Hi After a bit of advice, we're just about to start on our double garage build. The plans specify a 6.2m RSJ (203x102) - weight ~140kg to be fitted as the ridge beam for the vaulted ceiling. I'm after some advice from experienced builders on here as to the best way to tackle fitting this. The beam supplier has suggested a crane would be ~£250 to lift (which while not an astronomical amount i would like to see if there are any other cheaper (and safe) options possible). He also said its probably man handleable with enough blokes with its being ~140kg. The problem I have with trying to lift if using something like a Genie SLC18 Superlift is that it won't be possible to get the beam diagonally inside the building to lift on the level using a couple of the superlifts as its too long to get through the openings and diagonally across the internal space and its a gravel drive externally so can't really use the lift externally either. I appreciate "get a professional in" option but even some of the builders who've come to quote have had a bit of a head scratch as to the best way to get it up there without costing a fortune. Thanks in advance for any advice
As an after thought, are you having any blocks delivered to site? The driver might do the lift with the hiab for a few quid.
I'm pretty sure a few men would cost more than £250 anyway. Don't be a tight a#@&. get a crane in and don't risk injury or damage to anything else.
Thanks for the replies Those spider cranes look the business, I had tried searching to see what the capacity a hiab can lift to but hadn't found anything specs so far as to confirm whether it would lift it up 5m high, but I'll make a few calls today . SIAB > My thoughts exactly, the number of bods required would cost more than hiring a crane.
All depends on the Hiab model, most will reach the full length of the bed of the lorry it's on, but, it's the weight lifting capicity at 5 mts which is the problem, & getting the lorry close enough & whether it's safe for the hiab/ lorry to lift a 6mtr rsj lifted to 5mtrs.
Well it look like there's a haulage firm at the bottom of hill from me with a suitable lorry crane, just spoke to them and he said £100 to lift it so that's sorted
Do you mean you couldn't find a few mates to do it it for a few beers? That's sad. Mr. HandyAndy - Really