Hoeflon minis move angel statues in Barcelona Cathedral crypt

Transgruas Salavedra moves angel statues in Barcelona Cathedral crypt with electric Hoeflon C30e and C1e

Spanish lifting specialist Transgruas Salavedra brought in two electric Hoeflon mini cranes, a C30e and a C1e, to remove and reposition decorative angel statues during restoration work in the crypt of the Cathedral of Barcelona.

Tight access in a fragile setting

Work in monumental buildings rarely leaves much room for lifting equipment, and the crypt of Barcelona Cathedral was no exception. Space was limited, the access routes and work areas ruled out conventional cranes, and the historic fabric of the building demanded that every movement be made with extreme care.

The compact dimensions of the two Hoeflon machines allowed them to be brought through the confined spaces and set up without damaging their surroundings, while their battery-electric drive meant no exhaust emissions inside the centuries-old building.

Statues out, statues back – to the millimetre

The job itself called for precision rather than brute force. The angel statues had to be lifted clear for the restoration work and later set back exactly in their original positions. According to Hoeflon, the combination of fine control, manoeuvrability and lifting capability of the C30e and C1e made it possible to handle the valuable pieces safely in both directions.

A growing niche for compact electric cranes

The project is a good illustration of where mini cranes have carved out their territory: restoration and renovation work in churches, monuments and other historic structures, where floor loadings, doorways and irreplaceable surroundings leave no margin for error. For those sites, the manufacturer argues, compact electric machines are increasingly the default choice rather than the exception.