For over a decade, Maxim Crane has been a trusted partner on some of the nation’s most complex infrastructure projects. When Marr Crane & Rigging, a subcontractor of Suffolk Construction, needed a lifting provider capable of operating within the extreme constraints of an active international airport, they turned to Maxim Crane. The project — constructing a new elevator bank as part of a major modernization effort at Boston Logan’s Terminal E — demanded precision, safety, and creative problem-solving at every stage.
The Challenge: Extreme Conditions at One of America’s Busiest Airports
Operating at an active international airport with over 100,000 daily passengers presents a unique set of challenges. The Terminal E elevator bank project pushed those challenges to the limit:
- An Active, High-Traffic Environment: With more than one hundred thousand passengers moving through the airport every day, construction could not significantly disrupt operations. Every lift had to be planned around relentless foot traffic and strict airport protocols.
- Harsh Winter Weather: The project took place during one of Boston’s most brutal stretches of winter, with 28 inches of snowfall and windchill temperatures plunging to -25°F. Conditions tested both crew endurance and equipment performance.
- Extremely Tight Size Constraints: Terminal E offered little room to maneuver. Traditional crane setups were out of the question, requiring the team to rethink every aspect of the build from the ground up.
The Solution: Thinking Outside the Box
In the words of Maxim Crane’s Boston Branch Manager, Jason Galvin, “This was not a textbook crane build.” Maxim’s approach centered on selecting the right equipment and executing with precision under extraordinary limitations.
- The Right Crane for the Job: Maxim deployed a Liebherr LTM1750, a nimble yet powerful 900-ton all-terrain crane, to set steel at a 375-foot radius. This crane is the largest ever used at Boston Logan — towering 130 feet taller than the airport’s iconic 285-foot air traffic control tower.
- Midnight-to-Morning Operations: To minimize the impact on passengers and airport operations, Maxim built the crane between midnight and 5:00 AM each morning, keeping disruption to an absolute minimum.
- Innovation in the Air: Due to extreme environmental and spatial limitations on the ground, Maxim built all 299 feet of luffing jib in the air using 80-foot boom lifts — a testament to the team’s ingenuity and technical expertise.
The Results: Precision Under Pressure
Maxim’s meticulous project management and adaptable execution delivered outstanding results under some of the most demanding conditions imaginable:
- Zero Safety Incidents:Over 150 man hours of labor were completed with an unblemished safety record — critical for a project in such a high-stakes, public-facing environment.
- Minimal Airport Disruption: Through strategic overnight scheduling and careful coordination with airport operations, Maxim ensured that the more than 100,000 daily passengers experienced as little disruption as possible.
- Supreme Cost Efficiency: Despite the project’s complexity and environmental challenges, Maxim delivered exceptional value without compromising on safety or quality.
Beyond the Crane: The Maxim Crane Advantage
Marr Crane & Rigging came to Maxim Crane not just for a crane, but for the expert guidance and high-quality execution that brings complex projects safely to completion. Maxim delivered on every front:
- Expert Problem-Solving: From midnight crane builds to assembling 299 feet of luffing jib in the air, Maxim’s team consistently found creative solutions to unprecedented challenges.
- Purpose-Built Equipment Selection: The Liebherr LTM1750 was specifically selected for the site’s constraints and load requirements, proving that the right equipment makes all the difference.
- Unwavering Commitment to Safety: Working in an active airport during extreme winter conditions, Maxim’s highly trained crews maintained a flawless safety record throughout the project.
- Full-Service Partnership: Drawing on a team of engineers, sales representatives, operators, and more, Maxim Crane doesn’t just sell the job — we see it through.
From Runways to Skylines: Put Maxim on Your Next Job
The largest crane Boston Logan has ever seen didn’t get there by accident. It got there because a team of people spent weeks planning how to build a 900-ton machine in the dark, in a blizzard, without waking up an airport.
Whether your project involves infrastructure upgrades in a live environment, commercial construction with zero margin for error, or industrial work that demands heavy iron in heavier experience — Maxim has the fleet, the crew, and the track record to make it happen.
Contact us today to get started on your next lift.
