Cauvas Occilev Takes France’s First Spierings City Boy Crane
- Meagan Wood
- Feb 5
- 3 min read
30 Second Takeaway
Cauvas Occilev has become the first company in France to add the Spierings SK487-AT3 City Boy to its fleet. The self-erecting mobile tower crane combines full battery-electric capability with hybrid flexibility, targeting restricted-access and low-emission urban lifting applications.
Spierings SK487-AT3 City Boy Delivered to France for the First Time
French rental and heavy haulage specialist Cauvas Occilev has taken delivery of a Spierings SK487-AT3 City Boy, marking the first deployment of the City Boy model in France.
A Decade-Long Development Programme
The City Boy project was first announced by Spierings in 2010 and followed a 10-year development journey. Progress was delayed by the global financial crisis, with the crane not reaching pre-production and testing until late 2017. The first production units were ultimately delivered to customers in April 2020.
Fully Electric and Plug-In Hybrid Operation
The Spierings SK487-AT3 City Boy can operate as a fully battery-electric mobile tower crane, enabling zero-emission lifting on sensitive job sites. It can also be used as a plug-in hybrid, with a compact, low-emission diesel engine providing battery top-up when required, offering operational flexibility without compromising environmental performance.
Lifting Capacities and Working Envelope
The SK487-AT3 offers a maximum lifting capacity of seven tonnes, which it can handle at a radius of just under 12 metres. At its maximum working radius of 40 metres, the crane can lift 1,700kg.
Additional configuration details include:
Tower heights: 21, 24, 27, and 30 metres
Jib luffing angles: 15°, 30°, and 45°
Maximum hook height: More than 55 metres
The crane has a total operating weight of 36 tonnes, with compact transport dimensions of 13.1 metres in length, 2.5 metres in width, and four metres in height when stowed.
Designed for Urban and Restricted-Access Sites
Chief executive Benjamin Cauvas said the City Boy aligns closely with the company’s strategic focus on urban lifting and sustainability.
“What we value most is the City Boy’s unique electric versatility, combined with Spierings’ recognised expertise. With this crane, we want to create a new market by offering our clients a lifting solution for sites with restricted access, especially in city centres. It also allows us to meet the growing demand for environmentally responsible lifting solutions.”
About Cauvas Occilev
Established in 2018, Occilev operates as a subsidiary of the family-run Cauvas Group, headquartered in Bonneuil-en-France near Paris. In 2010, Benjamin Cauvas, the grandson of the company’s founder, assumed the role of managing director.
Today, the company delivers lifting services, heavy goods haulage, handling, and storage, operating a fleet of cranes ranging from 50 to 450 tonnes across France.
Website: https://www.cauvas.fr
About Spierings Mobile Cranes
Spierings Mobile Cranes specialises in self-erecting mobile tower cranes, combining tower crane performance with mobile crane flexibility. The manufacturer is widely recognised for its leadership in battery-electric and hybrid crane technology, particularly for urban and environmentally sensitive projects.
Website: https://www.spieringscranes.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What crane model did Cauvas Occilev add to its fleet?
Cauvas Occilev added the Spierings SK487-AT3 City Boy, the first of its kind to operate in France.
What is the maximum capacity of the Spierings SK487-AT3 City Boy?
The crane offers a maximum lifting capacity of seven tonnes, with 1,700kg available at a 40-metre radius.
Can the City Boy operate without diesel power?
Yes, the SK487-AT3 can operate as a fully battery-electric crane, with an optional plug-in hybrid mode for extended operation.
What type of projects is the City Boy designed for?
The City Boy is designed for restricted-access, city-centre, and low-emission lifting projects, where compact dimensions and electric operation are critical.
