News

Empire Crane Company recently took ownership of two new Jekko articulating crawler cranes at its Hanson, MA, location, one of which is the first of its kind to make it to the U.S. That unit being the Jekko JF990, which is the biggest transportable crawler crane in the brand’s lineup. It features a max lifting capacity of 46,297 pounds, a 112-foot reach, and comes with an additional option for a man basket.

The second unit that was brought in is a Jekko JF545, a returning model for Empire Crane that boasts a 34,170-pound max lifting capacity and a 106-foot max lifting height and comes with a GMT grapple saw already attached.

“The Jekko brand is a new and burgeoning offering for our company and is one that we’re very excited to see where it leads,” said Paul Lonergan, president and part owner of Empire Crane. “We’re thrilled to be the first dealer in the country to offer as versatile a machine as the JF990. Even though it’s the largest crane in Jekko’s fleet, its size is still manageable in tight spaces while being able to take on some serious tonnage.”

Empire Crane became an authorized dealer of Jekko machines in December 2022 and the manufacturer has quickly become a major player for the company in both purchases and rentals. More than 20 purchases and rentals have been facilitated by Empire’s sales team in the northeast to customers around the country.

Call 1-800-342-7575 to speak with a sales representative about these units today.

A recent dealer event on Dec. 5 and 6 hosted by Magni, makers of telescopic handlers based out of Italy, unveiled its new range of RTH machines, which are now also available in the U.S. market. The event in Pasadena, TX, saw 14 new models in the RTH (Rotating Telehandler) line make their debut, including the brand new RTH 10.37, which Magni showcased while sporting a U.S. flag decal.

Empire Crane was front and center at the event to take in all the new models and technology. Empire became the first authorized Magni dealer in the U.S. in 2016. With the versatility of Magni’s attachments, Empire initiated the use of Westtech Woodcracker attachments for the RTH line, particularly on the 6.30 and 6.35 units, in the U.S. market, which has been a groundbreaking innovation for tree service companies.

Since 2016, Empire has purchased over 100 units, for which Paul Lonergan, Empire’s president and part owner, accepted an award of recognition at the event. “Growing up as the son of a crane manufacturing rep and eventually crane dealership owner myself, I have always had my eyes looking in the sky,” Longergan said. “Back in 2016 while at the AED Conference, my brother Luke and I were introduced to the Magni line of rotating telehanders. We committed to representing the product while at the show. I am happy and proud to say that the decision to take the Magni line on was one of the best of my career. This past December while attending the annual dealer event, Empire was recognized as the first dealer to reach the 100 unit club. I would like to thank our employees and the Mangi family for helping Empire Crane achieve this award. We look forward to the next 100 units.”

In addition to Empire’s other “firsts” with the Magni brand, the company will also be the first dealer in the U.S. to add the aforementioned RTH 10.37 to its fleet – three of them to be exact. The 10.37s promise to be ideal for both construction sites and for-hire fleets and will be available to purchase through Empire Crane during the first half of 2024.

Empire Crane Company has officially partnered with Bigge Crane and Rigging Co. in order to offer East Coast customers better access to rent or buy the more than 1,800 cranes in Bigge’s Perfect Fleet.

Empire Crane has long been a powerhouse in the crane sales and rental business, serving customers from West Virginia to Maine. It is a dealer for Tadano, Terex, Broderson, Kobelco, Jekko, and Manitex cranes, as well as Magni telehandlers.

Headquartered in San Leandro, California, Bigge is one of the nation's largest crane sales and rental companies.

By teaming up, Empire gives Bigge a strong partner in the Northeast, and Empire customers now have access to a broader range of cranes than ever.

Together Empire and Bigge can offer customers more than 1,800 assets backed by 21 maintenance facilities across the U.S.

The new agreement marks an important milestone in the continued growth of both companies, and also marks a new era of broader choices and competitive choices for their customers.

Empire Crane has built a long-standing reputation for extraordinary sales support and crane service throughout the northeastern U.S.

This new partnership with Bigge expands Empire’s reach into the Gulf, Mountain, and West Coast regions. That will help to bring even more robust sales support to its customers across the US and around the globe.

Crane buyers worldwide will now have access to dealer pricing and priority ordering for leading crane manufacturers, including Tadano, Kobelco, Liebherr, Manitowoc, Potain, Peiner, Terex, Broderson, Comedil, Merlo, Magni, Xtreme, Manitex, and Jekko – all well-known manufacturers who represent the industry's top mobile crane, tower crane, mini crane, and telehandler producers.

Besides offering customers more inventory to choose from, the new relationship also helps both companies pass along savings to customers by reducing the need to ship equipment across the country.

“We are thrilled to join forces with Bigge, the pillar of excellence in the crane business for more than a century,” said Paul Lonergan, president of Empire Crane. “Both Bigge and Empire are family-owned companies with common business values.”

Weston Settlemier, CEO of Bigge Crane & Rigging Co., said, "Empire has a long-standing reputation in the crane business, which we are proud to be a part of going forward. Paul and Luke Lonergan are outstanding individuals that share common values with Bigge regarding how to serve customers. We look forward to expanding our sales network and improving customer access to the most in-demand cranes in the market."

Bigge and Empire Crane are co-exhibitors in booth F9541 in the Festival Grounds at ConExpo 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada, from March 14-18.

About Empire

Empire Crane Company is a full-service crane sales and repair company headquartered in upstate New York. With over 25 years of experience, the company has grown to become one of the most respected dealers in the industry on the East Coast. Empire's focus on customer service and product support has made it one of the industry’s most reliable sources for new and used cranes. Empire has three full-service maintenance facilities across New England, over 200 assets in its fleet, and access to more than 1,800 cranes through its partnership with Bigge Crane and Rigging. The company is owned and operated by brothers Luke and Paul Lonergan, who are dedicated to providing customers top-quality products and services.

About Bigge

Since 1916, Bigge Crane and Rigging Co. has been the premier provider of best-in-class cranes. Bigge offers crane rentals, crane for sales, crane parts, and specialized heavy-lift equipment to customers across America. With headquarters in California and Texas, Bigge operates a strategic network of more than 20 service locations nationwide. That allows Bigge to provide logistical and field support throughout the United States. Bigge actively buys and sells new and quality used cranes and maintains a rental fleet of more than 1,800 assets. Safety, teamwork, results, innovation, and passion are central to Bigge's core values. Bigge continues to lead the crane industry into the 21st century with generations of combined experience in the crane and rigging industry.

Empire Crane is excited to welcome Joseph (Joe) Baron and Josh Stack to their New England sales team. Baron and Stack will be responsible for serving customers’ crane needs in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

Baron previously worked in the trucking world, managing drivers and fulfilling customers’ needs. “Cranes are an essential sector to the ever-growing infrastructure industry. I’m excited to involve myself in an industry with such growth and technological changes, as well as the opportunity for new connections and travel opportunities” Baron commented.

You may recognize the Baron name; Joe’s younger brother Mike Baron is the Western New York salesman for Empire Crane. Mike is coming up on his 1st year anniversary with the company and has been establishing a name for himself in the WNY territory.

Stack previously worked for a Rhode Island based, equipment manufacturer in the tree industry. Stack says, “I’m most excited to meet new customers, build relationships, and work in a different part of the tree industry and crane industry as a whole.” He has a business finance degree from the University of Rhode Island.

CEO Luke Lonergan says, “Both Joe and Josh are young and quick on their feet. New England especially, is a fast paced market and has new jobs and opportunities arising everyday. We’re confident they’ll be assets to our team and our customers whenever they need something.”

At Empire, the duo will handle New England customers’ crane sales and crane rentals alongside a team of parts professionals and service technicians. They’ll be representing Empire’s many manufacturers including, Tadano, Magni, Manitex, Kobelco, Broderson, among others.

“I had looked at every other manufacturer. I tried out a new Grove, I traveled to Virginia to try out a new Liebherr, and tried out a new Link Belt as well. Nothing truly compared to Tadano and how well built it is” says Harry Leo III of H.A. Leo Crane, LLC in Webster, MA. Leo recently took delivery of a new 2022 Tadano AC 4.110-1, 120 US ton all terrain crane from Empire Crane Company. This is the first Tadano AC 4.110-1 to be delivered in North America. H.A. Leo Crane is a third generation company that offers rigging, lifting, and hauling throughout New England.

The 100-120 ton class is the ideal size for the category of work and customers H.A. Leo Crane serves. In order to reduce downtime and increase efficiency, they felt it was best to purchase a new unit. Leo says, “I grew up in an old school work environment and always believed the less things that can go wrong the better’ ‘this Tadano is rock solid.”

The Tadano AC 4.110-1 features the following:

• 37.4’ – 196.9’ main boom
• 12.1’ – 104.7’ jib
• 67,020 lbs counterweight
• Mercedes-Benz engine
• 223’ max radius
• 12.5’ tail swing radius even at the full counterweight

H.A. Leo Crane also owns a 100 ton Krupp, 120 ton Grove, and a 250 ton Tadano. Their love of their 250 ton Tadano had a major influence in their purchasing decision. “We can get to the jobsite quicker, set up in tighter spaces, and the capacity is unmatched when compared to other 4-axle cranes in the industry” Leo commented.

