At Thackray Crane Service, every project matters—but some truly hit home.

Recently, Thackray was honored to return to St. Cecilia Church in the Fox Chase neighborhood of Philadelphia to assist with a special and deeply meaningful job: moving the statue of Saint Cecilia, the church’s beloved patroness, back to her original place of prominence above the front entrance.

This wasn’t the first time Thackray Crane had been called in for this very statue. Years ago, the Thackray team helped relocate the figure from its high perch to a safer position along the side of the church, resting on a pillar. The move was part of necessary renovations and repairs to the front façade, and the hope was always to return Saint Cecilia to her original home when the time was right.

Now, with those renovations complete and the structure reinforced by a dedicated masonry team, the church reached out to Thackray once again—this time to bring Saint Cecilia home.

A Family Tradition Comes Full Circle

For most companies, this might be considered a routine lift. But for Thackray Crane, this project was deeply rooted in family, faith, and legacy. The Thackray family has been part of the St. Cecilia Parish community for generations.

In fact, Walter Thackray—the company’s founder—was part of the original construction crew that helped build St. Cecilia Church. His wife, Anna Thackray, was a lifelong member of the parish, known for her unwavering presence at daily Mass, always sitting in the front row. Over the years, countless family members were baptized, confirmed, and married in the church. It wasn’t just their parish—it was part of their family history.

The ties run even deeper within the Thackray team. One of the current crane operators attended St. Cecilia School. Another team member is named after founder Walter Thackray. Another was christened at the church. For many, it felt like coming back to where it all began.

A Careful Lift for a Cherished Figure

Repositioning a large, historic statue is no small task. The statue of Saint Cecilia may appear delicate, but moving her safely required strength, precision, and expertise. Using a 30-ton boom truck, Thackray’s NCCCO-certified crane operators and a certified rigger carefully rigged and lifted the statue, ensuring no stress or damage occurred during the delicate relocation process.

The biggest challenge was not just the weight or size of the statue—but honoring its historical and spiritual significance. Working in close coordination with Bradley Masonry, the team ensured the new anchoring was secure and built to last. Once Saint Cecilia was gently placed and installed, the team took a moment to step back and admire the view—a cherished figure back where she belonged, watching over the parish she’s protected for more than a century.

A Project With Perfect Timing

This wasn’t just about restoration. With St. Cecilia School preparing to celebrate its 100th anniversary this coming September, the church was eager to complete the project in time for the centennial celebrations. Bringing Saint Cecilia back to her original position ahead of this milestone felt symbolic—a way of honoring the past, celebrating the present, and looking toward the future.

For the Thackray team, it was more than a job—it was a privilege. To serve the church that served their family, to give back to the community that raised them, and to bring a cherished symbol of faith full circle—this was a moment of pride, joy, and reverence.

At Thackray Crane Service, we’re proud of the work we do every day—but we’re especially grateful when our work connects with our roots, our families, and our values. Helping return Saint Cecilia to her rightful home was a reminder of why we do what we do—and who we do it for.

Thackray Crane recently completed another significant milestone in the ongoing restoration at Our Mother of Consolation School, located on East Chestnut Hill Avenue in Philadelphia, PA.

This project marked the third phase of a larger initiative aimed at preserving the school’s architectural heritage. For this specific phase, Thackray Crane was entrusted with the delicate task of setting the cupola and cross atop the school building—an operation requiring careful planning, precision, and expert execution.

Equipment & Planning

To execute this lift with maximum efficiency and safety, Thackray Crane utilized the 75-ton Tadano ATF 70G-4, a powerful and versatile all-terrain crane. The machine’s reach and load capacity made it the ideal choice for lifting and positioning these vital architectural elements with the utmost care.

Prior to the lift, a comprehensive pre-job walk was conducted to determine the best crane setup location and ensure that all safety measures were in place. Proper site assessment is a crucial step in projects of this scale, as it ensures structural stability, efficiency, and the safety of both workers and the surrounding area.

Execution of the Lift

Once the setup was confirmed, the next phase involved the delivery of hundredweights—used to balance and stabilize the crane during the lift—and a man-basket, which allowed crew members to work at height safely and securely. The precision lift required steady coordination between the crane operator and the on-site team to successfully hoist and place the cupola and cross onto the school building.

Expert Crew

Handling such an intricate lift demands experience, skill, and teamwork. Thackray Crane’s highly trained crew, led by Operator Walt Quinn and Oiler Celeste Sanchez, played a key role in ensuring a smooth and successful operation. Their expertise in managing complex lifts, combined with their attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols, helped make this project a resounding success.

