The world's smallest tower crane
The M40R recovery crane is the world's smallest capacity luffing tower crane. The crane is developed by Marr Contracting with its manufacturing partner Favelle Favco. It is designed to remove other cranes from the top of buildings and has the ability to be placed on almost any roof structure.
Uses include lifting building materials such as air conditioning units and cooling towers but is also often used to recover cranes from the top of buildings during construction. The design places smaller loads into existing support structure and allows for slewing coverage and can also be used to erect larger cranes for heavier lifting.
The M40R was initially used to remove the cranes from the top of the 297.3m tall Eureka Tower in Melbourne, Australia.
Lift ability
- Lift capacity: 3 tonnes
- Maximum radius: 15 metres
- Lift/radius ratio: 3 tonnes/ 11 metres
- Capacity: 2 tonnes at 15m radius
- Main winch hoist capacity: 3 tonnes
- Maximum allowable operational wind speed: 20 metres/second
- Compatible with 100% renewable diesel (HVO100)
More information on the M40R capability can be found in the M40R data sheet.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report lead by Dame Hackitt with full recomendations and link to the government response.
Guide to ISO 19650 for Architecture Firms (2026)
A user gives their low down.
A UK training and membership provider for mould remediation professionals.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
Independent NSI and BAFE study exploring how organisations are changing the way they buy fire safety services.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.
Setting Expectations on Competence Management
Industry Competence Committee.
New Scottish and Welsh governments
CIOB stresses importance of construction after new parliament elections.
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.




















