84 Lumber Leverages Potain Self-Erecting Cranes for Tight-Space Apartment Build in Pittsburgh
- cranehub
- Aug 19
- 3 min read
Urban construction rarely comes easy — especially when staging space is at a premium. But for a new six-story, 267-unit apartment building in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood, the challenge of building big in a compact footprint was met with ingenuity, precision, and the right lifting solutions.
At the heart of the project were two Potain self-erecting cranes, an Igo T 130 and an Igo T 99, working in tandem to overcome site constraints without the need to reposition mid-project. Their performance showcases how modern self-erecting tower cranes are rewriting the rules of urban construction.
Precision Meets Flexibility with Potain Self-Erecting Cranes
The jobsite, located along bustling Butler Street, demanded a lifting solution that could maneuver within extremely tight quarters. Originally, the plan called for moving the T 130 into a better-suited inside corner of the site, but property line restrictions prevented the necessary outrigger setup.
Instead, 84 Lumber — working with R.R. Miller Construction and crane rental partner Stephenson Equipment — brought in the Igo T 99 to complement the T 130. Together, the cranes provided full coverage of the site, streamlining the framing and assembly of prefabricated wall panels, trusses, lumber, and sheeting.
“The dual-crane setup gave us everything we needed without disrupting traffic or shifting equipment around the property,” explained Steven Rider, Commercial Install Manager at 84 Lumber. “It allowed us to stay on schedule and keep momentum across every phase of the build.”
Remote Control Advantage
Both cranes were operated exclusively via remote control, giving operators the flexibility to position themselves with the best line of sight during each lift. Paired with two-way radios for communication, this system enabled pinpoint precision when placing loads at heights of up to 126 ft.
Lift weights varied from just a few hundred pounds up to 2.4 USt, easily handled by the T 130’s 8.8 USt capacity and the T 99’s 6 USt capacity. The cranes worked seamlessly through the wood-framing phase, while other contractors on-site also benefited from their lifting power.
Behind-the-Scenes Support
Crane performance was only part of the story. Manitowoc’s service and training infrastructure provided the critical backbone that kept the project moving. From technical support and spare parts to guidance on crane setup, Manitowoc and Stephenson Equipment ensured the cranes operated reliably through the project’s tight November 2024–June 2025 schedule.
“Without Stephenson Equipment’s expertise in matching the right cranes to the site, this project could have turned into a disaster,” Rider admitted. “On jobs like this, timing is everything — and their team was always ready with answers when we needed them.”
Building for a New Pittsburgh
The Lawrenceville apartment project is part of a broader effort to revitalize Pittsburgh’s former industrial corridor, adding housing and street-level activity near the riverfront. By leveraging self-erecting tower cranes designed for urban flexibility, the construction team demonstrated how innovative lifting solutions can overcome the toughest space limitations.
For 84 Lumber’s Installed Sales Division, the project is a testament to the value of collaboration and the right equipment: a job that highlights both the power and precision of Potain self-erectors and the importance of strong partnerships across suppliers, contractors, and crane experts.
✅ Key Takeaway: Potain’s Igo T 130 and T 99 delivered the reach, capacity, and maneuverability needed to execute a high-density urban build — proving once again that self-erecting tower cranes are indispensable tools in today’s tight-space construction landscape.
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