Demand for data centers continues to grow across North America, and critical lifts are an essential piece of the construction puzzle. While many of these new data centers are starting from ground zero, one existing data center in Kansas City, MO, is undergoing a complete overhaul.
Wilkerson Crane on the job site for the data center overhaul in Kansas City.
When Wilkerson Crane Rental needed certified rigging equipment to support the installation of new generators and fuel tanks, they called on LGH for expertise and reliable equipment.
Under new ownership, the data center faced a massive renovation. The age of the facility and the reuse of existing infrastructure made this project unique, requiring careful planning to mitigate challenges.
Wilkerson Crane maintained steady progress despite the constraints of an active jobsite with limited space.
Several factors set this project apart from typical data center construction:
“This being an existing facility, they haven’t had a large crane on site since the building was built,” explains Russell White, Regional Branch Manager at Wilkerson Crane.
And when it came to installing the generator fuel tanks, the contractor specifically asked for certified rigging equipment. “I needed two hoisting setups, but Wilkerson only had one set of the rigging,” says Russell. “So, it was a no-brainer for us to get something from LGH.”
LGH supplies Wilkerson Crane with spreader beams, slings, and shackles for the generator and fuel tank installation.
Russell led a pre-lift planning process that included site walkthroughs, coordination with multiple crews, and the use of manufacturer-provided rigging diagrams – highlighted in Wilkerson’s behind-the-scenes LinkedIn video series. With those diagrams as a foundation, Russell collaborated with LGH Rental Representative Stephen Norman to select the proper rigging components.
“We took the rigging diagram, sized the spreader beams, shackles, and slings, and then went to Stephen with the setup we needed.” LGH matched that setup from our rental fleet and got everything to the job site.
LGH was able to supply the right certified equipment, including spreader beams, also referred to as spreader bars, wire rope slings, and shackles.
With the main generator sets successfully installed and filtration work underway, Wilkerson Crane maintained steady progress despite the constraints of an active jobsite with limited space.
By renting certified rigging equipment from LGH, the crew avoided delays associated with incomplete or inconsistent hoisting setups. LGH’s reliability and equipment availability helped to keep the project on schedule, within budget, and within the contractor specifications.
“This is a good example of a data center that’s been around for a long time that’s getting revamped and reused,” Russell says. “It’s also unique in the fact that it’s all local contractors working on it.”
Through coordination, detailed lift planning, and reliable rigging solutions, LGH and Wilkerson Crane helped keep a complex data center overhaul moving forward.
Wilkerson Crane Rental provides 24-hour service throughout the Midwest. We specialize in operated crane rental, heavy hauling, and heavy equipment repair and service. Wilkerson’s experienced team can handle all your hoisting and heavy hauling needs.
LGH is North America’s largest organization dedicated exclusively to the rental of lifting and moving equipment. With one of the most comprehensive inventories of hoisting, rigging, jacking, pulling, material handling, and safety equipment available, LGH supports contractors with expert guidance and proven solutions for even the most complex jobsites.
