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Oct. 31, 2023 – Stevenson Crane, Rigging, and Heavy Haul (Stevenson) set up a Liebherr LTM 1300-6.3 all-terrain crane in one strategic spot, then made all the lifts needed to rebuild Chicago’s Server Farm Data Center without relocating the rig.
The project required replacement of all the building’s cooling systems, including demolition of old structures, setting new piping, placing new steel platforms to support added weight, and installing updated equipment to better serve the data center.
“The North, South, and East sides were inaccessible due to underground utilities and elevated roadways,” said Wesley Austin, Stevenson’s director of business operations.
Austin said another challenge was staying a safe distance from the 40’ high power lines that run along the sidewalk.
Located in a busy industrial park, the data center stands more than 112’ tall and required a reach of over 110’.
The site’s restrictions made it important for Stevenson to make all the lifts from just one location, which Stevenson’s analysis showed to be the west side.
“Liebherr’s LTM 1300-6.3 was the best option for maintaining an optimal distance off the power lines while still reaching all the areas needed from one location,” noted Austin.
He added that the LTM 1300-6.3 had the reach and capacity to make the lifts without needing a luffing jib, thereby simplifying setup.
The LTM 1300-6.3 mobile crane can lift up to 360 USt yet can travel on public roads with 295’ of telescopic boom while having a per-axle load of 26,450 lbs.
Safety Comes Standard
Stevenson’s strong emphasis on safety made the LTM 1300-6.3 an ideal choice.
It features all of Liebherr’s latest safety and performance technologies, including ECOmode, ECOdrive, VarioBasePlus, VarioBallast, Auto-Ballast, a single engine, windspeed load charts.
Loyal Partners
Founded in 1989 by Donna Stevenson, the crane, rigging, and heavy haul company is Chicago’s first woman-owned crane service.
Offering over 2,000 lifts, telehandlers, and pieces of support equipment, Stevenson is one of the Midwest’s largest locally owned crane service providers.
Its more than 300 employees serve the commercial, large residential, and heavy industrial markets.
Stevenson’s other services include project management, parts and maintenance service, new and used equipment sales, and equipment planning and engineering.
Although centered in the Midwest, Stevenson serves customers across the country.
Its 200-crane fleet includes 40 Liebherr mobile and crawler cranes, with many more coming.
“Stevenson has been a loyal partner with Liebherr for many years,” said Erik Peterson, Liebherr regional sales manager. “They pride themselves on having the most modern fleet of cranes in the industry, and they trust Liebherr to provide them. When we introduce a new model of crane to the market, Stevenson is right there with us.”
Liebherr says that Stevenson chooses Liebherr cranes because they are dependable, innovative, and work well amid the tight space and tall structures seen in urban and industrial construction.
“Liebherr has been a steady partner we've been able to depend on for the full range of all-terrain crane needs,” said Robert Stevenson, vice president of Stevenson Crane.
Stevenson will take delivery of multiple new cranes, including another LTM 1300-6.3, at the end of 2023 and throughout 2024 at its Bolingbrook and South Holland, Illinois, locations.
