Planning a Lift – What Happens Before the Crane Arrives

When you see a Thackray crane on site, ready to hoist tons of steel, HVAC units, or construction materials high into the air, it might look like everything came together overnight. But behind every successful lift is extensive planning, coordination, and expertise that begins long before the crane ever arrives.

At Thackray Crane, we handle every detail of your project from start to finish—ensuring each lift is completed safely, efficiently, and on schedule.

Site Visits & Project Assessment

Every project can begin with a site visit upon request. Our experienced professionals visit the job site to assess site conditions such as access points, overhead obstructions, and load radius requirements. These details help determine the right crane for the job—whether that’s a 35-ton boom truck or a 500-ton all-terrain crane.

During this phase, our team can help evaluate rigging requirements and identify potential challenges early, allowing for a lift plan that’s both safe and cost-effective.

Pre Lift Planning

Once the scope is defined, our team develops a detailed lift plan using CAD drawings and 3D lift simulations. This plan outlines crane placement, lift radius, boom configurations, counterweights, and load paths to ensure every move is precise.

With safety at the forefront, our team engineers each lift plan to suit your site’s layout and environmental factors—ensuring full OSHA and municipal compliance before work begins.

Permitting & Coordination

If requested, the logistics team at Thackray Crane manages crane, road, and street closure permits, working directly with local municipalities to help keep your project compliant and on schedule.

We also coordinate with site supervisors, trades, and utilities to minimize disruptions and maintain your timeline.

Material Handling & Rigging Equipment

Thackray’s in-house inventory of rigging equipment and specialized lifting gear means we can handle even the most complex picks with precision and confidence.

Warehousing & Logistics Support

Sometimes, equipment or materials arrive before the site is ready. Thackray offers secure warehousing and storage solutions, allowing you to stage, fabricate, and inspect equipment until the lift date. Our fleet of trucks and lowboys can then transport materials directly to the job site, helping streamline the entire logistics process.

By managing warehousing, transport, and scheduling under one roof, Thackray simplifies coordination and reduces downtime for our clients.

Thackray Safety

Safety is never an afterthought at Thackray—it’s built into everything we do. Our team includes NCCO-certified operators and professionals trained in OSHA standards, and we maintain active membership in the Mid-Atlantic Safety Council, SCRA, and other industry safety organizations.

In addition, our Safety Committee is fully certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor, ensuring that every lift is planned and executed with the highest standards of safety in mind.

Your Turnkey Partner in Heavy Lifting

From engineering support and permitting to logistics, warehousing, and final lift execution, Thackray Crane is your turnkey partner for safe, successful projects of any scale.

When you choose Thackray, you’re not just renting a crane—you’re getting a full-service team with decades of experience, unmatched resources, and a commitment to doing the job right the first time.

Ready to plan your next lift?

Contact Thackray Crane today to get started with a trusted partner who handles every detail—before, during, after, and for future lifts.

Thackray Crane recently played a key role in the dismantling of one of the Jersey Shore’s most recognizable landmarks — the 156-foot-tall Ferris wheel at Morey’s Piers in Wildwood, NJ. The massive structure, originally installed in 1985, is undergoing a full refurbishment at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, marking its most extensive maintenance project in nearly 25 years.

To complete the disassembly, Thackray used a Grove RT875E rough-terrain crane, a 75-ton crane known for its power, reach, and maneuverability. The RT875E’s long hydraulic boom and rugged design made it the perfect choice for operating on the pier, where space and stability were critical.

Each component of the Ferris wheel — from the large radial spokes and rim sections to the 16,000-pound central hub — was lifted and loaded onto transport trailers for the trip to Philadelphia. Once at the Navy Yard, the components are being sandblasted, repainted, and reassembled with new hardware to prepare the ride for decades more operation.

Thackray’s experienced team handled every stage of the lift with precision, from planning and rigging to coordination with transport and site crews. The project demonstrated the company’s expertise in tackling complex, one-of-a-kind lifts that require both technical skill and logistical coordination.

