When people see a massive crane lifting equipment above a skyline, they’re usually watching the final act of a long and complex process.

What they don’t see is everything that happens before the lift ever begins.

Recently, our team at Thackray Crane deployed a 500-ton Liebherr LTM 1400-7.1 crane in Center City Philadelphia for a cooling tower replacement project. While the lift itself may only take a short time, assembling and preparing a crane of this size is a coordinated operation involving lift planning, logistics, certifications, and a skilled heavy lifting and rigging team working together.

For any major crane rental in Philadelphia, the setup process is just as critical as the lift itself.

We invite you to watch this amazing time lapse of the assembly. Then take some time to read below and learn about everything that goes into preparing a 500-ton crane for heavy lifting in a dense urban environment.

The Machine Behind the Lift

The Liebherr LTM 1400-7.1 is one of the most capable all-terrain cranes used in heavy construction, HVAC installation, and industrial lifting projects today. Mounted on a seven-axle carrier, the crane can travel to job sites under its own power and maneuver through tight urban environments thanks to advanced steering and suspension systems.

Despite its mobility, this crane is anything but small. It offers:

• 500-ton maximum lifting capacity
• 197-foot telescopic main boom
• Potential hook heights of over 400 feet with jib configurations
• A working radius of more than 300 feet depending on setup

To safely achieve that lifting power, the crane relies on a massive counterweight system. A fully configured LTM 1400-7.1 can carry over 300,000 pounds of ballast, providing the stability required for major industrial lifting and heavy equipment installation projects.

But none of that capability matters unless the crane is properly assembled and prepared.

Building the Crane on Site

Unlike smaller cranes that arrive ready to work, large all-terrain cranes used for heavy lifting and crane rental services are often transported in multiple pieces. Counterweights, rigging equipment, and accessories typically arrive on separate trucks.

On a Philadelphia crane project, the setup process usually unfolds in stages:

1. Site preparation – verifying ground conditions, clearances, and space for outriggers and crane assembly.
2. Street closures and permits – coordinating with city agencies to secure traffic control and safe working zones.
3. Counterweight delivery – trucks deliver multiple loads of ballast that are staged and installed.
4. Crane assembly – counterweights are stacked, boom sections are configured, and rigging equipment is prepared.
5. System checks and inspections – verifying load charts, safety systems, and communication protocols.

Once fully assembled, the crane spreads its outriggers to create a stable footprint that can exceed 30 feet wide, ensuring the machine remains balanced while lifting hundreds of tons.

For a crane company operating in a dense urban environment like Philadelphia, careful planning and coordination are essential to ensure the setup process runs safely and efficiently.

Lifting Above Active Infrastructure

One of the most complex aspects of this project wasn’t just the size of the crane—it was what was happening beneath it.

While the 500-ton Liebherr LTM 1400-7.1 was being assembled and operated in Center City Philadelphia, subway trains continued running directly below the jobsite.

In dense urban environments, ground conditions are always a critical factor. When underground infrastructure like subway tunnels or utilities are present, lift planning becomes even more detailed.

Before the crane could be set up, planners had to evaluate:

• Structural capacity of the ground above the tunnel
• Outrigger placement and load distribution
• Total crane weight including counterweights
• Coordination with city and transit authorities

Large cranes rely on outriggers to distribute their load across the ground surface. In situations like this, engineers must ensure that ground pressure remains within safe limits so underground infrastructure is not affected.

Careful lift planning and coordination allowed the crane to operate safely while the subway system below continued running normally. It’s just one example of the many complex challenges Thackray Crane navigates when performing heavy lifts in the heart of a major city.

The People Behind the Operation

A crane like the LTM 1400-7.1 doesn’t run on horsepower alone—it runs on expertise.

Major heavy lift and rigging operations require a coordinated team that can include:

• Certified crane operators
• Professional riggers and signal persons
• Lift supervisors and project managers
• Truck drivers transporting crane components and counterweights
• Safety personnel monitoring the jobsite

At Thackray Crane, every lift is supported by trained professionals who specialize in heavy lifting, crane operations, and lift planning for complex construction and industrial projects.

