A UNIC UM445 Pop-Up Crane was used to support the construction of a new outdoor padel court at a UK health club, lifting structural steel and canopy roof components into position as the installation progressed.

Working within the developing steel frame, the compact mini crane handled a range of structural components while installers worked alongside the lifting operation from MEWPs. The combination allowed the lifting and installation teams to coordinate the placement of steelwork and canopy sections at height.

Lifting the Padel Court Steel Structure

The first stage of the lifting work involved positioning the steel components forming the main structure of the padel court.

Project photographs show the UNIC UM445 operating within the construction area as steel columns and long horizontal sections were installed. As the framework developed, the crane was able to lift components between and above the installed steelwork, allowing them to be brought into position for the installation team.

Long structural sections require controlled positioning, particularly once surrounding columns and beams are already in place. The UM445 provided the lifting reach needed to work around the developing structure while installers accessed the relevant connection points from MEWPs.

This helped separate the two main tasks involved in the operation. The crane could handle and position the structural components, while the installation team concentrated on accessing and completing the connections.

Supporting the Canopy Roof Installation

The UM445 was also used as work progressed onto the canopy structure covering the court.

Images from the project show curved, translucent canopy sections extending across the top of the steel frame, with the crane operating from within the surrounding construction area.

As more of the frame and canopy were installed, access around the structure naturally became more restricted. The crane therefore needed to reach around existing steelwork while continuing to position components at roof level.

The UM445’s boom and jib configuration gives the crane a maximum lifting height of 17.5 metres and a maximum working radius of 15.7 metres. Its main boom extends from 2.9 to 10 metres, while the telescoping luffing jib extends from 2 to 5.7 metres.

These figures represent the crane’s maximum capabilities rather than the specific working height or radius used on this project, but they illustrate why the UM445 is suited to construction work requiring reach over and around developing structures.

Why the UNIC UM445 Suited the Project

The UM445 combines a relatively compact tracked chassis with significant lifting height and reach, making it suitable for projects where larger conventional cranes may not be the most practical option.

At just 750mm wide in its compact configuration, the crane can be transported and manoeuvred through relatively restricted areas before being set up for lifting. It also features extendable tracks to increase stability and manoeuvrability.

For this project, another useful feature was the variable outrigger system. The UM445 offers five outrigger positions and three extension settings, helping the crane adapt its setup to the available working area rather than relying on a single fixed outrigger footprint.

The crane’s pop-up turret also reduces rear overhang, allowing it to operate closer to surrounding structures and obstacles. This becomes increasingly useful on construction projects where columns, steelwork and other equipment begin to limit the available operating space.

The UM445 is powered by a 160Ah lithium-ion battery and can continue operating while charging. It produces zero emissions and low noise output, adding further flexibility for projects where electric construction lifting equipment may be preferred.

Radio remote control is also fitted as standard, covering crane operation, travelling, outrigger deployment and setup. This allows the operator to select a suitable working position while maintaining visibility of both the crane and the load during lifting operations.

Specialist Mini Crane Hire for Structural Installation

From the erection of the main steel framework through to the positioning of canopy components, the UNIC UM445 provided the lifting capacity, reach and positioning capability required to support the construction of the outdoor padel court.

Its compact tracked design, variable outrigger configuration and pop-up turret made it well suited to working around the developing structure while installers completed the work from MEWPs.

GGR Group supplies mini crane hire and specialist lifting equipment for structural steel lifting, canopy installation, construction projects and restricted-access lifting applications throughout the UK.

Contact GGR Group to discuss the most suitable lifting solution for your next project.