The AC 4.110-1’s first job was performing work on a cell tower on an extremely tight jobsite in Cranston, RI. Leo says, “this crane was tailor made for jobs like this because of the extremely tight set up area, narrow access road, and very tall tower.” They used the full 196.9’ of main boom and the small footprint with uneven outriggers. Their heaviest pick was 2,500 pounds at a radius of 85’.

Paul Lonergan, Empire Crane owner and President said, “For guys like Harry, it’s like Tadano engineered this crane just for them. The size, the mobility, the ease of use and simplicity is perfect for the jobs they perform everyday.” Empire crane has a team of Tadano factory trained technicians and stocks many Tadano parts and filters needed to support their customers.

“From ordering the crane to taking delivery of it 6 months later, it has been a pleasure to work with both Paul and Luke [Lonergan of Empire Crane]; they are genuine people” Leo said.

C.D. Perry of Troy, NY, started their search for a new crane looking to fill the gap between their current 110-ton lattice boom crawler and their 200-ton lattice boom crawler. They concluded their search by purchasing a 2022 Tadano GTC-1300, 130-ton telescopic boom crawler from Empire Crane Company. The GTC-1300 fits their size requirements as well as simplifies and streamlines their job processes.

Telecrawlers vs. Lattice Boom Crawlers:

Back in 2015, C.D. Perry purchased a Tadano Manits 15010, 77-ton telecrawler, from Empire Crane. Their experience with the 15010 led them to choose a telescopic boom over another lattice boom crane. “Telecrawlers are easier to operate, easier to mobilize, and when you can scope the boom in and out as well as retract the tracks in hydraulically, it makes it better for a variety of different applications” says Tyler Fane, Vice President of C.D. Perry, LLC. They plan on using the GTC-1300 for marine, industrial, heavy civil, and environmental applications.

Fane also commented on the cost-saving aspect of owning a telecrawler over a lattice boom crawler, “it’s like a domino effect; you save on mobilization, you save on assembly, you save on tracking on the site, you save on the extent of working pads on site due to gradeability, and you save by being able to change boom lengths at a moment’s notice.” Fane also attributes these cost-saving attributes to giving him an edge over the competition.

Crane Features:

Across the Tadano GTC telecrawler product line, quick setup, auto-switching load charts and superior travel performance are standard. Empire Crane’s NY/CT Sales Representative Jonathan Shufelt commented, “you really can’t go wrong with a Tadano telecrawler. From travel, setup, ease of use, and serviceability, it’s a game-changer for any modern company.”

The Tadano GTC-1300 features include the following:

• 130 USt capacity
• 42’ 1” – 155’ main boom
• 12.5’ – 33.5’ – 59.1’ boom extension
• 259’ max tip height
• 19’ 1” extended track width VS. 12’ track width retracted
• Cummins QSL9 Engine
• Out-of level charts
• 360° pick-and-carry charts

Equipment Dedication:

A dedication on the GTC-1300’s rear counterweight reads “In memory of Jack E. Perry 1925- 2021”. Jack Perry was the 2^nd generation to lead C.D. Perry (his father Cutler Perry originally started the company). “He helped grow the company by adhering to three core principals: safety, quality, and efficiency”.

When you pair a Magni Rotating Telehandler with the Woodcracker tree cutting attachment, you get “one word: efficiency” according to Andrew Scherdin, owner of Flower City Tree. Flower City Tree in Rochester NY, purchased a Magni RTH6.30 with a Woodcracker tree cutting attachment from Empire Crane Company.

Before purchasing the Magni, Flower City Tree’s crews would consist of 5 people on a jobsite utilizing cranes and bucket trucks to remove tree limbs. When performing tree services with these types of equipment, someone must climb the tree and set a sling on the wood that will be cut. Once cut, the weight of the wood causes pendulums and movement while it’s being transferred to the ground.

“With the Magni and Woodcracker, once you grab onto a piece of wood, you can rest assured that it is stable,” says Scherdin. He continues, “We do a lot of work over houses and in tight areas with power lines, so our tolerance for mess-ups is zero. It’s more efficient and it’s way safer.” With the Magni, Flower City Tree typically only sends one operator and two grounds people for processing (chipping or loading onto grapple trucks).

Mike Baron, Empire Crane Company’s Western NY Salesman commented, “With the unpredictable Rochester weather and harsh winters, a Magni lets Flower City have less people working outdoors as they would with a bucket truck or certain types of cranes. They not only eliminate the person in the tree, but their operator can sit in comfort with heat or AC.”

Empire Crane is the local Magni dealer for Western NY. Having an authorized service provider only an hour away influenced Scherdin’s purchasing decision over other rotating telehandler manufacturers.

“Before buying the Magni we were probably already the most efficient tree company in the area compared to our competitors. With the Magni, we’re probably 5 times faster than the standard bucket truck (roping and rigging) operation, and twice as fast as with a crane’ Scherdin says, ‘all with less people.”

The Magni RTH6.30 has a 13,200 lb lifing capacity and can reach up to 97’ 9”. It is equipped with scissor stabilizers for safety and stability during working maneuvers. Magni rotating telehandlers are compatible with a number of attachments including: forks, jibs, man baskets, rotating forks, buckets, winches, and more.

Brandon Windey, Empire Crane service technician, has earned one of the highest scores on the Crane Institute of America, Mobile Crane Inspector Course. Brandon has been a crane service technician for almost 2 years at Empire Crane. This was his first certification course. No other technician has achieved a perfect score on the certification test in the Crane Institute program.

James Headley, President & CEO of Crane Institute of America said, “the course has evolved over the years because of the changes in OSHA and ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) getting more stringent, and the addition of safety devices and operational aids like load moment indicators.” The average score on the test is in the eighties while an eighty or above is needed to pass. “

Paul Lonergan, Empire Crane President said, “Brandon is very attentive to detail, and that’s what makes him a good technician. We always strive for perfection as a company and to have one of our employees achieve a perfect score is something we’re proud of. “

The 4-day course is for companies performing in-house inspections as well as third-party inspectors looking to increase knowledge & skill. Course topics include the following:

• Inspector’s role in reducing crane accidents & liability exposure
• OSHA and ASME inspection requirements
• The three levels of inspection
• Recognizing and understanding the differences between deficiencies and safety hazards
• When to perform a non-destructive crack detection test
• Basic rigging procedures
• Performing load tests

“Brandon is a bright student who contributed a lot to the class. He’s a hard worker, who takes his work very seriously and is very conscientious” Headley commented.

When a US Navy plane diverted to Bangor International Airport in Bangor, ME needs a lift to fix a C-130 Hercules aircraft, the BGR Operations team called Black Bear Crane. One of the engines on the C-130 Hercules, an aircraft that ‘primarily performs tactical portions of airlift missions’ according to the US Air Force website had a leaky seal. To replace it, the propeller needed to be removed for aircraft technicians to access the problem.

Black Bear Crane used their Manitex 35124C to do the job. The propeller weighed 1,000lbs, the boom height was 60’, and the lift radius was 30’. The US Navy also had a lifting apparatus that they used in the lift. “We shackled into the lifting apparatus with a short sling. It had a scale built into it to measure the amount of tension needed before their techs could loosen the bolts” said Anthony Delmonaco, Black Bear Crane Co-Owner. The seal replacement was a 2-day process.

Black Bear Crane recently purchased the 35124C from Empire Crane Company owned by Luke & Paul Lonergan. The 35 ton boom truck replaced an older 27 ton Manitowoc that they had owned for a number of years. DelMonaco said, “Our biggest benefit with the Manitex is the flexibility with the higher capacity to do more jobs. For larger jobs before, we’d send out our 90-tonner downrated as a 50-tonner. It just wasn’t cost effective”.

The 27 ton Manitowoc had originally been sold by Syracuse Equipment, a crane dealership owned by the Lonergan’s father. Black Bear Crane has purchased many cranes from Justin Melvin, Empire Crane General Manager, including a Demag AC 100-4L earlier this year.

In support of those who have served, Black Bear Crane raises awareness to help bring an end to the 22 veteran suicides that occur daily. All of their cranes are outfitted with a Veterans Crisis Line phone number for those who may need it.

Black Bear Crane offers crane services from 27 – 240 tons and boom lengths up to 330’. They provide quality crane service, rigging, transport and warehousing / storage in Maine. Their office is located just outside Bangor, ME which allows easy access to all over the state. For more information, please visit: www.BlackBearCrane.com.

Empire Crane recently refreshed their extensive fleet of Magni rotating telehandlers with 9 new units. The new units will be added to their rental fleet and will also be available for sale. New models include: multiple RTH6.30s, multiple RTH6.35, a RTH6.39, and a RTH8.25.

Magni rotating telehandlers have a wide variety of attachments which makes them one of the most versatile units on a jobsite. Attachments include:

• Buckets
• Clamps
• Fork Carriages
• Hooks
• Jibs
• Winches
• Platforms
• Reel Handlers
• Tire Handlers
• Glass Handlers
• Tree Cutters

All units come standard with forks.

Empire Crane President, Paul Lonergan says, “With our new units, we also ordered 2 Woodcracker tree cutters. They’ve proven themselves in the northeast market. They’re faster and safer than traditional tree cutting methods when paired with a Magni.”

