Allen Brothers Crane Hire has expanded its lifting fleet with the addition of a new Tadano AC 4.100L-1 mobile crane, reinforcing the company’s strong commitment to high-performance equipment from Tadano. The Blessington-based crane specialist has been steadily upgrading its lineup, recently incorporating the AC 6.300-1 and AC 5.220L-1 to support growing project demands.
The AC 6.300-1, equipped with a standard 80-metre main boom, has proven especially valuable for the company. Its reach and lifting capacity allow Allen Brothers to efficiently handle the erection and dismantling of nearly 90 percent of all tower cranes used across Ireland. The latest addition further boosts the company’s capability to manage complex lifting tasks with enhanced precision and reliability.
During the handover, conducted by Tadano Ireland’s Anthony Mullin and Ed Taylor, company director Robbie Allen shared a lighthearted moment. “Our new AC 4.100L-1 is mainly for my daughter Sophie, but when I look at it, even I feel tempted to take it out for a spin,” he joked.
Sophie Allen’s journey in the crane industry continues to draw admiration. At just 22 years old, she is one of Ireland’s youngest CSCS-certified female crane operators and has already worked on numerous sites operating tower cranes of various configurations, including luffing jib models and crawler cranes. Her early passion for cranes, nurtured by her father Robbie and uncle Alan, has fueled her rise in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Tadano’s Anthony Mullin praised her exceptional skill. “In nearly 30 years in this industry, Sophie is the first female operator I’ve ever briefed. She’s confident, technically sharp, and exceptionally strong with load calculations and securing techniques. Truly a generational talent,” he said, expressing hope that she will inspire more women to join the lifting industry. Sophie, in turn, thanked Mullin and the Allen Cranes team for their constant support and training, describing the experience as rewarding and motivating.
Robbie Allen attributes the company’s growing success to a clear philosophy: invest in the best cranes and the best operators. “We’ve put significant investment into top-quality tower cranes to ensure the highest standards for our customers. When you combine cutting-edge machines with skilled operators, that becomes your biggest strength,” he said, emphasising Tadano’s vital role in their long-term strategy.
The fleet expansion marks another milestone for Allen Brothers, further enhancing their position as one of Ireland’s leading crane specialists.
