When our contractor customer needed to install an industrial air scrubber in the basement of a commercial building in Northbrook, IL, they faced some major obstacles: tight doorways, a staircase, and a 10’ drop. Learn how we helped them find the right lift solution for the job.
The Challenge: Transporting Large HVAC Components into a Commercial Basement
Our customer was sub-contracted install a new industrial air scrubber in the basement of a commercial building in Northbrook, IL. They needed to off-load the large 1,000 lb. air scrubber chamber sections, transport them through a small doorway, over a staircase, and then lower them over 10’ into the basement to be assembled and installed. This was especially challenging due to the smaller door opening, staircase, and other building obstacles.
Site Evaluation
Our sales rep, Chris Jacklin, visited the site to evaluate the job and building and figure out a solution. Chris recommended a larger telehandler, the Genie GTH-1056, customized with 96” forks, because of its 56’ max reach, and they needed as much extension as possible. His solution was to use the telehandler, along with a combination of straps, wheel carts, and chain falls attached to overhead beams, to lift, move, and lower the chamber sections safely into the basement.
How it Went
Chris was on-site during the lift to ensure the job went smoothly. Using the 56’ reach telehandler with 96” forks, they were able to lift the sections from the bottom, strap them to the carriage/backrest, and use wheel carts under the front of the longer sections to stabilize them. Driving the telehandler as close to the door as possible and extending the boom out while keeping the forks just inches off the ground, they were able to get the sections through the doorway.
Once the sections were completely suspended over the stairway and still on the telehandler forks, the contractor’s team transferred the sections of the scrubber system to the chain falls that had been installed beforehand on the overhead beams.
One chain fall at a time, they transferred these massive sections from the forks of the telehandler. After the section was completely rigged with the chain fall, they retracted the telehandler boom. The sections were now suspended in the air and a few workers were able to slowly let down the scrubber sections using the chain falls until it was lowered to the ground. Once they reached the ground, the sections were put into place and installed.
The Result
Thanks to the right equipment and coordinated efforts of our sales rep and the sub-contractor, the difficult job was executed seamlessly. The general contractor, sub-contractor, and the customer were all very happy with the equipment and the solution that we were able to provide them.