In the United States, crane operators must meet strict training and certification requirements. Federal safety regulations require operators to be qualified and evaluated to ensure they can safely operate the equipment and understand lifting procedures and safety protocols.

Communication between the operator, riggers, and signal personnel is critical during both setup and lifting operations.

Planning the Lift Before the Crane Arrives

Long before the crane rolls onto a jobsite, the lift is already being engineered.

Professional lift planning and engineering analysis are essential for large crane operations.

Lift planning can include:

• Calculating load weights and lifting radius
• Selecting the correct crane configuration
• Reviewing structural and ground bearing conditions
• Coordinating transportation of equipment and counterweights
• Scheduling road closures and work windows

For urban crane services in Philadelphia, planning becomes even more important. Streets may need to be temporarily closed, sidewalks protected, and staging areas carefully mapped to ensure equipment can safely reach the site.

Proper planning helps ensure every heavy lift project is completed safely and efficiently.

Precision in Motion

Once the crane is assembled, inspected, and fully configured, the actual lifting operation can begin.

Modern cranes like the Liebherr LTM 1400-7.1 use advanced control systems that allow operators to make precise movements while monitoring load conditions, boom angles, and stability limits in real time.

For experienced crane operators and rigging crews, this technology allows complex lifts to be performed with exceptional accuracy.

To the outside observer, the lift may appear smooth and effortless.

But behind that moment is hours—sometimes days—of preparation.

More Than Just a Lift

Heavy lifting in urban environments is never just about moving equipment from one place to another. It’s about engineering, teamwork, and careful execution.

Every truckload of counterweights, every permit, and every safety check plays a role in ensuring the operation is completed efficiently and safely.

And when everything comes together, the result is what you see in the final timelapse: a 500-ton crane rising piece by piece in the middle of Center City Philadelphia, ready to get to work.

For companies that rely on professional crane services, heavy lifting, and specialized rigging, that preparation is what makes safe and successful lifts possible.

Each year from March 1st through March 7th, the construction industry celebrates Women in Construction Week, organized by the National Association of Women in Construction. It’s a time to recognize the incredible contributions women make across every part of our industry—from the jobsite to the boardroom.

Over the past two years, the Thackray team has had the immense pleasure of hosting the Mentoring Young Women in Construction (MYWIC) camp. Personally, it has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve been part of. Watching young women explore the construction industry—especially the world of cranes and rigging—has been truly inspiring.

As someone who grew up in this business as an operator, and as the son and grandson of crane operators, sharing my passion for the industry means a lot to me. Seeing the curiosity, creativity, and excitement these young women bring when they get up close with cranes and learn how the work happens behind the scenes is something special. Moments like that remind me how important it is to open doors and share knowledge with the next generation.

Women on construction sites today are far more than just team members—they’re part of the family that makes this industry so strong. They serve in many different roles, from skilled trades in the field to leadership and management positions that help guide projects and companies forward. Their dedication, talent, and perspective make a real difference. They bring creativity, innovation, and collaboration to the jobsite and beyond.

That’s why this week is so meaningful. Women in Construction Week gives us a chance to celebrate the hardworking women who help build our communities every day, while also encouraging the next generation to see the opportunities that exist in the trades.

Programs like MYWIC are an important part of that future. When experienced professionals take the time to mentor and introduce young people to the construction trades, we help ensure the industry continues to grow stronger for years to come.

At Thackray Crane, we’re proud to support these efforts and honored to have played a small role in helping inspire the future women of construction

When critical infrastructure is on the line, there’s no room for guesswork. At Thackray Crane, we understand that successful projects demand more than just lifting power — they require careful planning, coordinated logistics, and a team that knows how to operate seamlessly in high-stakes environments.

We recently supported Abington Hospital – Jefferson Health with a major cooling tower replacement at the Toll Pavilion. The project involved removing an aging unit and setting a new cooling tower system on the hospital rooftop. While the lift itself was substantial, the real story is how Thackray delivered a complete, end-to-end solution that kept the project on schedule and minimized disruption to daily hospital operations.