A Symbol of Preservation

With the cupola and cross now securely in place, Our Mother of Consolation School continues to stand as a beacon of faith and education in the community. Thackray Crane is proud to contribute to projects that not only require technical expertise but also serve to preserve history and architectural beauty.

From small-scale lifts to major structural installations, Thackray Crane delivers excellence with every project. If you require professional crane solutions, trust Thackray Crane for safe, efficient, and expertly executed lifting services.

Thackray Crane recently completed a major upgrade for the Residence Inn by Marriott, located at East Penn Square in the heart of Center City Philadelphia. The project required the removal and replacement of three large rooftop HVAC chillers—an essential upgrade to help the hotel maintain optimal comfort for its guests year-round.

Given the complexity of the the lift, Thackray Crane deployed one of its Liebherr LTM 1400-7.1 all terrain cranes, a 500-ton powerhouse built to handle heavy and intricate lifts in challenging locations. The crane’s flexibility and capacity were critical to safely navigating tight city streets and maneuvering the equipment into position more than a dozen stories above busy sidewalks and traffic.

A Full-Service Approach

As a true turnkey provider, Thackray Crane went far beyond simply providing crane services. From the earliest planning stages through to project completion, the Thackray team handled every aspect of the operation.

Before the lift, Thackray performed an in-depth site assessment, identifying unique challenges posed by the downtown location and rooftop access. Leveraging their deep expertise in urban lifting projects, the team developed a detailed lift plan to ensure maximum safety and efficiency.

To further streamline the project, Thackray provided secure warehouse storage for the three new chillers, holding the units until the installation date. This not only helped reduce clutter and congestion at the job site but also provided an added layer of logistical control to keep the project moving smoothly.

Safety, Logistics, and Coordination

Operating in a dense area like East Penn Square requires meticulous coordination. Thackray took the lead in managing all necessary safety and traffic control measures, securing police protection, and arranging for full street closures and detours. These efforts minimized disruption to the public and surrounding businesses while creating a safe work zone for crews and equipment.

End-to-End Transportation Services

In addition to the lifting operation itself, Thackray Crane provided full transport services for both the outgoing and incoming chillers. Thackray’s in-house trucking fleet hauled the used chillers from the site for removal and transported the new chillers directly from the company’s warehouse to the job site—eliminating the need for third-party carriers and giving the client a single point of contact for the entire project. 

The Thackray Team Advantage

A project of this scale and complexity demands a seasoned and highly coordinated team. Thackray Crane’s experienced crew of CCO-certified crane operators, oilers, truck drivers, and logistics professionals worked seamlessly to ensure the lift was executed safely, efficiently, and on schedule.

By combining heavy lifting expertise with warehousing, transport, and Thackray’s experienced project management, Thackray Crane once again demonstrated its ability to deliver total lifting solutions in even the most demanding environments.

At Thackray Crane, we take pride in serving as a trusted partner for complex projects in Philadelphia and beyond—providing the people, equipment, and expertise to get the job done right.

Pictured is our 500-ton Liebherr LTM 1400 crane installing the brand new letters for the Phillies Phanavision scoreboard, which is 77 percent larger than the former one. The new letter “P” is 27 feet tall, and the entire sign measures 80 feet wide!

Thackray Crane Rental is proud to have been hired as a trusted partner to get the job done!

Thackray Crane Rental was on-site at Sesame Place recently to safely remove the iconic giant Rubber Duckie that will be relocated to another area in the theme park.

Weighing 2000 pounds, the Rubber Duckie stands eight feet tall with its accompanying soap dish measuring 11 feet.

The structure was removed to make room for Sesame Place’s new tropical-themed playland that will open this summer, officials said.

Sesame Place will host a contest on its social media for visitors to help determine where Rubber Duckie will be relocated to.

At Thackray Crane we boast one of the largest fleets of industry-leading cranes on the east coast.  Whatever your need to rent a crane; large or small . . . Thackray Crane has the model to fit your project needs.  From a small crane job needing a boom truck all the way to jobs needing a skyscraper reaching cranes or even helicopter lifts, we have the equipment, operators, and planning logistic capabilities to tackle any project.

Recently we’ve added the brand new Liebherr LTM 1300-6.2.  This 360 ton All Terrain Crane is just one of many impressive cranes that can be rented short-term or long-term for your project.  We also have professionally trained NCCCO and OSHA-certified crane operators that will help bring your project to completion and can handle any crane operation request.

