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July 19, 2023 - Pete Smith Crane Rental & Rigging Corp., Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, recently bought the first Tadano AC 4.080-1 in Canada.
Smith chose the versatile 88-USt capacity all-terrain crane because its 197' telescopic boom, easy roadability, and versatility make it a great taxi crane.
Pete Smith, owner of the company and a crane operator, described the new addition to his fleet.
“I bought this Tadano AC 4.080-1 because it has a 197’ main boom and the Flex Base system that works with IC-1 Plus,” he said. “It was a no-brainer. I can take this machine into a downtown Toronto alleyway and know before I even get out of the carrier cab where the outriggers will be.”
Smith added, “And it has a fantastic chart with the 20,500-lb. counterweight configuration, which is legally roadable in Ontario.”
Smith explained that for downtown core type work placing HVAC rooftop units and mechanical equipment, the Tadano 4.080-1 will be handy. He noted that competitor cranes in this class of AT offer only 164’ or 167’ of main boom. “The AC 4.080-1 comes with 197’, the same counterweight configuration, and same roadability. It just made sense," he said.
Tadano America Regional Business Manager Justin Andrews added, "I would like to congratulate Pete Smith with the purchase of not only the first AC 4.080-1 in Canada, but this is the first brand new crane purchase for the company. It is very impressive to see such a young company build their business and clientele so quickly. This unit perfectly fits the Ontario market and Pete Smith's fleet with the longest boom and ideal 88-ton capacity."
Smith also appreciates the support from Tadano’s Canadian distributor Cropac.
“I approached Cropac in 2020 to discuss purchasing a crane. With Bill (Cropac president and owner Bill Finkle), it was a face-to-face conversation, a handshake, and the deal was done,” said Smith. “He got me into this industry, and I support Cropac 100%. This is a family-owned business, and he treats you like family."
Cropac sales executive Dan Sweeney shares Smith's excitement with the AC 4.080-1, "For starters, this crane features 197’ of boom on an 88-ton machine,” said Sweeney, who added that the four-axle crane has great weight distribution for easy roadability.
“Also,” Sweeney added, “in Ontario, 90-ton cranes require both an operator and an apprentice. The machine's 88-ton capacity makes it a one-operator crane."
Smith’s core applications include HVAC mechanical placement, petrochemical work, and tower crane erection and disassembly.
In photo, from left: Pete Smith (Pete Smith Crane Rental, Dan Sweeney (Cropac).
