Steven Clark, Project Manager with Flynn said “mast climbers were the best option”.  Logistic challenges such as downtown core location, limited road access and space restrictions eliminated other types of access.The project scope included installation of 223,000 ft2 of architectural panels, 44,000 ft2 of unitized curtainwall as well as a 50,000 ft2 roofing system. Klimer supplied 24 mast-climbing work platforms which were installed around the perimeter of the building.

Multiple trades carried out their work on the KlimerLite work platforms, increasing efficiencies in schedule, site safety and organization.

An average of 100 people were working on site every day. “In addition, plumbers, electricians and other trades were using the platforms, and it worked out as an overall benefit”, said Steven.

Materials were delivered by crane and installed from the platforms, providing trades with a large, stable work space.  The ability to move to working height at travel speeds up to 39 feet per minute expedited their work.

Time savings achieved by using the mast climbers enabled Flynn to meet and exceed the project’s strict scheduling requirements.

A very dynamic site requires an immense amount of strategic planning and organization. Having one access solution for multiple trades increased efficiencies in time and resources.
“What typically takes our guys one week, took two days on a mast climber”, said Steven. The management of access, trades and construction materials on a project of such grand proportions was expertly carried out by Flynn.

The unique architecture of the building, which curves both horizontally and vertically, required Klimer to proficiently plan, location, orientation and ties to the structure.

Klimer engineers provided a solution with retractable decking, custom ties and layout locations.
The retractable decking allowed the platform to move smoothly from one location to the next, allowing trades to quickly and easily adjust the platforms lead edge to conform to the building’s changing profile.

The mast climbers were tied in to the structural steel and concrete on the curved façade.
Materials, hoisted mostly by crane and installed from the platform, made the fast vertical travel speed of the platforms critical to the trades’ productivity.

“Having a massive forty-foot platform to work from that has retractable decks to get you close to the building – there’s nothing else that offers you that.”

“We push safety, quality and productivity. For all three, the Klimers covered it”.

Saginaw Valley State University’s Melvin J. Zahnow Library

KPM-8 Heavy-Duty Mast-Climbing Work Platform

University Centre, Michigan
Re-Glazing Project

Architectural Glazing Systems
Kris Peltonen, Project Superintendent

“This was the first time we used the Klimer KPM-8. We were working in extreme conditions on a building that presented unique challenges.

The structural glazing had a 7-degree angle, combined with a curved copper roof, making the use of swing stages or scaffold impossible.”

Bonnie Place II Seniors Residence

KPM-8 Heavy-Duty Mast-Climbing Work Platform

500 Claridge Road, Burlington, Ontario

Sobotec Ltd. Architectural Wall Systems, Hamilton, Ontario
Rod LeBlanc, Site Supervisor

Installation of architectural wall systems for new construction with Reid & Deleye Contractors Ltd. of Courtland, Ontario. September, 2009 to January, 2010.

Trespa architectural panels were loaded onto KPM-8 mast climbers for installation. Two skids (holding 10 panels and weighing about 7,200 lbs.) were distributed on each end of the KPM-8 platform for ease of installation, directly from the mast climbers. The two KPM-8s were equipped with Klimer’s mobile chassis option, enabling smoother re-locates. 

“Our crew was able to continuously install panels at working height,” said Site Supervisor Rod LeBlanc. “They were able to move easily from one end of the platform to the other, taking a panel off each end. There was no need to move the machine up and down to retrieve panels one at a time, something they have had to do in the past using other types of access such as booms and suspended scaffold. This saved us a lot of time. What would take eight days on a typical boom lift took only three days on a Klimer. Rental cost for a KPM-8 was the same as a boom lift, so it didn’t cost us any more but certainly saved us a lot,” Rod said. 

Sobotec’s crew enjoyed the security of having the panels and tools kept directly on the equipment — not left on the ground overnight. 

“The crew noticed a big difference in stability and comfort over other types of access they have been on,” Rod noted. “It’s much safer overall.” With more stable platforms and less up-and-down movement, Klimers provided a safe environment with a high level of confidence for all workers on the site. 

“We haven’t had the opportunity to use mast climbers in the past, but I hope we never have to do another project without them!” he added.”

Ontario College of Art & Design

KPM-8 Heavy-Duty Mast-Climbing Work Platform

Toronto, Ontario
Overhead / Vertical Exterior Cladding Installation

Andy Murphy, Project Superintendent
PCL Constructors Inc.

“By using the KPM-8’s self-propelled chassis we were able to cut relocation time and cost by more than 50%. I can definitely see using a Klimer on future projects.”

A total of six KPM-8 mast-climbers were used on this project, providing access to more than 3,000 square feet of ceiling at a time, and making material handling safer and more economical.