Empire Crane was announced as the first authorized dealer for Magni in North America back in 2016. Their fleet has since grown to over 30 units. “They just make sense for our customers’ Lonergan commented, ‘they’re so easy to use and offer so much more than the standard forklift.”

Mike Baron is the newest addition to Empire Crane’s sales team. Baron will be responsible for serving customers’ crane needs in western New York. “I am most looking forward to meeting new people in the industry, helping customers find cranes that best suit their business needs, and joining a fast-paced company where everyday is different” Baron commented. Baron is originally from Liverpool, NY and lived in western, NY his entire life.

Baron recently graduated from The College at Brockport, State University (SUNY Brockport) with majors in business, and finance with a concentration in management. This isn’t his first time in the industry; before college Baron worked as a shop hand at Empire for 2 years. There he assisted mechanics with repairs, yard maintenance, and helped prep units for jobsites.

CEO Luke Lonergan says, “Mike is a very motivated young man. He’s a quick learner and we’re really excited to get him in the field meeting our customers.”

Call Mike Baron to speak with him directly: 315-558-8676

Since opening in 1987, Frank Chiaravalloti Landscape Contractor has been offering landscaping services throughout Massachusetts. Recently owner Frank Chiaravalloti decided to make an addition to his business with the purchase of a new 2021 Manitex TC45127 Shorty from Empire Crane Company. “I’m trying to expand my business into tree work” Chiaravalloti said, “it’ll only benefit my customers and will widen the array of services we offer.”

He decided to purchase a Manitex because the price fit his budget and because Empire Crane, the servicing dealer, is nearby.

The new Manitex TC45127 Shorty is mounted on a 2022 Kenworth T880 and features the following:

• 45 Ton Capacity
• 127’ Main Boom
• 485HP PACCAR Engine
• Radio Outrigger Controls
• Tilt Cab
• AC & Heat
• Short Sub-Frame

Manitex offers “Shorty” models of their boom trucks to benefit their customers who need better mobility. “We work in tight neighborhoods as well as open spaces, so it’ll be helpful to have the ‘shorty’ version wherever we are working” Chiaravalloti commented.

Justin Melvin, Empire Crane New England’s General Manager said, “since the ‘Shorty’ option has been available, 90% of the new boom trucks we’ve sold have been ‘Shortys’. It just makes sense for our New England customers who are working in the city some days and the backwoods on others”.

Vergona Crane Co, Inc. recently purchased a new 2021 Tadano GR1000XLL-4 from Empire Crane Company. The 100 ton rough terrain crane features a 224.1' max lift height, smart counterweight system, and asymmetrical outrigger setup. Pictured above, the GR1000XLL-4 is lifting an 81,000lb air dryer at an asphalt manufacturing plant during one of it's first jobs.

Paul Lonergan owner of Empire Crane said "the GR1000XLL-4 marks a milestone for Empire: it's the first GR product we've sold into our NJ territory since being awarded the Tadano account.' he also said 'this crane has a very strong chart and will be a great addition to Vergona's fleet".

CWI Crane & Rigging has purchased a new 120 ton capacity 2020 Demag AC100-4L from Empire Crane Company. CWI needed to replace a 110 ton Grove truck crane and wanted a longer boom as well as all terrain functions.

In the spring of 2019, CWI purchased a Demag AC250-5 from Empire Crane. Their experience with that unit ultimately influenced their decision to purchase a second Demag all terrain crane. Owner, Chet Chludenski III, said “Since we purchased the AC250-5, we’ve just loved the machine. The IC-1 Plus is amazing. Everything is smooth and less clunky than the other machines we’ve tested.”

The Demag AC100-4L features the following:

• 9’ main boom
• Total of 88.6’ jib & extensions
• Mercedes-Benz engines
• IC-1 Plus control system for asymmetric outrigger positioning
• Optional refinery kit
• Maximum 54,000lbs counterweight
• Rearview camera & hoist monitoring cameras

The crane’s first job was lifting a 13,000lb generator at a local middle school. The pick radius was 65’ – the closest the crane to get to the carrying trailer. They were able to complete the pick without needing a support vehicle to bring additional counterweight.

“As a taxi crane service, the ultimate goal is maneuverability with counterweight and the longest possible boom” Chludenski said. The AC100-4L features one of the biggest system lengths of all 4-axle units on the market that can travel within an axle load limit of 11.8 tons. Justin Melvin General Manager at Empire Crane Company’s New England branch commented “It can cover a broad range of lifting heights without the need for additional transportation vehicles, which is ideal for a crane service company like CWI.”

“We’ve worked with the Lonergan family since I was a kid’ Chludenski said, ‘it’s always good to do business with people you know and trust.”

When Chris Shaughnessy, president of C.J. Shaughnessy Mobile Crane Service took the job of replacing balconies at a Cambridge, Massachusetts apartment complex, he knew there was only one machine for the job: a Magni. Shaughnessy rented a Magni RTH5.25 Smart rotating forklift from Empire Crane Company along with the 6 ton hook attachment.

The entrance to the apartment complex was only wide enough for passenger vehicles so the Magni couldn’t be driven in. Instead Shaughnessy used their 2017 Liebherr LTM1200-5.1 to hoist the 37,985lb Magni into the jobsite.

Once in place, there was only 16 feet between the balcony edges and a retainage wall on the opposite side. With outriggers fully extended, the RTH5.25 Smart has a width of 14 feet – leaving only an extra foot of clearance on either side of the machine. Compared to other telehandlers, no other machine on the market has a smaller footprint with the capacity and reach as the RTH5.25 Smart. Shaughnessy commented, “it was just the perfect fit.”

The job itself was to fully replace 8,000lb, 30 foot long precast – prestressed decking for the balconies. With only 9 feet of clearance between balconies, they needed to use the 6 ton hook attachment to comply with OSHA regulations. Shaughnessy said, “We had to come down to a middle pick-point spreader bar to gain height on these balconies.”

Shaughnessy also mentioned that his operator found the remote control (that comes standard with every unit) very useful. “My operator loved the remote control. He was able to be up placing the decking with the guys as they were rigging them in and out of place. It controls the machine very smooth, possibly smoother than when you’re in the seat” Shaughnessy said.

The Magni RTH5.25 Smart features:

• 11,000lb max lifting capacity
• 81 foot max lifting height
• 360° continuous rotation
• Automatic leveling device
• Pivoting stabilizers
• Electronically controlled hydrostatic transmission
• Deadman safety device on joysticks
• Compatibility with over 100 different attachments

C.J. Shaughnessy Mobile Crane Service is based in the Boston area and does business throughout eastern Massachusetts; they often find themselves in constricted spaces. “This was my first time using a Magni and it was awesome! We’ve actually found many more uses for it since then. For us, I can definitely see it on rigging jobs; it could replace larger equipment in tough to reach areas” Shaughnessy commented.

Justin Melvin, General Manager of Empire Crane’s New England branch said “Renting Magni telehandlers is a great option for crane service companies like Shaughnessy. They’re so versatile that whenever they’re in a tight space or need extra reach (that doesn’t require a large AT), they can just give us a call and we’ll have it ready.’ ‘The best part about it is that they’re easy to learn and have numerous safety features.”

Callahan & Nannini was hired to assemble a 50' high "2020" structure for the late night show "Last Week Tonight" with John Oliver. Of the 30 different picks it took to assemble, the heaviest was approximately 5,000lbs.

VP Rob Nannini said, "It had LED light strips on the inside so we had to be very careful while picking sections."

Empire Crane Adds Salesman for New Jersey

Patrick (Pat) Shimalla is the newest addition to Empire Crane’s sales team. As the NJ Sales Representative, he will be responsible for assisting customers throughout New Jersey with crane purchases, rentals, and directing them to our parts and service teams. Pat has experience in construction with a background in engineering. He says “I’m looking forward to reestablishing and making new connections in the industry.”

Pat will be representing the many crane manufacturers that Empire has to offer including: Tadano Mantis, Demag, Manitex, Kobelco, and Terex, among others. Paul Lonergan, President of Empire Crane oversees the NJ area and is glad to have Pat on board. Lonergan says, “Pat is going to be a great asset. We needed someone who can represent our company and our product offerings that is local and motivated.”

After firefighting for over 30 years, Pat is proud to be the Fire Commissioner in his hometown of Somerset, NJ. He has a passion for boating, saltwater fishing and enjoys spending time with his kids. When asked if Pat had any words of wisdom, he said “do it right the first time.”

The team at WestRock Solvay Mill needed more lifting capacity than what their 1999 Broderson IC-80 could offer. After looking at other brands, they found that only Broderson offered the lifting capacity they need in the small footprint they require. Cory White, Sr. Vehicle Maintenance Technician and Mobile Equipment Safety Trainer at WestRock provided his technical expertise to the decision-making process. The Solvay Mill decided to purchase the new 2020 Broderson IC-100-3B from local dealer Empire Crane Company. It offers more lifting capacity, reach, and is within the required footprint. Their primary application is for repairing rotating equipment and screens inside their paper mill.

The Broderson IC-100-3B is a 10 US ton rated industrial carry deck crane designed for in-plant lifting and material handling applications. It features:

• 49’4” Sheave Height
• 6 US ton Pick & Carry Capacity
• 360° Boom Rotation
• 6’ 6” Wide
• 7’ 5” Tall
• Fully Hydraulic Controls for Smooth Precise Operations

In addition, WestRock opted to include a 10’ boom extension, operator guard, and the dual fuel (diesel / propane) option. “This unit will run indoors 99% of the time so we run strictly propane” White said.