We’ve conveniently included a few of our most popular crane load charts for you to download.  Browse these and if you don’t see what you’re looking for, contact us today and one of our representatives will assess your requirements and line you up with the crane that best suits the project.

Load Chart Quick Jump

• LTM 1300-6.2
• GROVE RT540E
• ELLIOTT 36127R
• GMK6250-L
• RT875E
• CK2500-250
• TMS9000E
• YB4415XT
• 1044C
• LTM 1400
• LTM 1250
• LTM 1200

If you’re looking for the right partner to help complete your next heavy-lift or construction project, Thackray Crane has the equipment and resources you need.  Give us a call today at 844-99-CRANE or complete this quick contact form with job details.  One of our reps will be in touch shortly to review the job specs, recommend the right equipment, and get you the quote you’re looking for.

In the construction industry, the need for the right equipment and the right operators is always a top priority. Thackray Crane not only offers the best fleet of cranes to rent for your project, but we also staff the area’s best, NCCCO and OSHA certified crane operators. At Thackray Crane, we’re not just a piece of the puzzle . . . we’re part of your team and we’re here to help you succeed with all the challenges that any construction project can bring.

We have certified crane operators for every type of crane your project may need, including mobile cranes, boom trucks, tower cranes, crawler cranes, telehandlers, and more. We even have certified operators and drivers for tractors and trailers if your project needs large transportation.

While some companies deliver equipment, Thackray delivers heavy duty equipment with a certified operator that best meets your project needs.

• Our crane operators are licensed and nationally certified.
• All crane operators have the proper credentials required by OSHA and ASME regulations.
• Every operator understands and excels at crane set-up, load dynamics, lift planning, load charts, rigging and signaling.
• Thackray Crane operators follow all the latest and safest operating procedures.
• Our crane operators have thousands of documented hours of safe operation on countless construction jobs.
• To ensure safety, we have the areas strictest training regimen in place for all our employees.
• All of our cranes are regularly inspected and maintained to ensure you get the best equipment and our operators are handling the safest possible equipment for the job.

If you’re looking for the right partner to help complete your next heavy lift or construction project, Thackray Crane has the equipment and resources you need.  Give us a call today at 844-99-CRANE or complete this quick contact form with job details.  One of our reps will be in touch shortly to review the job specs, recommend the right equipment, and get you the quote you’re looking for.

Are you beginning to plan a big construction project? Chances are, your project will involve a lot of labor, heavy lifting, rigging, possible hauling of materials and warehouse storage – a task that requires more than just manpower. You will require an impressive piece of machinery to lift all of that equipment and supplies for your project. A crane can handle all of the material and complete the project most efficiently. Construction and building professionals understand that hiring reliable contractors is important. Hiring the appropriate crane rental is just as critical!

It is more cost effective and safer to rent from a reputable company. When deciding to rent a crane, many factors should be considered, including:

• Hiring a licensed crane operator. Thackray Crane operators are nationally certified and adhere to the safest operating procedures. Proof of our commitment to safety is a company policy that mandates a strict training regimen for all employees.
• Crane maintenance. Thackray Crane Rental’s equipment is regularly inspected and maintained to ensure the equipment is in perfect working condition.
• Versatility. Thackray specializes in construction, heating and air conditioning, power generation, petrochemical, communications, road construction, bridge building, or just about any industry that requires expertise in the planning, lifting, handling and placing of equipment and materials.
• 24/7 Availability. Customer satisfaction is our number one priority. Whether you require a bare crane rental, a manned crane with a licensed operator, a short term daily rental or long term rental, we can accommodate your needs. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week should an emergency arise.

By choosing Thackray Crane Rental, you can enjoy such advantages as:

• A project manager who can assess your project, determine your needs, and project a timeframe and estimated costs. Our technology includes computerized fleet management, 3D lift planning software, and wireless permits.
• An array of all terrain cranes, rough terrain cranes, truck cranes, telescoping forklifts, boom trucks, crawler cranes, carry decks, heavy duty tractors and other specialized trailers and equipment that is certified and maintained through daily inspections. Professional operators who use computerized controls always ensure safety first.
• A talented team of operators, oilers, riggers, and haulers who can handle your project from start to finish.
• Secured warehouse and storage facilities, should you need temporary space for your materials or equipment. Work space and logistics support are also available for sub-assembly and component fabrication, so that final assembly can be completed closer to the job site.
• The satisfaction of hiring a company who is committed and dedicated to your service!

Call anytime to learn more about why companies should rent a crane through Thackray Crane Rental and learn about all the additional services we have to offer. You can always rely on Thackray Crane to provide the best lifting and transportation equipment for any job, big or small.