When the Giant Wheel returns to Wildwood ahead of the 2026 season, visitors will once again enjoy the sweeping ocean views — thanks in part to the precision work and trusted performance of Thackray Crane.

From October 9th to 16th, 2025, Philadelphia—the birthplace of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps—hosted a truly historic event: the Navy & Marine Corps 250th Celebration. The Delaware River was a spectacle of history and power as the city welcomed warships, military personnel, and patriots for a week of ceremonies, tours, and the grand Parade of Ships.

For the multi-generational team at Thackray Crane Rental, this was more than just a local event; it was a chance to honor the commitment, integrity, and tradition that both the Navy and our own family business are built upon.

An Honor to Serve: Lifting the Landing Gear

As a company that prides itself on delivering excellence for over four generations, Thackray was deeply honored to provide support for this monumental celebration. We were called upon to handle one of the most critical logistical tasks for the visiting fleet: safely lifting the access gangways and brow systems that connect the massive Navy ships to the pier.

The video footage from the event highlights the precision of our operation. Our team utilized one of our fleets hydraulic truck cranes to precisely lower and place the heavy, custom-built ramps, ensuring a secure and stable connection for the thousands of sailors, veterans, and civilians touring the ships throughout the week.

Precision and Partnership on the Waterfront

In the rigging and lifting industry, the job isn’t done until the object is safely secured and functional. Working on the historic Philadelphia waterfront, with the Battleship New Jersey and active Navy ships as a backdrop, required absolute precision and coordination.

Our NCCCO Certified Crane Operators worked side-by-side with Navy personnel, demonstrating the kind of safety-first, professional partnership that defines both the military and Thackray Crane. Whether we’re lifting heavy HVAC units onto a skyscraper or placing a gangway for the U.S. Navy, the Thackray difference is in the detail:

• Safety First: Our core commitment to proactive safety training ensured that this complex lift, operating in a high-traffic public and military zone, was executed flawlessly.
• Expert Logistics: Leveraging our comprehensive project logistics experience, we managed the delivery, setup, and operation of the crane to meet the exact schedule of Fleet Week.
• Community Connection: We were thrilled to donate our time and equipment as a meaningful way to salute the men and women who have served for 250 years.

Building a Better Tomorrow, Together

The Navy & Marine Corps 250th Celebration was a powerful reminder of the deep roots and dedication required to sustain an institution over centuries. At Thackray Crane, our legacy since 1947 is a similar testament to enduring service.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the U.S. Navy, the Marine Corps, all veterans, and the event organizers for hosting this once-in-a-generation event. It was a privilege to play our part in commemorating 250 years of courage and commitment.

Here’s to the next 250 years of service!

Need precision lifting for your next major project? Whether you’re working on a construction site or a historic logistics challenge, Thackray Crane is ready to put our expertise and state-of-the-art fleet to work for you. Request a quote or call us at 1-844-99-CRANE to discuss your project logistics today.

Thackray Crane Rental, a trusted name in Philadelphia crane rental and rigging since 1947, is proud to announce a major fleet expansion for 2025, adding some of the most advanced and in-demand equipment in the industry. From cutting-edge all-terrain cranes to jobsite-ready telehandlers, boom trucks, and support vehicles, this investment ensures we continue to deliver unmatched performance, reliability, and service for every lift.

With this expanded fleet, we’re better equipped than ever to support construction and infrastructure projects across Philadelphia, Eastern Pennsylvania, South Jersey, Delaware, and the entire Tri-State area.

Explore our latest lineup of additions below:

Supporting & Hauling Vehicles

2025 Ford F-550 Service Truck

Our new Ford F-550 is a fully outfitted mobile service truck designed to keep our equipment running at peak performance. Supporting on-site crane maintenance in Philadelphia and surrounding areas, this truck allows our team to respond quickly to jobsite needs across Delaware County, South Jersey, and Northern Delaware—ensuring minimal downtime for your lift.