An improvement since their last Broderson purchase is the auto-throttle feature. Operators currently have to run the foot throttle to keep a higher rpm. With the auto throttle, they can set it to run at 1200 or 1800 rpm, leaving the operator to focus more on the movement of the crane and the safety of his surroundings. White also commented “it’s so loud inside of our mill that you can’t hear the engine running behind you. By setting the auto-throttle, our operators won’t need to listen to gauge the rpm levels”.

Published in the September - October 2020 Issue of Lift & Access

By Jayna Meshram

Three Magni rotating telehandlers score top marks for performance and economy in high-school construction.

The city of Somerville, Massachusetts, is building a much-needed new high school. The existing Somerville High was several decades old, had structural issues, and lacked proper insulation. The new high school, being built in three phases on the same site, will be state of the art and serve as a premier community resource for decades to come. The new school is expected to accommodate up to 1,590 students, 353 more than the old one. Demolition of the old building began in 2018. The new high school is scheduled for completion in May 2021.

Vital Roles for Rotating Telehandlers

Three area contractors working on the project are relying on Magni rotating telehandlers rented from Empire Crane Co. to keep their portions of the project moving effectively and efficiently. The three contractors are Lighthouse Masonry Inc., New Bedford, Massachusetts; Marguerite Concrete Inc., Hopedale, Massachusetts; and Select Demo Services LLC, Salem, New Hampshire. Empire Crane CEO Luke Lonergan says that three of the many benefits a Magni rotating telehandler delivers are long reach, excellent capacity, and the versatility to handle many tasks, thanks to optional attachments like forks, jibs, hooks, baskets, and winches. The work of the three contractors on Somerville high school demonstrates those advantages, and more.

Cost-Effective Reach

Lighthouse Masonry is renting a 2020 Magni RTH6.39 SH for its work on the Somerville job. The rig offers 13,200-lb. maximum capacity and 127'7" maximum lifting height, along with the standard 47" forks. Lighthouse is responsible for all of the blocking sides, concrete block, brick, granite, and cast stone, as well as some historical restoration. The company is doing a lot of the work with its own vertical-mast forklift, since it can reach the lower levels to feed the masons the materials they need. One key part of Lighthouse’s work, however, is building the six-story-high stairwells. For that part of the project, Josh Alves, Lighthouse’s general field operations manager, rented the Magni RTH6.39 SH rotating telehandler for its full 127'7” vertical reach. The rectangular stairwells are first built by laying block. Then, the stairs and windows are installed and waterproofed. Finally, Lighthouse dresses the exterior by laying brick all the way to the top.

To do that, says Alves, “The masons work from scaffolding, and the Magni feeds them all day long: mortar then brick, mortar then brick, mortar then brick.” A tub of mixed mortar weighs about 3,000 lbs. and a “Q” of 72 blocks on a standard pallet weighs about 2,200lbs. To lift the relatively heavy loads up to six stories high, the operator sets the Magni up about 20' from the scaffolding to make best use of the telehandler’s lifting capability. Alves chose the Magni rotating telehandler because it was the most cost-effective tool for the job. “Comparing the cost to rent a crane for the number of days we would’ve needed it in order to get the brick up and down, with the cost of renting the Magni for a whole month, it just made sense to rent the telehandler,” said Alves.

Productivity

Marguerite Concrete is renting a 2018 Magni RTH6.30 SH for its part of the Somerville High School project. It offers 13,200-lb. maximum capacity, 97'9" maximum lifting height, and a 6-ton capacity hook. Marguerite is responsible for all of the foundations and gang form walls. That includes erecting panels lifted by the 6-ton hook using 2-way chains, as well as flying in reinforcing steel. The largest panels weigh about 1,600 lbs., and the reinforcing steel weighs about a ton.

Matt Lahtinen, superintendent at Marguerite, sees many ways the Magni rotating telehandler is speeding up his team’s performance. One is its camera system. All Magni telehandlers have one camera at the rear and one on the boom tip. Since Marguerite’s work requires regularly placing loads in blind spots, Lahtinen finds the boom-tip camera particularly valuable. He said, “If you go over a wall, the camera helps you gauge how much further you need to go, and with it, you don’t need a guy flagging.” The Magni also speeds up operation through fast setup and teardown. “A Magni doesn’t require any jib swinging or counterweight removal, like a crane, so we save in both setup and breakdown time,” said Lahtinen. “The Magni takes only 15 minutes.” Besides boosting speed, the Magni roto also boosts safety. Its LMI automatically acknowledges the connected attachment and picks the appropriate capacity chart. “I really like that the computer gives you your maxes and tells you how much further you can go before reaching the limit,” said Lahtinen.

Savings

Like Marguerite Concrete, Select Demo Services is renting a 2018 Magni RTH6.30 SH from Empire for this job. Select Demo is responsible for keeping the site clean and well maintained. Its work includes removing trash, doing general maintenance, and lifting stock materials like pipe and steel. They’ve even lifted 11,000-lb. JLG mobile elevating aerial work platforms (MEWPs) into the building. In addition to the standard 42" forks for the telehandler, Select Demo also rented a 9' Magni jib from Empire. Select Demo uses the jib to handle longer items. They center the longer loads on a strap and have crew members use tag lines to help with positioning. Because of the variety of work Select Demo is doing, it sees a wide range of load weights and lifting heights. Select Demo rented the Magni rotating telehandler because it was the only machine with the reach to get to the top floors and, according to labor steward Dave McCarthy, “It was half the price of renting a crane. If you rent a crane, you have to pay an operator and guarantee pay for 40 hours. That cost is just astronomical.” McCarthy explained that the rotating telehandler can easily drive around the entire building and also has the advantage of being operated under a forklift license.

Empire’s Lonergan noted that the Magni’s remote control can also sometimes save users money because it can let the operator run the telehandler from the place where the load is being set, eliminating the need for a signal person. Select Demo’s McCarthy said the ability to rotate the turret saves a lot of time. “I sit in one spot and can swivel to and from the building,” he said. “It’s so quick and easy.” McCarthy often unloads materials right from the delivery trailer into the building. “I can unload a trailer in a quarter of the time it would take me in a traditional forklift,” he said. Magni production started in January 2013, so the product is still relatively new to the construction industry. Justin Melvin, general manager at Empire Crane’s New England branch in Holbrook, Massachusetts, said, “Seeing three Magnis, used in different ways on the same jobsite really shows the versatility of the machine. Our customers love them because it meets their lifting needs, saves money, and gets the job done faster.”

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After always using boom trucks for tree removal jobs, Denilson Roque, owner of Dennis Tree Service in Sudbury, MA made a big change and purchased a new Demag AC60-3, 65 ton US capacity, all terrain crane from Empire Crane Company. Roque says, “With the AC60, I can park in one spot and do everything around me. It’s more precise, has higher capacity, and more reach.”

Most of the work Dennis Tree performs is tree removal. The crane’s first job was removing 16 pine trees from a residential area. They individually lifted 7,000lb -10,000lb cuts of tree using a single linepull. The linepull on a AC60-3 is 15,000lbs; more than double the linepull on Dennis’ previous machine. The Demag AC60-3 also features 164’ of main boom, a 52’ double folding swing-away jib, tilting cab, Mercedes engine, cameras for added safety, and the IC-1 Plus control system.

Justin Melvin, Empire Crane New England General Manager said, “the Demag AC60-3 is the industry leader for capacity and boom length in its class. It’s compact and will be fast and easy for the crew to setup on each job location.” Empire Crane is an authorized dealer for Demag cranes in the traditional New England area. They not only offer new Demag cranes, but also stock Demag parts to eliminate downtime. Empire has multiple Demag certified level 5 technicians who travel to customers throughout the territory.

“The sales department at Empire Crane, specifically Justin, is very good. Justin explained all of the details of the crane to me and the advantages it would give my company” said Roque, “I’m very happy with the machine; it does everything I need it to do”.

Empire Crane Company has been announced as a dealership for Broderson Manufacturing Corporation’s full line of carry deck industrial cranes. They’ll be stocking new units for customers in upstate New York, Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.

Ed Kocsis, Major Accounts and East Region Manager at Broderson said, “Empire Crane has the facilities, support infrastructure, and a team which possesses strong industry knowledge”. Empire has three locations that each offer sales, parts, service, and rentals which will be support junctions for local Broderson customers. Paul Lonergan, Empire Crane owner and President said, “It’s a very compact machine which makes it great for indoor applications at plants or industrial manufacturing facilities. Being a Broderson dealer will allow us to support this market-sector better than we ever could before.”

Currently on order for Empire Crane, are all new carry decks from the factory:

• 2.5-ton Broderson IC20-1K
• 4-ton Broderson IC35-2G
• 18-ton Broderson IC200-3J
• 25-ton Broderson IC400-3B

They also have a new 2020 9-ton IC80-3L in stock in their Boston location, plus a pre-sold 15 ton IC200-3J.

