PHL Hydraulics UK Ltd has successfully completed a complex incremental lift of large structural steel beams at a construction project in north-west London, using a synchronised hydraulic lifting system to overcome severe space restrictions.
The operation involved lifting a 65-tonne crossed-beam arrangement in a confined area where traditional crane access was not possible. To complete the task, the company deployed six Enerpac SCJ-100 Cube Jack units, each with a capacity of 100 tonnes, enabling a controlled three-metre incremental lift.
Two cube jacks were positioned at the ends of two beams, which crossed above two additional beams placed perpendicularly and supported by four further cube jacks. The entire beam structure was then lifted synchronously to its final installation position.
According to project manager Shefit Shehu of Keltbray, the compact design of the cube jacks made it possible to carry out the operation safely within the restricted environment. The hydraulic system provided the precision required to position the steel elements accurately, significantly reducing installation time while avoiding delays that could have arisen with more conventional lifting methods.
PHL Hydraulics is currently the only company in the UK operating the Enerpac SCJ-100 Cube Jack system, enabling it to deliver specialist lifting solutions of up to 800 tonnes in locations where conventional lifting equipment cannot be used.
Anthony Redmond, managing director of PHL Hydraulics, said the synchronised hydraulic system offered a compact yet high-capacity solution that ensured full stability during the lift and allowed the steel beams to be positioned with the required accuracy.
