Knuckleboom Cranes for London Eye

Why It Matters

The new cranes boost the London Eye’s maintenance efficiency and safety, minimizing downtime for a globally visited landmark and showcasing advanced MEWP technology in a high‑visibility setting.

Key Takeaways

• Hiab installed two eX.232 HiPro E-5 cranes on London Eye.
• Installation completed in five overnight days, keeping attraction operational.
• Cranes replace original units from 2000, improving safety standards.
• Each crane includes 2‑ton hoist, personnel basket, EN 280 compliance.
• Enables precise lifts and capsule maintenance at height, reducing downtime.

Pulse Analysis

The London Eye, a 135‑meter‑tall observation wheel that draws over three million visitors annually, presents unique engineering challenges. Routine inspections, capsule replacements, and upgrades must be performed at height and within the wheel’s tight structural geometry. Traditional scaffolding or rope access can be time‑consuming and disruptive, so operators increasingly turn to mobile elevating work platforms that can operate while the attraction stays open. By installing dedicated knuckleboom cranes, the Eye’s management ensures continuous service while providing engineers with reliable, high‑reach access to critical components.

Hiab’s eX.232 HiPro E-5 model combines a knuckleboom arm with a certified MEWP platform, delivering a 2‑ton hoist capacity and a personnel basket that complies with EN 280 safety standards. The integrated SPACEevo control system offers electro‑hydraulic precision, while an interlock prevents wheel rotation unless the cranes are safely stowed, eliminating a major risk factor. Built on a robust chassis and equipped with Olsbergs V200 valves, the units provide smooth, coordinated movements essential for navigating the wheel’s spokes and rotating structure. These technical attributes position Hiab as a preferred supplier for complex, high‑rise projects where safety and accuracy are paramount.

The deployment of advanced MEWP technology on a world‑renowned landmark signals a broader shift in the construction and maintenance sector. Operators of bridges, towers, and large‑scale attractions are likely to adopt similar solutions to reduce downtime, lower labor costs, and meet stricter safety regulations. For equipment manufacturers, the London Eye project serves as a high‑profile case study that can accelerate sales of high‑capacity knuckleboom cranes in Europe and North America. As urban infrastructure ages, the demand for versatile, precision‑engineered access platforms is set to grow, making Hiab’s offering a strategic asset in the evolving market.