The team from Empire Crane will be traveling to Las Vegas in March for the ConExpo-CON/AGG 2020 show to participate in the Broderson booth (as well as others). At the booth, their new 2020 2.5-ton Broderson IC20-1K will be on display and available for sale. The crane features a 3-section boom with a tip height of 27’ 9” and a 7 foot jib. It is also equipped with a Tier 4F diesel engine and a narrow 4’ design for better access to tight work spaces and easy transportation.

“We look forward to working with Empire Crane to promote and support the Broderson product line in the Northeast” Kocsis said.

August 16th through August 18th, Empire Crane participated in the 72nd NYS Woodsmens Field Days in Boonville, NY. For the show, they brought 4 boom trucks to have on display for customers to consider for adding to their fleets: 2017 National 900A, 2005 Terex RS60100, 2019 Manitex 30102C, and a 2006 Terex RS70100. Along with the boom trucks, they were in no short supply of Alturnamats, BigFoot outrigger pads, Lube-A-Boom, Vit-A-Life, and other crane accessories.

At the show, Empire Crane hosted a "Guess the Weight" contest with an 8' hemlock log. Visitors guessed anywhere from 200lbs to 4,000lbs and in the end, the official weight of the log was 815lbs. The winner was Lucas, who was spot on with a guess of 815lbs. Lucas won $250 parts credit to use towards alturnamats, outriggers pads, or other accessories. We'd like to thank everyone who came out, took a guess, and chatted with us about their crane needs.

Empire Crane Company has recently been announced as an authorized dealer for Trimble Lifting Solutions. Trimble Lifting Solutions produces a number of load cells, load pins, tensiometers, line riders, angle sensors, wind speed sensors, A2B sensors, cable reels and displays for all cranes and lifting applications. Empire’s parts and service teams have been specially trained by Trimble technicians to address any product usage inquires and provide utmost technical support.

Empire Crane was chosen to be an authorized dealer because of their unmatched customer support for all of the manufacturer’s products they represent. Jeff Ryan, Trimble Sales Manager of the Lifting Solutions Division said, “Empire’s service and parts departments include a well-equipped staff with the skillsets required to provide the installation and technical support we look for in our dealer channel.  This, along with carrying the level of inventory to ensure the least amount of potential downtime of equipment, will provide an ease of mind for the end-user.” Empire Crane has many models of displays, A2B switches, anemometers, and load cells in stock and available to ship immediately.

“We strive to set ourselves apart from other dealerships by offering products that can improve efficiency, increase safety, and save our customers money” says Jonelle Alberici, Empire Crane Parts Manager, “Trimble makes quality products that hit all three of these points.”

CWI Crane & Rigging has purchased a new 300 ton capacity 2019 Demag AC250-5 from Empire Crane Company’s New England Branch. Owner Chet Chludenski had several reasons for choosing this model including it’s safety features, IC-1 Plus variable outrigger flexibility, and the Demag and Empire Crane product support teams. Chludenski also said “the road ability of the carrier for Massachusetts being under 130,000lbs with no counterweight is a huge plus for us because we won’t need to get new permits every time we move to a different job.”

With a maximum system length of 356.6’, the 5-axle 300 ton capacity crane is going to give CWI a huge advantage because they will no longer have to rent cranes in the 300 ton class. Along with larger jobs, they are looking to do more work in the solar sector setting modules for storing energy. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, in 2018 10.69{4698465082fc1c075c217762ba40abc33be2532956c97bc2358e07e844d4134e} of Massachusetts electricity was solar powered and they expect this to double by 2024. Empire General Manager Justin Melvin commented, “you see more and more solar energy fields popping up all over Massachusetts; the AC250-5 is sure to be very busy and our team will be there to support it every step of the way.”

The crane’s first job was helping to install two 65,000lb battery modules that are used to store solar energy. This job was completed for ELM Electric, at Acushnet Co in New Bedford, MA (a leading producer of golfing products such as Titleist golf balls). The stored energy will be used during peak hours to help keep energy costs down. To complete the lift, they set the new AC250-5 at a 45’ radius with 50’ of rigging & spreader bars. This allowed them to have much more capacity than needed to successfully complete the job safely and efficiently.

CWI head mechanic Nick Masso and operators Ed and Todd Parker worked for 4 days with Empire General Manager, Justin Melvin, Empire Service Tech, Kyle Pitre, and Terex Service Rep., Henry Simmelink, to PDI and familiarize the team with all aspects of the crane. This included going through the new IC-1 Plus system that will allow them to use asymmetric outrigger setups without loosing lift capacity. Pitre is a Demag Qualified Technician who has completed many technical training courses along with years of field experience. He said, “IC-1 Plus in the new generation of Demag [all terrain cranes] is what really defines Demags from other at’s in the market”.

“We’ve had a strong relationship with Empire Crane over the past 25 years.’ Chludenski said, ‘I purchased this unit from them because of the sales department’s flexibility to make this deal happen, and the knowledgeable and local service department”.

CWI Crane & Rigging was established in 1969 and continues to be a family owned and operated crane service company located in central Massachusetts. They have a fleet ranging from 30 to now 300 ton capacity. Each of their cranes is maintained to meet the strictest safety measures ensuring jobs are completed safely, efficiently, and economically.

Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is the driving force behind solar energy and is building a strong solar industry to power America through advocacy and education. They represent all organizations that promote, manufacture, install and support the development of solar energy.

February 4th – 8th, Empire Crane Service Technicians took a break from the cold and were in class with the Demag Service & Maintenance Training program. The class taught by Training Instructor, Robert Ourt focused on the technical components of the Demag 5 axle family of All Terrain cranes; including the AC 130-5, AC 160-5, AC 220-5, and AC 250-5. The week consisted of traditional class room time as well as hands-on integration with IC-1 Plus control system.

Topics covered included:

Proper crane setup and safety
Hydraulic systems control circuit functionality
Electrical systems control circuit functionality
Pneumatic schematic familiarization
Troubleshooting electrical and hydraulic control systems
LMI operation, setup, calibration and programming
The IC-1 Plus control system was focal in the course because it is a new control system that many operators are not familiar with. The system contains in-depth system information and diagnostic features that increase operator job flexibility and productivity. Josh Prentice, Empire Crane Service Technician said “it is very important that techs understand how the new IC-1 Plus system works because we are the frontline guys on jobsites. We are the ones that will show operators how to properly set up their cranes or notice when something could be done in a safer way.”

Passing a final exam at the end of the week resulted in techs graduating to be Demag Qualified Technicians. Everything learned in the class will prove valuable when applied in the field to troubleshoot problems

With 19 Demag all-terrain cranes on order, including 7 AC 45 City cranes, 5 – AC 60-3 cranes, AC 100-4Ls, AC 300-6s, AC 500-8s and other various models, Empire Crane President Paul Lonergan felt it was very important to host this class. “Our technicians are the guys that keep the rig running allowing the buyers to make their revenue,’ Lonergan said, ‘with so many Demag ATs coming between now and 2nd quarter 2020, we wanted our technicians to have the latest training so they can properly support our Demag customers.”

Empire Crane’s technicians regularly receive specialized training from multiple manufacturers including Kobelco simulator training, Magni hands on classes, and of course the Demag Service & Maintenance program.

Anthony Caltabiano is Empire Crane’s newest edition to the New Jersey team. As the new service manager, Anthony will be responsible for overseeing all service operations including, customer relations, scheduling service jobs, and ensuring all safety protocols are being followed. Anthony says he is looking forward to “working hand and hand with [his] technicians to ensure Empire’s customers are taken care of efficiently and at the highest quality of service.”

Owner and President, Paul Lonergan says, “I am confident that Anthony will be an excellent point of contact for our NJ and Tri-State area customers”. Caltabiano has worked in the automotive service industry for over 10 years and has years of advanced diesel classes and training under his belt. In his spare time, Anthony enjoys attending car shows with his BMW M3, tending to his horses, and riding motorcycles.

Caltabiano & NY service manager, Rick Caparco, are making technician training a high priority. “By inviting manufacturers, we can train our service technicians to handle any problems our customers may come across in the field” says Caparco. This past summer, the Empire team met with Kobelco representatives for advanced simulator training. Upcoming, Demag representatives will be hosting a classroom for Empire’s techs to familiarize them on the new systems that are in the 16 Demag all terrain cranes arriving in 2019. Techs will be better prepared to answer customer questions, complete repairs, and troubleshoot on site.

Friday October 5^th Elmer W. Davis, Inc. picked up their new 2018 Terex BT28106 boom truck from Empire Crane Company, LLC in Syracuse, NY. The BT28106 will be the 9^th Terex (4^th BT28106) in their continually growing crane fleet. Elmer W. Davis, Inc. is the largest roofing contractor in NY and have become particulary fond of Terex cranes. Superintendent Damon Runyon expressed the “ease of service” with his Terex machines, “they are reliable cranes with almost no downtime”.

With a 28USt capacity, 106’ boom and 30’-47’ jib, they have found the Terex BT28106 to be the crane for them. It offers a modular, dual-control console for operation from either side of the crane, work area definition, and high-performance hydraulics. Carl Benson, Fleet Manager said “the boom length, and jib length, fits our roofing needs’ ‘the rapid mobility of a boom truck makes things a lot easier and we don’t have to worry about transportation or set-up and take-down time.”

The crane’s first job will be a roofing at the Wegmans Supermarket in Fairmount NY.

