Glazing Cranes, Glass Installation Cranes & Glazing Robots
Save Time. Reduce Crane Rental Costs. Install Glass Where Others Can't.
Large crane rentals are expensive.
Glazing robots can be limited.
Access is often difficult.
Yet today's glazing contractors are expected to install larger curtain wall panels, heavier insulated glass units, oversized storefront glass systems and increasingly complex architectural glazing assemblies.
MICROCRANES® was built to solve these challenges.
The MICROCRANES® M1 Global Model combines the mobility of a glazing robot with the lifting capability of a professional mini crane. With lifting capacities up to 2,000 lbs., lift heights up to 27 feet and lowering depths up to 135 feet (13 stories), the M1 helps contractors install, replace, lower, lift and position glass where traditional cranes and many glazing robots struggle.
Whether your project involves curtain wall installation, storefront glass replacement, high-rise window repair, skylight installation or architectural glazing systems, MICROCRANES® helps crews work faster, safer and more profitably.
Why Commercial Glazing Contractors Choose MICROCRANES®
The most successful glazing contractors understand that profitability is not determined by glass alone.
Profitability is determined by efficiency.
How quickly can crews access the work area? How much time is spent waiting for equipment? How much money is consumed by crane rentals, operators, permits and mobilization?
MICROCRANES® helps answer those questions.
Contractors choose MICROCRANES® because it provides:
- Up to 2,000 lbs. lifting capacity
- Up to 27 feet of lift height
- Up to 135 feet of lowering depth
- Battery-powered or electric operation
- Rapid one-man deployment
- Compact footprint
- Lightweight floor-to-floor mobility
- Reduced crane rental dependency
- Improved jobsite flexibility
- Faster project completion
For many contractors, MICROCRANES® becomes one of the most valuable assets in their equipment fleet.
10 Reasons Glazing Contractors Are Replacing Crane Rentals with MICROCRANES®
1. Avoid Expensive Crane Rentals
Traditional crane rentals can cost thousands of dollars per day once operator fees, mobilization, permits, traffic control and scheduling costs are included.
MICROCRANES® allows contractors to perform many lifting operations on their own schedule without depending on outside crane companies.
2. Eliminate Scheduling Delays
Many glazing projects are delayed simply because equipment is unavailable.
Ownership gives contractors the flexibility to perform installations when work is ready rather than waiting for rental equipment.
3. Improve Profit Margins
Reducing crane rental costs, labor costs and project delays often improves profitability on every project.
4. Work Inside Buildings
Many glazing projects occur inside occupied buildings where large cranes cannot reach.
MICROCRANES® can be moved directly into work areas, allowing contractors to install glass from inside the structure.
5. Reduce Floor Loading Concerns
Hospitals, airports, hotels, office towers and data centers frequently restrict the use of heavy equipment.
The lightweight design of MICROCRANES® helps contractors work in locations where heavier lifting systems may not be practical.
6. Access Difficult Locations
Doorways. Elevators. Mechanical rooms. Atriums. Rooftops. Confined spaces.
MICROCRANES® excels where access is limited.
7. Lower Glass from Rooftops
With lowering depths up to 135 feet, contractors can perform curtain wall replacement, glass repairs and high-rise glazing projects from rooftops and elevated structures.
Very few glazing robots can match this capability.
8. Increase Labor Productivity
Rapid deployment allows crews to begin work quickly and complete projects more efficiently.
9. Lift More Than Glass
Unlike dedicated glazing robots, MICROCRANES® can also support HVAC installations, architectural panels, maintenance projects, machinery movement and countless other lifting applications.
10. Create Long-Term ROI
Many contractors find that avoiding only a few large crane rentals each year can justify ownership.
Glazing Robot vs MICROCRANES®
Many contractors searching for glazing robots, glass robots, robotic glass lifters and vacuum glass lifting equipment are looking for greater productivity.
However, most glazing robots are designed primarily for positioning glass.
MICROCRANES® provides both positioning capability and lifting capability.
Typical Glazing Robot
- Designed primarily for glass
- Limited lowering capability
- Limited rooftop applications
- Limited multi-purpose use
- Often restricted by floor conditions
MICROCRANES® M1
- Up to 2,000 lbs. capacity
- Up to 27 feet lift height
- Up to 135 feet lowering depth
- Rooftop installation capability
- Floor-to-floor installation capability
- Multi-purpose lifting platform
- Glass, curtain wall, HVAC and maintenance applications
For contractors seeking maximum versatility, MICROCRANES® often delivers significantly greater value than a dedicated glazing robot.
Lightweight Design for Floor-to-Floor Glass Installation
Modern buildings increasingly create access challenges.
High-rise office towers. Hospitals. Airports. Hotels. Universities. Data centers. Government facilities.
These structures often impose floor loading restrictions that limit the use of forklifts, large cranes and heavy lifting equipment.
MICROCRANES® was specifically designed for these environments.
Its compact footprint and lightweight design allow contractors to bring lifting capability directly into the building where work is being performed.
Instead of relying on expensive exterior cranes, contractors can often complete installations from inside the structure itself.
This capability can dramatically reduce costs while improving efficiency.
Install Glass from Above Using Rooftop Access
One of the most unique capabilities of the MICROCRANES® M1 is its ability to lower loads up to 135 feet below the crane.
That is approximately thirteen stories.
This allows contractors to perform:
- Curtain wall replacement
- Glass facade repairs
- High-rise window replacement
- Architectural glazing projects
- Storefront renovations
- Atrium glass replacement
- Skylight installation
- Glass canopy installation
Very few glazing robots, mini cranes or portable lifting systems can match this capability.
Compatible with Vacuum Glass Lifters
MICROCRANES® works with approved glass handling accessories including:
- Vacuum glass lifters
- Glass suction cup systems
- Spreader bars
- Lifting beams
- Rigging assemblies
- Custom lifting fixtures
This flexibility allows contractors to configure a lifting solution tailored to their specific applications.
Commercial Glazing Applications
- Curtain wall installation
- Curtain wall repair
- Curtain wall replacement
- Storefront glass installation
- Window replacement
- Architectural glazing
- Glass restoration
- Structural glass installation
- Insulated glass units (IGUs)
- Double-glazed units
- Glass partitions
- Frameless glass walls
- Custom glass doors
- Glass railings
- Skylights
- Atriums
- Museum glazing
- Marine glass
- Yacht glass
- Composite panels
- Stone panels
- Ceramic panels
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a glazing crane?
A glazing crane is a lifting system used to install, replace and position glass panels, curtain walls, storefront systems and architectural glazing materials.
What is a glazing robot?
A glazing robot is a machine designed to move and position glass panels. Many contractors combine glazing robots, vacuum lifters and mini cranes to improve productivity.
Can a mini crane install curtain wall panels?
Yes. MICROCRANES® can be used with approved rigging and glass handling accessories to support curtain wall installation and replacement projects.
Can glass be lowered from a rooftop?
Yes. The MICROCRANES® M1 can lower loads up to 135 feet below the crane, making rooftop glass installation and replacement possible.
What is the advantage of a lightweight mini crane?
Lightweight cranes can often be used in buildings and on floors where heavier equipment may not be practical due to loading restrictions.
Request Information or a Quote
If your company installs curtain walls, storefront systems, skylights, insulated glass units or architectural glazing systems, discover how MICROCRANES® can reduce crane rental costs, improve productivity and help your crew complete projects faster.
