowledgeable,” he said. They’ re also willing to work on all of those things 300 to 700 feet in the air and sometimes 200 to 300 feet out on the jib.”

Offering Choices

Customers have choices about tower cranes, Schiller noted.“ All types of cranes have their place, which is why we have hammerhead, flat top, luffing and self-erecting models in our fleet,” he said.“ We also work with a range of manufacturers to provide the best machines the industry has to offer.”

The use of tower cranes is steadily growing and one of the reasons, according to

Schiller, is that they are getting taller, longer and stronger and are increasingly suited to handle a larger range of projects.“ Until the 2000s, tower cranes in North America were still considered a niche product and were not in widespread use,” he said.“ Four- to five-story builds with tower cranes were unheard of prior to 2000 but by the middle of that decade they had found their footing in North America.

“ The crane and lifting industry’ s customers are more sophisticated and better educated about their businesses, operations and equipment than ever before,” Schiller continued.“ That requires crane rental companies to do better in all facets of our engagement with them.”

In his new role at Uperio North America, Schiller is focused on that objective, including enhancing service offerings and strengthening and fostering strategic partnerships.

“ I’ ve enjoyed working for several manufacturers,” Schiller said.“ Now on the rental and customer service side of the industry I have an opportunity that allows me to take everything I’ ve learned, collaborate with a talented team and deliver lifting solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers.”

“ You have to be all in when it comes to minimizing risk by planning ahead and verifying everything for correct and safe operation...”

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March 2025 • www. cranehotline. com