Maeda Mini Cranes At Work In Local Helicopter Museum
Kranlyft UK recently volunteered to help out at the World's largest dedicated helicopter museum
, which is right on their doorstep in Weston Super Mare. A Maeda MC305-2 CRM(E) Mini Crane was used to lift components into position on two helicopters as part of ongoing restoration projects.
Opened by HRH The Duke of York in 1989 this volunteer run museum has a unique collection of rare aircraft, displaying over 70 full size aircraft ranging from an impressive Russian gunship to a massive Super Frelon 36 seat helicopter, and from the Queens own helicopters to the veterans of the Vietnam conflict.
In the Restoration Hanger visitors can see the latest Helicopter restoration projects and chat to the volunteers who give up their time to work on the aircraft and who help preserve aircraft of historical aviation importance.
The Maeda MC305-2 CRM(E) was used in the hanger to lift a rotor head onto the Westland Wessex HAR Mk 3 Anti-Submarine Helicopter. Weighing in at 700kg with a lift height of approximately 3 metres, the Maeda Mini Crane is perfectly suited to this type of work. The operator used the remote control on the crane to enable him to get up on the aircraft and ensure this delicate lift was completed with the utmost accuracy and safety.
Once that was complete the crane was used to lift the instrument panel and cockpit canopy on to a Westland Wessex Series 60. These jobs were completed quickly and efficiently without the need for manual handling and the risks associated. Again the remote control was used which further simplified the job.
For more information please contact the Museum direct on 01934 635 227, call Kranlyft on 0117 9826661 or visit www.maedaminicranes.co.uk