Elmer W. Davis, Inc. is a roofing and sheet metal contractor that has been in business for over 80 years. They are the largest roofing contractor in New York State and during peak season have as many as 300 employees working in the field. Elmer W. Davis, Inc is owned and operated from Rochester, NY and they travel to jobs throughout central & western New York

Empire Crane Company has delivered a new 2018 Demag AC 130-5 to Bob Hegarty’s North Jersey Crane Services LLC in Landing, NJ. Hegarty’s chose the Demag AC130-5 because the capacity and reach will allow them to expand their operating capacities, while updating their fleet. They have had a positive relationship with the Terex/Demag team in the past, and look forward to working with them in the future.

The AC 130-5’s first job was the first two weeks of August working at a 157’ radius, setting trusses on a new apartment building. Currently it is on a 205’ cell tower project. The new Demag AC 130-5 has a 140 US ton capacity, 196’ 4 sheave, fully telescopic main boom, 93,000lbs counterweight, and IC-1 Demag LMI system. Hegarty’s also owns several Manitex boom trucks ranging from 15 tons to 38 tons, as well as a Demag AC 395.

Catherine Hegarty owner of Hegarty’s commented on the long-standing relationship with the Lonergan brothers (owners of Empire Crane). She said “it’s not our first purchase, and it will not be our last. We love how personal their service is from their NJ location; you do not feel like just a number.”

Empire Crane Company’s has sold a brand new 2018 Manitex 2892C to Accurate Crane Service in Wallingford, CT. The 28 ton boom truck is mounted on a Peterbuilt 348 truck and features out & down outriggers, a 92’ boom, single stage jib, and a Greer LMI.

Steve Bishop, owner and operator of Accurate says, “I chose the Manitex 2892C because it is a little bit smaller and will fit my niche and customer needs better than our other cranes. It is going to be a lot more versatile”. He really enjoyed working with Manitex and the Empire team because of the accommodations they made to help him customize the machine.

Accurate first purchased from Empire 12 years ago and is now trading in that purchase. Over the years he has worked with Jonelle Alberici in our parts department for any parts needs. Steve says, “I really enjoy working with Jonelle because she has all of my cranes on file, can tell me the specific part numbers I need and the parts at my door within two days. That’s really a priority for me”.

Accurate Crane Service, established in 2004, provides quality crane service throughout the Southern New England region. Family owned and operated, our team brings over 25 years of experience to every job. With formal crane operating and rigging training beginning in the US Navy, Accurate provides a variety of services including: steel erection, HVAC lifts, sign & billboard erection, flagpole installation, electric pole installation, and work for building contractors.

Empire Crane held a demo of their brand new 2018 Magni RTH 6.35SH to show off what a powerful machine it is. The RTH 6.35SH has a capacity of 13,200lbs and a max height of 114ft. There are many different attachements that fit the Magni product including, winches (as pictured), forks, man baskets, hooks, buckets, jibs, etc. making it an extremely versatile product.

CEO, Luke Lonergan said, "We're glad that so many people could come out and see it. There are so many opportunities for the Magni product in New England". Empire Crane thanks everyone who could attend and hopes to do another demo in the near future.

As a forward-thinking company, Empire Crane knows that keeping up with industry trends and pursuing a philosophy of innovation will create both stability and expansion for the future. The US crane dealership is increasing its fleet and opening new premises, in order to offer customers the best level of service. As part of its expansion plan, the company has bought two new rotating telehandlers by Magni, for rental purposes, due to increased demand. It has also placed an order for seven new Demag AC 45 City cranes, and will be one of the first distributors in North America to offer the units.

"Magni telehandlers are becoming increasingly popular because of their incomparable versatility," says Luke Lonergan, CEO and vice president of Empire Crane. "They have 360-degree continuous rotation and a number of interchangeable attachments, so they really stand out in today's market. They're compact, easy to transport, very technologically advanced, but are still simple to use. We expect them to grow both our revenue and our customer base, as they are a great asset."

The Magni RTH 6.30 SH has a maximum lift capacity of 6 tonnes (6.61 US tons), a maximum lift height of 29.9 m (97.9ft), and capacity at maximum height of 2.49 tonnes (2.75 US tons). Its sister model, the Magni RTH 6.35 SH, has the same maximum and lift-at-height capabilities, but can reach a height of 34.9 m (114.5 ft). Both models feature Magni's patented quick-fit design that allows for easy switching between attachments such as forks, winches, man-baskets and tyre clamps. This makes them multi-functional as they can be operated as aerial platforms and forklifts.

The AC 45 City is the newest model in the Demag line-up and is compact, easy to transport and versatile. The new 3-axle compact crane has a lift capacity of 45 tonnes (50 US tons), is equipped with a 31.2 m (102.4 ft) long main boom and a maximum system length of 44.2 m (145 ft). With its carrier length of just 7.2 m (23.6 ft) and overhead height of 3.16 m (10.4 ft), the Demag AC 45 City crane is well suited for tight working jobsites and many indoor lift projects.

Internationally known dealer

Empire Crane was founded in 2002 by brothers Luke and Paul Lonergan, after working in the industry for more than two decades. The company offers sales and rental contracts of new and used cranes, spare parts sales, and equipment servicing. Originally based in New York with its name inspired by the state's nickname as the ‘Empire State', the company is headquartered in Syracuse (in New York State), and has branches in Boston, Massachusetts, and in Bridgewater, New Jersey. As well as serving customers across the New England region of the US, Empire Crane also has international customers in South America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

Customer service is the number one priority

Empire Crane knows that gaining customers trust and loyalty involves not only supplying the products they want, but also in offering great pre-contract and after-care service.

"Servicing our customers is our number one priority," says Lonergan. "We understand how important it is for our customers to have their cranes up and running 24/7. If the crane breaks or if something goes wrong, we understand the burden that it can become.

"Our teams carry out routine maintenance procedures and thoroughly acquaint operators with the technologies and controls in their machines. If there is ever an issue at a jobsite, our service teams go out to the crane as soon as possible, and we offer any assistance that could help the customer while their machine is out of commission."

Leveraging a new online trading platform

In its vision to support customers and advance its business activities, Empire Crane has joined Krank, a new network trading platform that allows companies to buy, sell and rent equipment online. Krank allows users to create private networks and offer large items equipment such as cranes, wheel loaders, trucks and excavators, either within those groups or through the public marketplace. The platform does not charge the high fees associated with traditional equipment salesrooms and auction houses.

"We joined Krank because it thinks outside of the box," says Lonergan. "It is different from all other listing sites because it allows us to connect personally with the people who are interested in our listings, as well as those whom we have done business with for decades. In allowing 1,000 free listings, there is no risk to us, only reward. It is a great tool to keep in touch with our fellow dealers to see what machines they have for sale, and to find out what our customers may be looking for.

"Krank also allows us to connect with people that we have never met before if they are interested in one of our listings. Meeting new people and making connections is vital to sales and can only help our business grow more."

Article By Susannah Wright, SE10

ZWEIBRÜCKEN – March 5, 2018 – Customer demand for strong, compact all terrain cranes rises in North America. Terex Cranes distributor Empire Crane Co. in North Syracuse, NY therefore placed an order for new models including seven AC 45 City cranes. An uptick in the construction industry, and customers’ interest in crane models that are compact in size, easy to transport and versatile is helping to drive Demag sales in Empire Crane’s Northeastern U.S. territory.

The Demag AC 45 City crane is the newest model in the Demag product line-up, and Empire Crane will be among the first distributors in North America to carry it. The new 3-axle compact crane has a 50-US ton (45 tonnes) lift capacity classification, is equipped with a 102.4 ft (31.2 m) long main boom and a maximum system length of 145 ft (44.2 m). With its compact carrier length of just 23.6 ft (7.20 m) and overhead height of 10.4 ft (3.16 m), the Demag AC 45 City crane is well suited for tight working jobsites and many indoor lift projects.

Empire Crane is also adding a 4-axle Demag AC 100-4L 120-USt (100 t) capacity class crane, a 5-axle, 140-USt (130 t) capacity class AC 130-5 crane, a pair of 5-axle, 180-USt (160 t) capacity class AC 160-5 cranes and a pair of 5-axle, 300-USt (250 t) AC 250-5 all terrain cranes to its inventory.

Empire Crane has also ordered an AC 500-8 all-terrain crane which is for the Hallamore Corporation. Hallamore Corporation currently owns and operates an AC 500-1 machine. After comparing the competition in this class machine, Hallamore Corporation easily chose the AC 500-8 based on its updated performance of the main boom and luffing capacities as well as the enhanced safety features that have been introduced for the assembly of the machine.

Empire Crane’s Bridgewater New Jersey branch has just finished a complete office makeover. The 2,000 square foot facility’s office is now warm and welcoming for everyone stopping through. The renovation included fresh paint, hardwood floors, crane décor throughout, and comfortable seating area for visitors to feel at home.

Branch Manager Karl Pitre and his team completed the remodel on February 7, 2018, and are excited to show it off to their customers. Karl says “it’ll be a much more comfortable space for us to work in and for our customers to visit”.

The Empire Crane branch in Bridgewater offers full equipment sales, parts sales, service and rentals. Stop by the office sometime to check it out and grab a coffee with the team; they’re always ready to talk cranes.

