Potain Electric Crane Supports Tight-Site Steel Erection in Boston

A steel erection project on Newbury Street in Boston is highlighting how electric self-erecting cranes are being used to address space constraints common to dense urban construction environments.

MAS Building and Bridge, working with Shawmut Equipment, is using a Potain Hup 40-30 self-erecting crane on a site where limited access and surrounding structures restrict traditional crane operation. According to the contractor, the project location does not allow for a full 360-degree crane swing, requiring a more adaptable lifting solution.

“This machine has been very vital to the success of this job just due to the tight proximity of the location that we're at,” says Andrew Gallagher, a foreman with MAS Building and Bridge.

To manage the restricted footprint, the crane was configured with a three-parted jib system. The setup allows materials to be unloaded in a single-part configuration to avoid nearby buildings, while additional jib sections extend reach to the far end of the structure. The crane has also been used to support multiple trades on site, including carpentry crews, by accessing areas that would otherwise be difficult to reach.

In addition to its compact operating profile, the Hup 40-30 is fully electric, eliminating onsite exhaust emissions and reducing noise levels — an important factor for construction in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood. The crane is operated via radio remote control using a two-battery system, with one battery in use while the other remains in a heated compartment. According to the project team, the configuration has allowed work to continue during freezing conditions without battery performance issues.

While MAS Building and Bridge has limited prior experience using this model for steel erection, the project is prompting consideration of similar equipment for future urban jobs where space, noise and emissions present ongoing challenges.