Choosing the Right Crane: Liebherr LTM 1400-7.1

Operating within an active hospital campus requires precision and absolute attention to safety. To reach the Toll Pavilion rooftop while maintaining proper clearances and stability, Thackray deployed our 500-ton Liebherr LTM 1400-7.1.

This all-terrain mobile crane is one of the most powerful and versatile assets in our fleet. With its exceptional lifting capacity and reach, the LTM 1400-7.1 was the ideal choice to safely hoist the cooling tower components over the parapet and set them accurately onto their structural supports.

More Than a Lift: Warehousing and Heavy Transport

Long before the crane arrived on site, Thackray was already supporting the project behind the scenes. To streamline the process for the mechanical contractor and hospital staff, we managed the equipment logistics from start to finish.

Services provided included:

• Warehousing & Storage: The new cooling tower components were received and stored at Thackray’s secure facility, ensuring they were protected and readily available when the site was fully prepared for installation.
• Heavy Transport & Hauling: When installation day arrived, Thackray’s trucking division handled the oversized loads, hauling the equipment directly from our warehouse to Abington Hospital with precision timing.

Coordinated Execution from Start to Finish

Lift day was executed as a two-phase operation. Our crew first rigged and removed the existing cooling tower components. Once the rooftop was cleared, the LTM 1400-7.1 went to work, hoisting the new units directly from the transport trucks and setting them into place.

By providing warehousing, trucking, and crane services under one roof, Thackray Crane ensured tighter scheduling, fewer handoffs, and a smoother overall operation — all while keeping hospital activity running safely and efficiently.

If you’re planning a complex HVAC upgrade or infrastructure project, Thackray Crane has the experience and in-house capabilities to get it done right. Contact our team to learn how our crane rental, transport, and warehousing solutions can support your next project.

Thackray Crane is proud to have supported yet another high-profile crane services project in Philadelphia at one of the city’s most iconic destinations — the Philadelphia Zoo. Our team recently completed crane operations to assist with the base foundation assembly of the Zoo’s new Ferris Wheel, an exciting new attraction now fully assembled and featured that now replaces the Zoo’s famous ballon.

For this project, Thackray Crane deployed a Liebherr LTM 1045-3.1 all-terrain crane, a highly versatile machine ideal for urban construction sites that demand precision, mobility, and safety. The crane was used to carefully lift and set critical foundation components, ensuring a stable base for the Ferris Wheel’s base structure assembly.

Providing professional crane rental services in Philadelphia requires detailed planning, experienced operators, and a strong commitment to safety. Even with the Philadelphia Zoo remaining open to the public during the work, our team coordinated closely with project partners to carefully plan each lift, ensuring operations were executed safely, efficiently, and on schedule with minimal impact to daily activities.

Now complete, the “Pherris Wheel” is a new striking feature at the Philadelphia Zoo and represents an exciting addition to the Zoo’s grounds. Being part of a project that enhances a major cultural landmark made this job especially meaningful for the Thackray Crane team.

From all-terrain crane rentals to complex commercial and specialty lifts, Thackray Crane is proud to support construction and infrastructure projects throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding region. This project highlights our ability to deliver safe, precise crane services for unique installations in high-visibility locations.

We’re honored to have played a role in bringing this new attraction to life and look forward to continuing to support projects that shape the communities we serve.

The holiday season in Philadelphia is built on tradition, community, and history—and Thackray Crane was proud to play a role in one of the city’s most meaningful annual celebrations: the installation of the giant Philly Menorah at Independence Mall.

Helping bring this iconic symbol of Hanukkah to life in the heart of Center City is the kind of project we’re honored to support. It’s a reminder that the work we do extends beyond the jobsite and into the moments that bring people together.

A Historic Location, Carefully Executed

This year’s menorah installation took place at Independence Mall on 6th Street between Market and Arch, adjacent to the Independence Visitor Center and just steps from the Liberty Bell. Working in such a high-profile, high-traffic area requires careful planning, precise coordination, and experienced operators who understand the importance of doing the job safely and efficiently.

Our team worked closely to ensure the lift was completed smoothly while respecting the surrounding historic landmarks and busy Center City environment.

