Two Potain self-erecting cranes were utilized to complete an opulent new Hindu temple in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Both Potain cranes were supplied on bare rental from Potain dealer Cropac Equipment of Oakville, Ontario.

According to Joel Hunt of Cropac’s sales staff, the cranes had an arduous work schedule. “During their time on site the cranes were on call from 9 a.m. to midnight and they clocked up an average of 250 working hours per month,” he said. “The highest quality marble and limestone were shipped to the job from Italy and then hand-carved in place. The cranes were placing these pieces which weighed from 1.1 tons to 3.3 tons.”

The temple owner, Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan (BAPS), managed the construction of the temple and the operation of the cranes. The two cranes utilized in the construction of the Hindu temple were the HDT 80 self-erecting crane that was on site for three months, and S282 truck-mounted self-erecting crane, which was only necessary during the final month of construction.

“The precise control of the Potain cranes in setting these delicate blocks just millimeters apart made them the perfect choice for this job,” said Joel Hunt. “Both were maneuvered via remote control so the operator was able to position himself perfectly for monitoring the lifts. The cranes were also very easy to setup and then remove from site which was an added bonus.”

The temple was built entirely by volunteers from India and other parts of the world. BAPS is a religious organization with 640 temples in 45 countries. The temple is the only one of its kind in Canada and officially opened in July.