International HX620

This heavy-duty hauler is built to handle counterweights, rigging gear, and crane components, making it an essential asset for supporting large crane operations across Eastern PA and the Greater Philadelphia Area. Whether it’s delivering to Center City or transporting materials to an industrial site in Camden, the HX620 gets the job done.

Western Star 49X Tri-Axle

Engineered for both power and mobility, the Western Star 49X Tri-Axle is ideal for navigating tight urban job sites or rural terrain. It’s perfect for hauling crane platforms, rigging supplies, and oversized loads throughout Philadelphia, Montgomery County, and the broader Tri-State region.

Rough Terrain & All-Terrain Cranes

Liebherr LRT 1100-2.1

The 100-ton LRT 1100-2.1 is a rough terrain powerhouse—built for high-performance lifting in off-road environments. With advanced stabilization systems and a telescopic boom reaching 164 feet, this crane is ideal for job sites in South Philadelphia, along the Schuylkill River corridor, and industrial zones throughout South Jersey and Delaware.

Liebherr LTM 1300-6.2

Offering a massive 360-ton lift capacity, the LTM 1300-6.2 is the go-to choice for infrastructure and energy projects in the Philadelphia metro area and beyond. Its long reach and heavy lift power make it ideal for large-scale construction in places like Wilmington, King of Prussia, and Northeast Philly.

Liebherr LTM 1110-5.1

This 5-axle, 125-ton crane is compact enough for tight urban spaces, making it perfect for projects in downtown Philadelphia, Old City, or near the Delaware River waterfront. With quick setup and superior reach, it’s a great solution for general contractors working in busy areas of the Tri-State region.

Tadano AC 4.110-1

The Tadano AC 4.110-1 delivers strong performance in a compact frame—ideal for mobile lifts in suburban Philadelphia, South Jersey industrial parks, or utility work along major corridors like Route 1 and I-295. Its versatility and maneuverability make it one of the most efficient crane options in our fleet.

Boom Trucks

Manitex 30102C

The 30-ton Manitex 30102C is a boom truck that excels at light-duty lifts such as HVAC installs, signage, and structural steel. It’s a staple for fast-paced jobs in Philadelphia neighborhoods, Camden, and along the Main Line, providing flexible crane support without sacrificing performance.

Manitex 35124C

With a 124-foot boom and 35-ton capacity, this truck crane is a reliable solution for mid-size projects across Montgomery County, Chester County, and South Jersey. It’s perfect for roofing lifts, precast installs, and other tasks requiring mobility and strength in one package.

Telehandlers

JCB 512-56

The JCB 512-56 features a 12,000 lb lift capacity and a 56-foot reach, making it ideal for framing and material handling on job sites throughout Bucks County, Delaware County, and the Philadelphia suburbs. It’s a dependable choice for any project needing high-reach capability and fast material placement.

JCB 514-56

For even heavier-duty tasks, the 514-56 steps it up with a 14,000 lb capacity. It’s commonly used on commercial builds and industrial sites in South Jersey, Reading, and along the Delaware River—especially when paired with a crane for larger structural work.

Truck Crane

XCMG XCT35

We’ve added 3 of the versatile XCMG XCT35, a 35-ton truck-mounted crane that’s ready to roll across Philadelphia, Cherry Hill, and Wilmington. With rapid setup, excellent road travel speed, and reliable lifting capacity, it’s ideal for HVAC replacements, light steel erection, and smaller lifts across the Greater Philadelphia and Tri-State areas.

 Your Partner for Crane Rentals in Philadelphia and the Tri-State Area

At Thackray Crane Rental, we proudly serve customers throughout Philadelphia, South Jersey, Delaware, and Eastern Pennsylvania. Our expanded 2025 fleet means more options, faster availability, and better performance for every lift—whether you’re working on a bridge in Camden, a hospital in Wilmington, or a high-rise in Center City Philadelphia.

With certified operators, full-service logistics, and over 75 years of trusted experience, we remain the go-to partner for safe, reliable, and expert crane service in the Tri-State region.  Need a lift in Philadelphia or the surrounding area? Contact Thackray Crane Rental to speak with our team, request a quote, or schedule a job today.