Lifting a 36-Foot, 32,000-Pound Silo: Precision Planning for a MASSIVE Pick

Patriot Lifting
Dec 13
2 min read

Some lifts demand more than horsepower—they demand precision, preparation, and complete trust between the crane operator and the crew on the ground.

Patriot Lifting was recently brought in to handle the placement of a massive 36-foot silo weighing approximately 32,000 pounds. The lift required careful coordination, controlled movement, and exact execution to safely raise, maneuver, and set the silo without incident.

From rigging strategy to final placement, this job was a textbook example of why experience matters when the load is large and the margin for error is small.

The Challenge: Size, Weight, and Balance

At 36 feet tall, the silo presented several unique challenges:

Significant height and wind profile, requiring calm conditions and steady control
A 32,000-lb load that demanded accurate load calculations and crane configuration
Critical balance and orientation, ensuring the silo stayed plumb during the lift
Precise placement, with no room for swing, drift, or sudden movement

Tall cylindrical loads like silos are especially sensitive during lifting. Even small shifts can amplify movement, making smooth operation essential.

The Plan: Rigging, Crane Setup, and Communication

Before the lift ever began, the Patriot Lifting team worked through a detailed plan:

Verified weight, center of gravity, and lift points
Selected the proper crane configuration to maintain capacity and control
Designed a rigging setup that evenly distributed the load
Conducted pre-lift safety and communication briefings with the crew

Every role was clearly defined—from the operator in the cab to the riggers guiding the load—so that once the lift started, execution would be seamless.

The Lift: Controlled, Smooth, and Methodical

As the silo came off the ground, the focus was on slow, deliberate movement. The operator maintained steady boom and hoist control while ground personnel monitored alignment and rotation.

Key priorities during the lift included:

Keeping the silo stable and vertical
Minimizing any pendulum effect
Making small, intentional adjustments rather than rushed corrections
Maintaining constant visual and radio communication

The silo was raised, maneuvered, and set exactly as planned—without incident, delay, or damage.

The Result: A Successful Set and Another Job Done Right

Once the silo was safely placed, the project moved forward without interruption. For the client, that meant confidence. For Patriot Lifting, it meant another complex lift completed safely and professionally.

Jobs like this reinforce what we believe at our core:

Big lifts don’t succeed by chance—they succeed through preparation, experience, and disciplined execution.

Why Patriot Lifting Is Trusted for Heavy & Specialized Lifts