Liftinghero Dario from Switzerland
Experience begins with adaptability
Dario has been working as a crane operator for twelve years. During that time, he has learnt that no two cranes operate in the same way. Whether on a challenging large-scale construction site with changing crane types or at the controls of a Fibre crane with a different rope feel, Dario quickly finds his feet. For him, the ability to adapt to new conditions is therefore one of the most important skills a crane operator can have. Experience does not mean doing the same thing every day. For Dario, experience is demonstrated above all by the ability to quickly develop a feel for operating a new tower crane.
One tower crane for an entire construction site
In July 2022, Dario faced a particular challenge: 18 detached houses were to be built on a construction site, with three apartment buildings added later. Instead of the two tower cranes originally planned, only one centrally positioned crane was available. Until then, Dario had mainly operated cranes from the ground using radio remote control. On this site, however, he had to operate the crane from the cab.
When work suddenly began on six or seven houses at the same time, more and more people came to rely on Dario and his crane. At times, several teams of formwork carpenters, steel fixers and bricklayers were working simultaneously. This significantly increased both the time pressure and the organisational demands, pushing Dario to his limits. At the same time, he gained experience that continues to shape him today. “I learnt a great deal on this construction site,” he says. Above all, he learnt how important it is to take responsibility, maintain an overview even under pressure and coordinate closely with the team on the ground.
A different rope feel when switching to a Fibre crane
Dario also demonstrated his ability to adapt quickly to new conditions on a large residential and commercial project in Lucerne, where he switched between three or four cranes within just a few months. One of the cranes he operated was a Liebherr 250 EC-B Fibre.
At first, the Fibre crane’s high-tensile fibre rope gave him a different operating feel compared with a conventional steel rope. Its behaviour was particularly unfamiliar when lowering and picking up a load, as well as in windy conditions. With every lift, Dario developed a better feel for the fibre rope and became increasingly familiar with its characteristics.
What initially felt unfamiliar soon became a source of enthusiasm. “It is great fun to operate a crane equipped with Fibre technology,” he says today. When red warning fibres became visible in the rope, indicating that a rope repair was required, Dario also had the opportunity to witness a complete rope replacement for the first time, carried out by Liebherr service technicians.
The 340 EC-B as a reliable partner
One of the top-slewing cranes that has made a particularly lasting impression on Dario is the Liebherr 340 EC-B. It was the most powerful crane on the construction site where he was working at the time. Dario particularly appreciated its speed and the jib’s stable behaviour. The top-slewing crane also gave him a reassuring sense of control when braking. For Dario, this is a crucial factor in demanding day-to-day construction site operations, where many people depend on reliable lifts.
Crane operator, content creator, Liftinghero
Dario now also shares his enthusiasm on social media. His first recordings came about almost by chance: he attached his smartphone to the load hook, recorded a video and posted it to his WhatsApp status. The videos were so well received that he later began sharing more insights on his own Instagram account.
Today, under the name “Swiss_Towercrane”, he shares scenes from his working day and reveals a perspective that normally remains hidden from people on the ground. Alongside the many positive comments, he also receives specific questions about cranes and how they are operated. The level of interest in his profession continues to surprise and delight him.
What is a liftinghero in our opinion:
Tower cranes shape the image of every construction site. And what about the people who assemble, maintain, operate and work with the cranes? Whether crane operators, service technicians, fitters or construction site workers - you are the heroes of the construction site!
Only through you is the lifting of loads on the construction sites of this world possible.
Show us your workplace and tell us why your job is your passion.