Full-Service Support: Hauling and Lifting

As with many of our projects, success started well before the crane was set. Thackray Crane handled both the transportation and lifting for the menorah installation.

The disassembled sections were delivered to the site using one of our Western Star tractors hauling a flatbed trailer, navigating Center City streets with care to safely transport the oversized components.

Once on site, our Link-Belt 65|HT hydraulic truck crane took over. This 65-ton crane was the ideal fit for the job, offering the reach, capacity, and maneuverability required for the tight urban setting. Its four-axle design allowed our operators to position the crane efficiently while providing the control needed to place each section of the menorah with precision.

Proud to Support the Philadelphia Community

Watching the menorah rise against the backdrop of Independence Mall is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. At Thackray Crane, we’re proud to support projects that celebrate culture, tradition, and community—especially in a city as historic as Philadelphia.

From all of us at Thackray Crane, we wish everyone a joyful Hanukkah and a safe, happy holiday season.

Thackray Crane is proud to support one of the region’s biggest community traditions — Preston & Steve’s Camp Out for Hunger 2025. Each year, thousands come together to donate food and funds to help fight hunger across the Delaware Valley, with all contributions benefiting Philabundance.

A Record-Breaking Year

This year’s Camp Out saw incredible generosity from the community, collecting over 1.8 million pounds of food and more than $1.6 million in cash donations. These contributions provide critical support for families facing food insecurity heading into the holiday season.

How Thackray Crane Got Involved

Community is at the heart of everything we do. This year, Thackray Crane contributed by:

• Donating a Thackray crane to help set up and break down the donation containers
• Supporting local food drives and drop-off efforts
• Encouraging our partners, clients, and crew members to contribute
• Helping spread awareness about the growing need for food assistance

Every donation — big or small — helps make a meaningful impact.

Why We Give Back

As a family-owned company with deep Philadelphia roots, giving back to our neighbors is part of who we are. Camp Out for Hunger is a powerful reminder of what our region can accomplish when we come together.

Looking Ahead

We’re grateful to play a role in this year’s success and remain committed to supporting causes that strengthen our community. Thank you to everyone who donated, volunteered, and helped make Camp Out for Hunger 2025 a record-setting year.

At Thackray Crane, safety isn’t just a priority; it’s a mindset that shapes every lift, every project, and every decision on the jobsite. Our commitment to a safety-first culture ensures that not only our crews but also our clients, partners, and communities stay protected.

Safety Milestones: A Legacy of Excellence

Over the years, Thackray has built a proven track record of safety excellence. From completing thousands of lifts without incident to achieving key OSHA and industry certifications, every milestone reflects our dedication to doing things right the first time. These achievements aren’t just numbers—they’re a testament to the discipline, skill, and vigilance of our team.

Technology-Driven Safety: Using Innovation to Protect Every Jobsite

At Thackray, safety is strengthened by staying ahead of the curve with the latest advances in crane and construction technology. From modern crane control systems and real-time load moment indicators to upgraded safety sensors and fleet-wide telematics, we continuously evaluate and invest in tools that help our operators work smarter and safer.

These innovations give our team enhanced visibility, precision, and control during every lift. By leveraging the most up-to-date safety technology—and pairing it with decades of hands-on experience—Thackray ensures a safer environment for our crews, our clients, and every jobsite we support.

Fostering a Culture of Safety

Safety at Thackray goes beyond checklists and protocols—it’s embedded in our company culture. Open communication, peer-to-peer accountability, and continuous improvement ensure that everyone on our team is empowered to speak up if they see a potential hazard. From the smallest to the most complex, safety is at the core of every project.

Gratitude This Holiday Season

As we find ourselves in the Thanksgiving season, we’d like to take a moment to express our gratitude for the dedication and professionalism of our team. Their vigilance, expertise, and commitment to safety are what allow us to successfully complete challenging projects while protecting lives and property. We are thankful for a workforce that not only meets the highest industry standards but also exemplifies the values of teamwork, responsibility, and care.

At Thackray Crane, every lift is a safe lift, and every project is a reflection of our enduring commitment to the people who make it happen. This Thanksgiving, we celebrate our team and the culture that keeps everyone safe—on the jobsite and beyond.

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.