Jekko Spider Crane Recovers Helicopter from Apennine Mountains

30 Second Takeaway

Italian crane rental specialist Bendini Gru has successfully completed a complex helicopter recovery operation in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, using a 15.5-tonne Jekko JF545 spider crane. The operation highlights the advantages of compact, high-capacity spider cranes in remote, unstable terrain where conventional lifting methods are impractical.

Emergency Landing in Difficult Terrain

The recovery followed an emergency landing involving an Elifiulia Helicopter Service aircraft travelling from Ronchi dei Legionari (Friuli Venezia Giulia) to Garfagnana for firefighting operations. Adverse weather conditions and low cloud cover caused the pilots to lose visual reference, forcing an immediate landing to avoid collision with mountainous terrain or nearby power lines.

The helicopter measuring 12 metres by two metres and weighing approximately two tonnes  came to rest on steep ground affected by instability following recent severe weather across the Emilia-Romagna region.

Selecting the Right Recovery Method

Bendini Gru assessed several recovery options, including:

• Lifting and transporting the aircraft using a larger helicopter

• Deploying a truck-mounted crane

• Organising a relay of vehicles, including tractors, truck mounts, and mini cranes

After careful evaluation, the company selected the Jekko JF545 spider crane as the safest and most efficient solution, due to its compact footprint, lifting capability, and adaptability to unstable ground conditions.

Why the Jekko JF545 Was Chosen

The Jekko JF545 offered the ideal balance of reach, capacity, and mobility for the site conditions. Key specifications include:

• Maximum tip height: over 30 metres

• Capacity: 2.5 tonnes at 16 metres

• Maximum radius: 28 metres (600 kg)

• Operating weight: 15,500 kg

• Overall width: 1.84 metres

• Overall length: 5.4 metres

• Outriggers: five-stage variable stability system

Its compact dimensions and variable outrigger setup allowed safe positioning on uneven and softened ground.

Recovery Operation Execution

The recovery team transported the spider crane approximately three kilometres along dirt tracks and steep terrain using a tractor. Once stabilised, the same tractor was used to reposition the helicopter within the crane’s operating envelope.

After manually removing the propellers, the JF545, operating with a 16-metre main boom, lifted the aircraft and transferred it to a safer, level area. The helicopter was then manually moved a further 10 metres before being loaded onto a tractor trailer for transport back to base.

The entire operation including mobilisation, recovery, and return to Bendini Gru’s headquarters in Lama di Reno, Bologna  took approximately 10 hours.

Compact Cranes for Complex Recoveries

The successful recovery demonstrates how modern spider cranes can provide efficient, lower-risk solutions for emergency recovery operations in challenging environments where access, stability, and logistics are critical constraints.

About Bendini Gru

Bendini Gru is an Italian crane rental and lifting specialist based in Lama di Reno, Bologna. The company provides mobile crane hire, spider cranes, and specialised lifting solutions for construction, industrial, and emergency recovery applications across Northern and Central Italy.

About Jekko

Jekko is an Italian manufacturer specialising in spider cranes, compact lifting solutions, and pick & carry cranes. Known for precision engineering and innovation, Jekko machines are widely used in environments where space, access, and terrain present significant challenges.

Website https://www.jekko.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was a spider crane used instead of a helicopter?

Using a larger helicopter posed higher risk and cost. The spider crane allowed a controlled, ground-based recovery with greater precision and safety in unstable terrain.

What makes the Jekko JF545 suitable for remote recoveries?

Its compact footprint, high lifting capacity, long reach, and variable outrigger system make it ideal for confined or uneven sites.

How was the crane transported to the site?

The JF545 was towed approximately three kilometres along dirt roads and steep terrain using a tractor.

How long did the operation take?

The full recovery operation took approximately 10 hours, including setup and return.

What industries commonly use spider cranes like the JF545?

Spider cranes are frequently used in construction, industrial maintenance, glazing, infrastructure, emergency recovery, and mountainous or urban environments.