In service for over 40 years
This 1,200 tonne capacity class mobile crane has been on the road since 1980, and it continues in service to this day! The unit was originally purchased by Scotts directly from the German Gottwald factory.
From Scotts it went to Grayston-White & Sparrow within BET. After Rentokil took over BET, the company changed its name to Initial. Sarens then purchased the Initial heavy crane division, which included the AK 680.
The crane is owned and operated by the UK branch of Belgium-based transport and heavy lifting specialist Sarens. Sarens UK is ideally situated in Middlesbrough just three miles from the site. The unit travels and works all over the world and has been on contracts as far afield as Thailand and Argentina. The Liverpool Anfield Stadium roof lift is one of the many unique projects this legendary crane has in his name.
Such a long service time is exceptional and does not come naturally. The remarkably strong crane has been carefully maintained and overhauled over the years. Completely repainted, updated parts such as the more modern Demag cab in the year 2000 and the love of the operator and service team for this giant have ensured that it is still relevant to date. The renaming of AK 680 to AK 680-3 is related to these updates.
