Crane Hot Line September 2025 | Page 6

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CRANES in Action

News Link

CRANES in Action

C. S. McCrossan utilized its VLN system in combination with a Tadano telescopic crawler crane to complete the $ 1.8 million project.
VLN Streamlines Highway Barrier Work
C. S. McCrossan Construction employed its Vita Load Navigator( VLN) system to install sound wall barriers along Interstate 35 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The load navigation technology played a central role in the project, which used a Tadano telescopic crawler crane to place alternate facing concrete post and painted wood noise wall panels aimed at reducing traffic noise and visual impacts for nearby residents.
The VLN allowed crews to control and guide loads from a safe distance, significantly reducing the need for taglines, which can become entangled with obstacles in tight spaces. This improved safety on the project while streamlining operations, resulting in smoother, more precise placement and an increase in the work pace. Crews were able to complete more lifts in less time, and the VLN’ s memory controls helped to ensure each barrier was accurately and consistently set.
The $ 1.8 million Minnesota Department of Transportation project faced a narrow work zone between the highway right-of-way and pavement shoulder, with an alignment perched atop an existing ditch. Soft soils and nearby wetlands only added to the complexity. A temporary access road was built to reach post hole locations, and the VLN’ s ability to maneuver loads in confined conditions helped the team overcome these challenges within the three-month schedule.
With more than 60 years in heavy civil construction, Minnesota-based C. S. McCrossan has delivered major highway, bridge and transit projects across the Upper Midwest. The I-35 project showcased how advanced load navigation technology like the VLN can help maintain safety, precision and efficiency in demanding conditions.
Eddy and Kimberly Kitchen
PEOPLE
• Eddy and Kimberly Kitchen have officially stepped down as owners and managers of ER Group, LLC to focus solely on Kitchen’ s Crane & Equipment, the business they founded
in 2007. Based in Richmond, Virginia, Kitchen’ s Crane & Equipment continues to serve global markets by offering new and used heavy lift and transport equipment for sale and rental.
With more than 30 years of industry experience, the Kitchens bring deep knowledge and strong industry relationships to the company’ s operations. They assist clients with sourcing, procuring, valuing, selling and auctioning specialized equipment.
In addition to running their business, the Kitchens remain active supporters
of the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association( SC & RA) and the SC & R Foundation.
• As part of its continued investment in North America, Franna has appointed Kevin Aabel to the role of business development manager.
Aabel
Aabel brings extensive industry experience, most recently serving at Manitowoc, where he managed multiple Midwest dealers and led direct sales efforts in Canada. His crane knowledge spans truck-mounted, rough terrain, crawler and all-terrain units, built through roles at Manitowoc, Oshkosh and Altec, Inc.
• The Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association( SC & RA) has announced the 2025 recipients of its 4 Under 40 recognition program. The honorees are:
- Allison Hughes, Bennett Motor Express, McDonough, Georgia- Cale Smith, Southern Lifting & Hoisting, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma- Christopher Warshaw, Deep South Crane and Rigging LLC, Baton Rouge, Louisiana- Jean-Francois Houde, Guay Inc. Crane Service, Montreal, Canada
The 4 Under 40 program recognizes SC & RA members under the age of 40 who demonstrate exceptional leadership and contribute to advancing the crane, rigging and specialized transportation industries.
Hughes
Smith
Warshaw
Houde
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September 2025 • www. cranehotline. com