2026

Thackray Crane Completes Ferris Wheel Assembly at Morey’s Pier

As the summer season approaches in Wildwood, NJ, one of the most iconic sights on the boardwalk is once again taking shape—thanks to the expertise and precision of Thackray Crane Rental.

From April 27 through May 6, Thackray completed Phase 2 of a multi-stage project at Morey’s Pier, successfully reassembling a massive Ferris wheel after offseason repairs and refinishing. Even better—the project was completed ahead of schedule, ensuring the attraction is ready to welcome visitors for the busy summer months.

Phase 2: Rebuilding What Was Carefully Taken Apart

This project marked the second phase of a larger effort.

Back in the fall, Thackray crews disassembled the Ferris wheel, allowing for structural repairs and a full repaint to prepare the ride for years of continued operation. With that work complete, the focus shifted this spring to safely and efficiently bringing the structure back to life.

That meant lifting and assembling:

The main drum (hub) of the Ferris wheel
All spokes/forks that extend outward to support the ride
Additional structural components required for full reassembly

Each piece required careful handling, precise rigging, and exact placement to ensure everything aligned perfectly.

The Equipment: Grove RT875E

To get the job done, Thackray deployed a Grove RT875E rough terrain crane. This rough terrain crane is a versatile and powerful machine well-suited for challenging environments like this one.

With its strong lifting capacity and mobility, the RT875E allowed the crew to:

Operate efficiently in tight quarters on the pier
Handle heavy, high-reaching lifts
Maintain stability on a non-traditional surface like a boardwalk structure

Working on the Edge: Tight Quarters on the Boardwalk

This wasn’t your typical jobsite.

Positioned directly on the pier, the team had to navigate:

Limited space between existing structures and rides
Boardwalk constraints, requiring careful planning for crane setup and load distribution
Height and reach challenges, given the scale of the Ferris wheel
Constant awareness of surrounding attractions and infrastructure

Every move had to be expertly calculated as there was no room for error.

Precision Lifting at Every Stage

Reassembling a Ferris wheel is as much about precision as it is power.

Each lift required:

Detailed lift planning and sequencing
Expert rigging configurations
Seamless communication between operators and crew
Careful alignment of structural components at elevation

From setting the main drum to positioning each spoke, the process demanded total coordination to ensure the structure came together safely and correctly.

Ahead of Schedule, Ready for Summer

Despite the complexity of the job and the challenging environment, Thackray completed the project ahead of schedule. This is a testament to the team’s planning, experience, and execution.

With the Ferris wheel now reassembled and standing tall once again, Morey’s Pier is ready to welcome guests for another unforgettable summer along the Jersey Shore.

Built on Experience, Delivered with Precision

Projects like this highlight what sets Thackray Crane Rental apart:

Decades of experience in complex structural lifts
The ability to adapt to tight, high-traffic environments
A commitment to safety, efficiency, and precision on every job

From disassembly to reassembly, Thackray played a critical role in ensuring this landmark attraction is ready to spin once again.

Need a Team That Can Handle the Tough Jobs?

Whether it’s a high-profile attraction, a tight urban site, or a complex structural lift, Thackray Crane Rental has the equipment, expertise, and team to get it done right.