Empire Crane Company has purchased two new 2018 Magni Rotating Telehandlers at World of Concrete in Las Vegas, NV. The two newest models, RTH6.30SH and RTH6.35SH are going to be added to Empire’s New England rental fleet and will be available immediately. Empire owner and CEO Luke Lonergan says “people love the Magni units that we currently offer and can’t say enough good things about the ease of use. My brother and I are confident that these machines will be extremely busy and will only begin to satisfy the craving for Magni Telehandlers in New England.”

The 2018 Magni RTH6.30SH has a lift capacity of 6.6 US tons. It’s max lift height is 97.9 feet where it can carry up to 5,500lbs. The 2018 Magni RTH6.35SH also has a lift capacity of 6.6 US tons but a max lift height of 114.5 feet. At that height, it also can carry a maximum of 5,500lbs. Both models feature Magni’s patented quick-fit design that allows for easy switching between attachments. This makes them multi-functional tools including aerial platforms and forklifts. They both have 4 cylinder engines, 360° continuous rotation, and high tension steel booms which greatly improves lifting performances.

“When speaking with Mr. Riccardo Magni himself, [the inventor and founder of Magni Telescopic Handlers] and other eastern United States Magni dealers, there are only high hopes and total confidence in the product” Luke says. “We expect the new higher capacity Magni Telehandlers to be a real asset to our customers and to be a part of the construction boom that we all are hoping to see happen in 2018.”

Many of the St. Michael's Woodshop standard products are old favorites that they make each year, like cheese boards, toys, and one-piece nativity sets. But custom wood products are also a major part of their output, helping both our clients and our own program. Meeting new people at our sales often leads to both friendships and custom work for our new friends.

One such friendship came about in 2014 when a photography student at Rochester Institute of Technology decided to take an independent study course. Jayna Labrie wanted to do something meaningful, and through various contacts she found her way to the Woodshop. She got to know the then-current students and volunteers and ended up producing a beautiful book of photographs interspersed with student quotations about what the Woodshop meant to them.

Jayna graduated and now works as marketing coordinator at Empire Crane Company in North Syracuse, NY. For a holiday corporate gift, Jayna designed six-by-six-inch 2018 calendars, using historic images of cranes from the Library of Congress. She asked the Woodshop to make wooden stands for the calendars, so that customers could set them them on their desks.

“It’s a win-win-win situation,” said Woodshop Director James Smith. “Our students work on a real-world product, Jayna’s company gets to deliver a custom-made holiday gift to its clients, and we get to reconnect with Jayna!”

American Crane and Rigging Has purchased a WolffKran W8033.20 from Empire Crane Co, LLC, based in Syracuse, NY. For it’s first job, it has been rented by American Iron Inc. to build the 2100 ton structural steel, $120 million dollar addition to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania located in West Chester, PA. They expect the addition to be completed sometime in 2018.

On October 26^th, American Iron assembled the WolffKran W8033.20 on the site in Westchester. A crawler crane was not an option for the job because of the tight jobsite. The W8033.20 also provides a quick setup (only 2 days), has over 300’ height and 262’ jib. For their current job, they only needed to set the crane up to have 151’ of tower. Mike Hoy, owner and founder said, “the Wolffkran tower crane is by far the best tower crane ever built…they actually invented the tower crane’ ‘their tower cranes are the most erector friendly on the market, their assembly is simple and very stream lined.”

American Crane & Rigging (est. 2006) and its sister company, American Iron Inc., (est. 2003) and New England’s premier steel erectors. They specialize in setting steel at hospitals, schools, jails, convention centers, etc. Both companies were founded by Mike Hoy are located in Schenectady, NY.

Empire Crane Company was founded by Paul & Luke Lonergan in 2002. They are an authorized dealer for Terex, Tadano Mantis, Kobelco Crawler Cranes, Shuttlelift carry deck cranes, Manitex Boom Trucks, Wolffkran Tower Cranes, and Magni Telehandlers. Empire Crane offers sales, parts, and service at their offices in Syracuse NY, Bridgewater NJ, and Boston MA.

Benson Crane Service has taken delivery of a brand new 2015 Terex Explorer 5500 from Empire Crane Co. based in Syracuse, NY. The Terex Explorer 5500 is an all-terrain crane with a maximum lift capacity of 140 tons, with a max boom length of 196.2’ and jib height of 283.8’. Jim Benson, general manager of Benson Crane Service said “The reach was impressive for the size of the crane’ ‘to have a mobile crane with that much boom easily puts our business into a more competitive category.”

This crane is Benson’s 2^nd crane purchase from Empire Crane. Jim says, “Their team is above and beyond’ ‘they’re just a phone call away”. The crane is already to work and currently erecting steel for the Queens City Lofts project in Poughkeepsie NY. That job is expected to continue through the winter.

Benson Crane Service is located in Saugerties, NY and has been proudly serving the Northeast for almost 10 years. They have equipment ranging from 15 to now 140 tons so they are able to handle almost any task. All of their operators are OSHA certified, NYS licensed, and NCCO licensed and trained. Benson Crane Service provides 24 hour emergency service as well.

Empire Crane Company representative Justin Melvin has sold a 2017 Tadano Mantis GTC1200 to ACK Marine & General Contracting, LLC in Quincy, Massachusetts. Vice President and Chief Estimator, John McNulty said “We chose the 2017 Tadano Mantis GTC1200 because it fits the niche that we work in.” ACK Marina is often working on barges and many of their upcoming jobs are bridge or demolition work which requires cranes to be working in low clearance areas. “The GTC1200 doesn’t require you to break down, the boom easily retracts and can get into tight areas.”

The GTC1200 is a 130 ton crane and has the strongest barge chart of all hydraulic boom crawler cranes. With the 2.5 degree barge load chart, it is a strong crane on land and on a barge.

ACK Marina does a lot of work for Mass Port which has very strict height restrictions near air ports. “This crane has the versatility so I don’t have to worry about exceeding height restrictions with the crane setup” McNulty said. He did his homework and was very impressed with the durability and capability of Tadano Mantis products. It’s first job will be a land based bridge job where 2 GTC1200’s will be working together.

ACK Marine & General Contracting is located in Quincy, Massachusetts and specializes in marine construction, barge, tugs, & equipment rentals. They also provide, marine transportation, heavy equipment transportation and project cargo servicing international and domestic inland and offshore waterways. ACK is proud to be a Nationally Certified Women Owned Business.

Empire Crane Company was founded by Paul & Luke Lonergan in 2002. They are an authorized dealer for Terex, Tadano Mantis, Kobelco Crawler Cranes, Shuttlelift carry deck cranes, Manitex Boom Trucks, Wolffkran Tower Cranes, and Magni Telehandlers. Empire Crane offers sales, parts, and service at their offices in Syracuse NY, Bridgewater NJ, and Boston MA.

Empire Crane Company has sold a 2017 Terex RT555 to Keith Grimes, Inc. located in Bridgehampton NY. David Grimes, Vice-President says “this crane upgrade for our company will allow us to take on larger jobs than we have previously with a far greater margin of safety. Our new Terex greatly exceeds the limitations of our old crane when it comes to safety and maneuverability”.

The 2017, 55 ton rough terrain crane is equipped with a 110’ full power mechanically synchronized boom and three steering modes. Keith Grimes, Inc. is excited for the addition of this Terex crane to their fleet. The crane will be used primarily for marine construction, bulkhead, dock and steel sheet pile installation. Empire Crane and Keith Grimes, Inc. look forward to continuing their business relationship. David says that Empire is a very easy company to work with and they are “very attentive to details and our business’ needs”.

Keith Grimes, Inc. is a full service site development, marine construction and crane service company operating primarily from Montauk to Riverhead on Long Island NY. They have been in business for over 30 years which has given them extensive experience working with common site problems, difficult excavations, tight spaces, deep excavation septic systems and all aspects of erosion control and remediation. You can visit their website at www.KeithGrimesInc.com to see the exceptional quality of work 30 years in the business provides.

Empire Crane was founded by Paul & Luke Lonergan in 2002. They are an authorized dealer for Terex, Tadano Mantis, Kobelco Crawler Cranes, Shuttlelift cary deck cranes, Manitex Boom Trucks, Wolffkran Tower Cranes and Magni Telehandlers. Empire Crane offers sales, parts and service at their offices in Syracuse NY, Bridgewater NJ and Boston MA. You can see their full inventory at www.EmpireCrane.com

Empire Crane Company has delivered a new 2017 Tadano GTC800 to American Crane & Rigging to erect steel for the new Sullivan County Jail. The 88-ton telescoping-boom crawler features a 141’ boom, 58’ bi-fold jib, load charts that allow for operation up to 4 degrees out of level, and new Opti-Width Technology.

Mike Hoy, owner of American Crane & Rigging says “having this crane is a huge advantage over other cranes in the market because the set up time is a fraction of the time as a crawler”. American Crane & Rigging is a repeat customer at Empire Crane because of the “great response on anything we need: parts, service, and sales. My salesman Jonathan Shufelt has been very knowledgeable on the crane and made the transaction smooth”.

Mike Hoy established American Crane & Rigging in 2006 and its sister company, American Iron Inc., in 2003. Both Companies are located in Schenectady, NY.

