Pewag Levo Compensator supports precise balcony installation

A Pewag Levo Load Compensator supplied by LiftingXperts has enabled Akor Group to safely level and install prefabricated balcony elements on a new 75m residential tower in Haarlem, the Netherlands.

Installing large, prefabricated elements on a completed façade requires careful control. Each balcony had to remain steady during lifting before being accurately aligned and secured by the project team.

The Pewag Levo Load Compensator was combined with Pewag Grade 10 lifting chains and hooks to securely distribute the load across the balcony elements. Operated by radio remote control, the system allowed the lifting team to adjust and level each balcony as it was moved into position by crane.

By enabling controlled adjustments during the lift, the compensator reduced the need for manual intervention and helped the team install the balconies safely and efficiently at height.

The Pewag Levo Load Compensator is designed to keep loads steady and evenly distributed. Its remote-control system allows lifting and placement to be managed from a safe distance, helping keep personnel away from potential danger while providing accurate control during positioning.

The compensator has a standard stroke of 500mm and is available in combined working load limits of 24, 34 and 50t. Optional load pins can also be installed on each cylinder to provide load information through an accompanying display.

The Pewag Levo Load Balancer and Compensator is the first hydraulically driven system of its kind on the market. Compared with electronically driven alternatives, its hydraulic operation delivers smoother, more precise valve control while reducing energy consumption and maintenance requirements. Integrated floodlights improve visibility in low-light conditions, while an operating range of -20degC to +60degC supports use across demanding environments.

Located in the centre of Schalkwijk, the tower forms part of the area’s wider regeneration, replacing an outdated shopping centre with a new destination where living, working and shopping come together. Constructed by AKOR Group, the development comprises 220 homes, many featuring generous outdoor spaces arranged in a stepped formation across the façade.

Unlike conventional construction sequences, the building’s façade is being completed before the prefabricated balconies are lifted into place. This required a lifting solution capable of compensating for uneven load distribution and precisely levelling each balcony as it was guided towards its final position.