Reviving Vintage Link-Belt Cranes at the Comcast 2 Site in Philadelphia

[MikePhua]

The Legacy of Link-Belt Cranes in Urban Construction
Link-Belt cranes have long been a fixture in American heavy lifting, with roots tracing back to the late 1800s when William E. Ward patented the first link-belt chain. By the mid-20th century, Link-Belt had become synonymous with crawler cranes, lattice booms, and friction-driven hoisting systems. These machines were built for durability, simplicity, and raw pulling power—qualities that made them ideal for demolition, steel erection, and deep foundation work.
At the Comcast 2 construction site in Philadelphia, a rare sight emerged: vintage Link-Belt cranes from the 1900s era still performing with remarkable strength. These machines, often overlooked in favor of modern hydraulic units, demonstrated that mechanical precision and operator skill could still rival newer technology under the right conditions.
Terminology Annotation
- Line pull: The maximum force a winch or hoist can exert on a single cable line, typically measured in pounds.
- Swing pedals: Foot-operated controls used to rotate the crane’s upper structure, common in older friction cranes.
- Four-stick control: A configuration where separate levers control boom hoist, swing, travel, and load line—requiring high coordination.
- IUOE: International Union of Operating Engineers, a labor union representing crane operators and heavy equipment professionals.
Performance and Operator Adaptation
One operator noted that the line pull on these older Link-Belts reached an impressive 58,000 pounds—a figure that rivals or exceeds many modern hydraulic cranes in the same class. This raw lifting capacity is a testament to the robust gearing and friction clutch systems that defined the era.
However, operating these machines requires a different skill set. Swing pedals, for example, demand precise foot coordination, and the four-stick layout challenges even seasoned operators. Those trained on Case backhoes or hydraulic excavators may find the transition jarring. Yet for union operators from IUOE locals, especially those with experience on friction rigs, the learning curve is manageable.
A veteran from Local 150 recalled his early days on a Link-Belt 98, where timing and rhythm mattered more than electronics. “You didn’t just pull a lever—you had to feel the machine,” he said. That tactile feedback is largely absent in today’s joystick-controlled cranes.
Preservation and Practical Use in Modern Projects
Using vintage cranes on a high-profile site like Comcast 2 is more than nostalgia—it’s practicality. These machines are often deployed for tasks like:

• Pulling heavy steel beams from demolition pits
  
• Supporting pile-driving operations
  
• Handling oversized loads with slow, controlled movement
  
• Operating in tight urban spaces where newer cranes may be too bulky
  

Their mechanical simplicity also means fewer electronic failures, easier field repairs, and lower operating costs. In cities like Philadelphia, where historic buildings and narrow alleys complicate logistics, the compact footprint and maneuverability of older friction cranes offer distinct advantages.
Maintenance and Safety Considerations
Despite their strengths, vintage cranes require rigorous maintenance. Key areas include:

• Brake band inspection and adjustment
  
• Clutch lining replacement
  
• Cable reeving and tension checks
  
• Lubrication of gear trains and swing bearings
  
• Structural weld inspections for fatigue
  

Operators must also be trained in manual load control, as these machines lack automatic load moment indicators or anti-two-block systems. Safety relies heavily on experience, communication, and adherence to rigging standards.
Cultural Impact and Operator Pride
The presence of these cranes at Comcast 2 sparked conversations among younger operators and passersby. Some mistook them for museum pieces, only to be surprised when they roared to life and lifted steel with ease. For seasoned IUOE members, it was a moment of pride—a reminder that craftsmanship and tradition still have a place in modern construction.
One foreman shared that his father operated a similar crane during the construction of the Walt Whitman Bridge in the 1950s. Seeing the same model at work decades later was a full-circle moment, bridging generations of labor and engineering.
Conclusion
The use of early 1900s Link-Belt cranes at the Comcast 2 site in Philadelphia is more than a technical choice—it’s a tribute to enduring design, operator skill, and the legacy of American heavy equipment. These machines, with their swing pedals and friction clutches, continue to lift not just steel but the spirit of those who built the skyline one beam at a time. In a world of automation and digital diagnostics, sometimes the best tool is the one that still listens to the hands and feet of its operator.