Rapid Response extends pick and carry fleet, with 12t and 18t Valla cranes

The Valla 180E is the highest capacity crane of its type that RRS has ever purchased. The company specialises in lifting, transport and storage, and has owned 15 mini cranes since taking delivery of its first in 2002. It currently has eight units in its fleet.

Paul Barber, managing director at RRS, said: "To offer a diverse range of lifting solutions we needed something capable of carrying out pick and carry operations."

RRS specified non-marking tyres on both cranes. They were supplied with hydraulic fly jibs, stowed on the boom on the 12t 120E unit and detachable with a bespoke carry frame on the 180E. After visiting the Valla facility in Italy, Barber, said, "I was surprised by the number of options are available for each model. I honestly wasn't aware just how much Valla is prepared to modify and alter a basic machine to meet a customer's requirements.

"There is a shortage of larger pick and carry cranes in the UK for hire so it made sense to order the two cranes to meet our needs and those of others looking to hire cranes."

RRS quickly put the new cranes at work. The 180E was used to support its Mega Lift system, setting out the tracks, landing the legs and beams into position, before placing the landing platform on top of the beams. Meanwhile, the 120E was used alongside the company's new 300t hydraulic skidding system.

"We will look at increasing the fleet with at least one or two larger machines in the future," he said.