Empire Crane Company was founded by Paul & Luke Lonergan in 2002. They are an authorized dealer for Terex, Tadano Mantis, Kobelco Crawler Cranes, Shuttlelift carry deck cranes, Manitex Boom Trucks, Wolffkran Tower Cranes, and Magni Telehandlers. Empire Crane offers sales, parts, and service at their offices in Syracuse NY, Bridgewater NJ, and Boston MA.

With Earth Day just around the corner and more and more cranes going out to work, remember that the little things make a big difference in this planet.

The conversion from Tier 3 to Tier 4 Final engines is a huge step in helping the planet. It reduces 45{4698465082fc1c075c217762ba40abc33be2532956c97bc2358e07e844d4134e} of nitrogen oxide emissions as well as 80{4698465082fc1c075c217762ba40abc33be2532956c97bc2358e07e844d4134e} of particle emissions. If you are purchasing a used crane, try to find one that has been built in the last few years with the Tier 4 Final engine. That way we can all breathe easier.

Another way that your cranes can become more environmentally friendly, is by using an auxiliary power unit (APU) like on the new Kobelco CK2750G. APUs reduce engine wear that is created by idling time, and in turn, reduce fuel waste.

Other simple things will help as well. For example, reducing waste at construction sites, recycling tree trimmings for mulch or other usages (arborists I’m talking to you!), or choosing an efficient transportation method when traveling from site to site. We all have to do our part, at home, and at the office, (well, our crane cabs!)

Happy Earth Day!

Empire Crane Company has cranes rented to Correia Construction Company Ltd. for lowering yachts into the water for the America’s Cup in Bermuda. Empire’s 2015 Terex HC110 lifted the yacht for Team Japan. Empire’s 2015 Terex RT780 lifted the yacht for Team France. Correia Construction decided to rent the cranes from Empire Crane because they’ve purchased cranes from Empire in the past, and the two companies have developed a great working relationship over the years.

The 35th America’s Cup presented by Louis Vuitton will be held on May 26^th – June 26^th 2017. There will be teams competing from 6 countries, USA, who is defending the cup, Sweden, New Zealand, France, Britain, and Japan.

Empire Crane Company purchased new Tadano Mantis Telescopic Boom Crawlers at ConExpo 2017, including the new GTC-800 and 15010 models. Yo Kakinuma, President & COO of Tadano America, Luke Lonergan, Vice President of Empire Crane, and Shiro Morita, Chief Operating Officer of Tadano America, celebrated the exchange made at ConExpo 2017.

Empire Crane owners, Luke and Paul Lonergan are confident that the features in the new GTC-800 (such as the cutting edge OPTI-WIDTH™ and out-of-level charts) make the model a “definite winner” among the competition. This will position Empire Crane to better meet consumer requirements in the Northeast.

Other features of the new GTC-800 include a five-section, 141.1-foot main boom, plus a 58.1-foot bi-fold jib. The crane has the capability to operate at up to four degrees out-of-level slopes up to 1.5 degrees and boasts the Tadano AML-C rated capacity indicator with OPTI-Width™ (allowing asymmetric track positioning in reduced width configurations) technology.

The new 15010 has four-section main boom reaching heights of 111’6”, plus a 50-foot bi-fold jib. It also has Tadano’s AML-C rated capacity indicator system, uses Tadano Mantis’ improved performance swing system, and is approved for use in New York City.

Empire Crane Company hands over keys to a 2017 Manitex 30102C Mounted on a Kenworth 880 truck to SL Chasse Steel of New Hampshire. Steve Chasse of SL Chasse Steel worked with Empire Crane Sales Rep, Justin Melvin as he looked to upgrade from a 1989 model to a 2017.

The Manitex 30102C is SL Chasse Steel’s first purchase from Empire Crane. The Manitex 30102C 30 ton capacity met the specifications SL Chasse Steel was looking for and Empire Crane was able to offer customized paint to match Chasse Steel’s company colors. Empire Crane is looking forward to working with SL Chasse Steel for any future crane needs.

Empire Crane Company announces the promotion of Katie Pharoah to Sales Manager. Her primary focus will continue to be within the sales department with the added responsibility of managing the sales team and strengthening customer relations.

Katie has worked at Empire Crane Company since 2007 when she started as a temporary receptionist after receiving her BA in Philosophy from Buffalo State

University. She quickly moved into the sales department where she has continued to increase her responsibilities.

Katie said “My role in the company has naturally evolved to where it is now. I’m honored to be named Sales Manager of this fantastic team.” With the recent increase in Empire Crane’s sales force the role of Sales Manager will play an integral part in motivating the team and increasing sales within the company.

New York – Two of Empire Crane Company’s Tadano Mantis 15010 are currently working on the site of the future Wynn Casino Resort. Empire Crane rented both Tadano Mantis 15010 to Treviicos to kick-start the foundation work at the Boston Harbor site.

Treviicos rented the Tadano Mantis 15010 for their exceptional flexibility onsite. The Tadano Mantis 15010 crane has a 111’6” main boom making it a superior choice for foundation work. Empire Crane looks forward to assisting Treviicos in the future and continuing to work with them on projects in the Greater Boston area.

The Wynn Casino Resort is expected to open in June of 2019.

Empire Crane Company strengthens it’s sales force in the Northeast with the addition of four new hires. Each will provide strong customer service within their assigned territory as well as a voice for the manufacturers Empire Crane Company represents.

Justin Melvin - New England Sales Representative

Justin Melvin a 2012 Graduate of SUNY Oswego comes to Empire Crane with a strong sales and account management background. Justin will be the territory sales representative for the New England market.

Jonathan Shufelt - Sales Representative

Jonathan Shufelt brings to Empire Crane over 15 years in the Heavy Equipment Industry. Jonathan has worked within the industry in roles including business development and territory management. Jonathan will cover Albany, NYC, Connecticut, and the Hudson Valley.

Empire Crane is proud to announce that Chloe Lonergan received a scholarship from the Syracuse Builders Exchange Foundation, is a recipient of the Frank Bardonaro Sr. Memorial Scholarship awarded by the SC&RA Foundation and received the SUNY Oswego Presidential Scholarship.

Chloe Lonergan has been a summer intern at Empire Crane since 2014 working in the Accounts Payable Department. She is a sophomore at Oswego State in the School of Business. Chloe is majoring in Operations Management with a minor in International Business. She has excelled in her studies ending her freshman year with an overall GPA of 3.95. She recently accepted a Teaching Assistant position and will be working alongside her business communications professor helping incoming freshman this fall.

In addition to academics Chloe is a member of the NCAA Division III Woman’s Soccer team at SUNY Oswego. Last year she started in all 18 games as Center Defender. Her team won the first ever SUNYAC playoff game in school history. She was named SUNY Woman’s Rookie of the Year for all division III SUNY Schools and named 3rd team all-conference. In addition, Chloe was named to the Scholar Athlete List and also received the SUNY Chancellor Scholar Athlete Award for Division III Woman’s Soccer.

Chloe Lonergan plans on graduating from SUNY Oswego in the spring of 2019 and continuing her education to obtain her MBA. When asked what her future plans are Chloe said “I hope to have the opportunity to go into the crane industry with my father. I have always been interested in the business and hope to follow in my father, uncle and grandfather’s footsteps”

New York – Michael Bigg recently took delivery of a 2016 Terex T780 sold by Chet Zerrillo of Empire Crane before his passing. This is the third new crane sold by Chet Zerrillo to Michael Bigg who has been a longtime customer of Empire Crane. Luke Lonergan of Empire Crane said “the 2016 Terex T780 will prove to be a reliable crane for the 24 hour demand of their business”. The T780 truck crane offers proven performance and ease of use. Designed to set-up easily on the job site and travel down the highway at maximum allowable speeds, this crane makes an excellent addition to any taxi-crane fleet.

80 US t maximum capacity
126 ft maximum boom length
133 ft maximum tip height
Travel speeds up to 65 mph

New York – Empire Crane Company has expanded their offering within the New York and Northern New Jersey market as an authorized dealer for Magni Telescopic Handlers. Empire Crane Company was selected by Magni and Paramount Equipment as the first Eastern US Dealer of the Magni product line. Paramount Equipment is Magni’s exclusive importer and master distributor for the 23 Eastern States.

The Magni product line is well known in Europe. They are the next generation of machines and offer superior height, lifting capacity, safety and efficiency. Offering integrated diagnostics, remote control operation, asymmetrical outrigger positioning and R.F.I.D attachment System are some of their various features.

Empire Crane has placed an initial order for two rotating units, model RTH 5.25 Smart and RTH 5.35S. The RTH 5.25 Smart has a maximum lifting capacity of 11.020 lbs and maximum lifting height of 81 ft. The RTH 5.35S has a maximum lifting capacity of 11.000 lbs and a maximum lifting height of 113,10 ft.

The Magni line will be well suited for Empire Cranes metro NYC market as well as general contractors and those with projects consisting of bridge, framing or anywhere a telescopic handler is currently utilized. They are also ideal for masonry & concrete work.

Magni offers the most extensive line of rotating and fixed boom telehandlers in the world today with lift heights up to 128 feet. Magni Telescopic Handlers provide incredible productivity as they can take the place of a telescopic forklift, rough terrain crane, and man lift along with other features.