175|AT sets steel as part of stadium addition

A 175-ton Link-Belt Cranes 175|AT sets structural steel at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. The crane is assisting the construction of a new fan engagement area.

The work is led by L.R. Willson & Sons, a family-owned-and-operated crane rental company, steel, and precast erector based in Gambrills, Maryland. Fourth-generation crane operator Bowen Willson said the 175|AT has handled the job well, working at a radius of 120 feet and lifting 10,000-pound I-beams.

The company recently purchased the 175|AT to manage the progressively heavier jobs required in the northern Virginia area, where data center construction is booming.

“There’s some big steel out here, so you need a bigger crane,” Willson said.

Willson added that the crane has excelled for the company at setting steel and as a taxi crane on account of its quick assembly.

“It goes together quick, so it’s not too much of a burden to pull it off a job and run a job real quick,” Willson said. “You can get your money’s worth.”

The crane’s smooth highway travel makes this especially easy, he said.

“It handles like a car,” Willson said. “It’s not like the older hydraulic truck cranes.”

Along with this, he noted it features the best electronic controls he’s ever run, citing the crane’s remote-controlled operation and winch and boom speed controls as especially top notch. He said the 175|AT’s been a game changer for L.R. Willson & Sons.

“It’s a great crane,” Willson said. “It’s been very good to us.”