They say the crane game can be a game of millimeters, and this job was a perfect example of why.
There are not many jobs across the nation we serve that we won’t tackle. That’s been one of the founding values of our owner, John Sutch – if it can be done ‘we’ll lift it’.
However, our skill set and expertise was really put to the test in the darkness of the Lakes.
One of the biggest challenges we’ve tackled recently saw us lifting our Grove GMK6300L onto a specialised trailer (4 axle 250T tractor unit, with a 9 axle modular Schuler trailer on full hydraulics) to transport it to the Lake District for a crucial bridge installation.
This wasn’t just a lift; it was a story of precision, preparation, and pinpoint accuracy and a testament to the skills and determination of the John Sutch Cranes team.
Lifting the bridge was the easy bit. Transporting a 300T crane to the site was the true ‘Challenge Anneka’ test.
From the middle of the afternoon to the early hours of the morning, every corner of the team worked together seamlessly to deliver for our client.
Captured ‘live’ on ourInstagram feed and orchestrated by Paul Parry (Sales Director) and Lee Rhoney (Transport Manager), with expert execution by Les Lewis (Crane Operator) and Thomas Meecham (Support Driver), the operation underlined what sets John Sutch Cranes apart and why our clients keep coming back after 36 years trading.
With winding roads, tricky terrain, and obstacles at every turn, we inched along at 1mph to ensure every detail was perfect.
But the result? A job executed flawlessly, with one of the biggest cranes in our fleet playing a key role in setting a new bridge in place.
Lee Rhoney, Transport Manager, said: "This was no ordinary job. It’s not every day you see a crane of this size transported through terrain like that. The team’s focus and expertise made all the difference—this was precision at its best. It was a long night for everyone but we delivered.”
Paul Parry, Sales Director, added: “At John Sutch Cranes, we take pride in delivering where others might hesitate. This job demanded exceptional skill, planning, and execution, and I couldn’t be prouder of how the team came together to make it happen."
