Potain Electric Self-Erecting Crane Supports Tight-Site Steel Erection in Boston
- Meagan Wood
- Feb 9
- 3 min read
30-Second Takeaway
A steel erection project on Newbury Street in Boston is demonstrating how electric self-erecting cranes can solve the space, noise, and emissions challenges of dense urban construction. MAS Building and Bridge, working with Shawmut Equipment, is using a Potain Hup 40-30 configured with a multi-part jib system to operate safely in a restricted footprint while supporting multiple trades on site.
Electric Self-Erecting Crane Addresses Urban Space Constraints
A steel erection project on Newbury Street in Boston is highlighting the growing role of electric self-erecting cranes in dense city construction environments.
Contractor MAS Building and Bridge, working with Shawmut Equipment, is using a Potain Hup 40-30 self-erecting crane on a site where limited access and surrounding structures restrict traditional crane operation.
The project location does not allow for a full 360-degree crane swing, requiring a more adaptable lifting solution.
Andrew Gallagher, a foreman with MAS Building and Bridge, said:
“This machine has been very vital to the success of this job just due to the tight proximity of the location that we're at.”
Configurable Jib System Enables Safe Operation Near Buildings
To manage the restricted footprint, the Potain crane was configured with a three-part jib system.
This setup allows:
Materials to be unloaded using a single-part configuration to avoid nearby buildings
Additional jib sections to extend reach to the far end of the structure
Greater flexibility in tight lifting zones without full swing clearance
The crane has also supported multiple trades on site, including carpentry crews, by accessing areas that would otherwise be difficult to reach.
Fully Electric Operation Reduces Noise and Emissions
In addition to its compact profile, the Hup 40-30 is fully electric, eliminating onsite exhaust emissions and reducing noise levels — a key advantage for construction in Boston’s Back
Bay neighborhood.
The crane is operated via radio remote control using a two-battery system:
One battery in active use
One stored in a heated compartment
According to the project team, this configuration has enabled continued operation during freezing conditions without battery performance issues.
Future Potential for Similar Urban Applications
While MAS Building and Bridge has limited prior experience using this model specifically for steel erection, the success of the Newbury Street project is prompting consideration of similar equipment for future urban jobs.
Electric self-erecting cranes are increasingly being evaluated for projects where:
Space is restricted
Noise regulations are strict
Emissions reduction is a priority
Multi-trade access is required
About Potain
Potain, a brand of Manitowoc, is a global manufacturer of tower cranes and self-erecting crane solutions. Potain cranes are widely used in urban construction, infrastructure, and industrial applications, offering compact setup, flexible jib configurations, and increasingly electrified lifting technologies.
Website: https://www.manitowoc.com/potain
About MAS Building and Bridge
MAS Building and Bridge is a U.S.-based contractor specializing in structural steel erection and complex construction projects. The company supports challenging jobsites across dense urban environments, delivering lifting and erection expertise where space, access, and coordination are critical.
Frequently Asked Questions
What crane is being used on the Boston Newbury Street project?
MAS Building and Bridge is using a Potain Hup 40-30 electric self-erecting crane.
Why was a self-erecting crane chosen for this site?
The project site has limited access and does not allow for a full 360-degree crane swing, requiring a compact and adaptable lifting solution.
What are the benefits of an electric crane in urban construction?
Electric cranes eliminate onsite exhaust emissions and reduce noise levels, making them ideal for dense neighborhoods with strict environmental constraints.
How does the crane operate in cold weather?
The crane uses a two-battery system, with one battery stored in a heated compartment to maintain performance during freezing conditions.
