Böcker AK 46/6000 lifts Liverpool’s ‘Third Liver Bird’
30 Second Takeaway
John Sutch Cranes used a Böcker AK 46/6000 truck-mounted crane to remove a 60kg stone sculpture known as Liverpool’s “Third Liver Bird” from Mersey Chambers. The lift took place in a confined area of Old Churchyard, with church gardens on one side, a scaffolded building on the other and workers on the roof. Roof riggers and an aerial work platform helped secure the sculpture in a sling before it was lowered to street level for restoration. Once repairs to weather damage are complete, it will be returned to its position.
Sculpture lowered for restoration
The sculpture has stood atop Mersey Chambers since 1878. The building was originally constructed for the Harrison Shipping Line and is now owned by the Acorn Group, which acquired it in 2016.
John Sutch Cranes was brought in to lift the 60kg stone bird down from the roof so it could be restored. Riggers working on the roof and an aerial work platform helped position it in a sling before the crane lowered it to street level.
The restoration is intended to address weather damage. The sculpture will be returned to its perch once the work is complete.
Böcker crane selected for restricted site
John Sutch Cranes used a Böcker AK 46/6000 truck-mounted telescopic crane for the lift. The crane was selected because it could be set up in the restricted space at Old Churchyard.
The AK 46/6000 is an aluminium-boomed truck crane with a maximum extension of 46 metres and an optional payload capacity of 6,000kg. For this operation, it handled the 60kg sculpture while the lifting team worked around the church gardens, scaffolding and roof activity.
Mick Turner, technical sales representative at John Sutch Cranes, said the team planned each step with the riggers before lifting, given the historic significance of the sculpture and the constraints of the site.
Mersey Chambers and Liverpool’s Liver Birds
The best-known Liver Birds stand atop the Royal Liver Building and have become symbols of Liverpool. The bird motif also appears on the badge of Liverpool Football Club.
The Mersey Chambers sculpture is also known as the “Third Liver Bird” or “Mother Bird.” The listed building, dating from 1878, is part of the city’s architectural heritage. Acorn Group Chief Operating Officer Danny Keating said the company wanted to restore the property while preserving its character and bringing the building back to life.
About John Sutch Cranes
John Sutch Cranes is a family-operated crane hire company founded in 1990 by crane operator John Sutch. It provides crane hire and lifting services for construction, engineering and other projects, with operations based in Liverpool and Manchester and work across the UK. Its team was brought in for the Mersey Chambers lift because the site required a crane that could be set up in a confined urban location.
View website: https://www.johnsutchcranes.co.uk/
About Böcker
Böcker is a family-owned German manufacturer of lifting equipment, founded in 1958. Its products include truck-mounted and trailer cranes, construction and material lifts, and personnel lifts. The AK 46/6000 is part of its truck crane range, which uses an aluminium boom design for lifting work where reach and a flexible setup are important.
View website: https://boecker.de/en/
About Acorn Group
Acorn Group is a UK-based insurance group founded in Formby in 1982. It provides specialist motor and household insurance through a portfolio of brands and related businesses. The group acquired Mersey Chambers in 2016 as part of its investment in historic buildings in Liverpool and the surrounding region.
View website: https://www.theacorngroup.com/
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Liverpool’s “Third Liver Bird”?
It is a stone bird sculpture positioned on Mersey Chambers, separate from the pair of Liver Birds atop the Royal Liver Building. It has stood on Mersey Chambers since 1878.
Why was the sculpture removed?
The 60kg sculpture was lowered for restoration to correct weather damage. It is due to be returned to its position after the work.
Which crane was used to remove the sculpture?
John Sutch Cranes used a Böcker AK 46/6000 truck-mounted telescopic crane.
How was the sculpture prepared for lifting?
Roof riggers and an aerial work platform helped place the sculpture in a sling before it was lowered to street level.
What made the lift challenging?
The crane had to operate in a confined area, with church gardens on one side, a scaffolded building on the other and people working on the roof.
