Chichester-based timber suppliers, Covers Timber & Builders Merchants, supported a local builder in creating his vision to produce a wooden crane to move objects without engine mechanics.

Retired electrician John Hayes from Cosham, says he has always been fascinated with the history and methods used to move heavy objects, such as stoneware, without the use of modern day mechanics and wanted to create his own wooden crane masterpiece.
Covers were excited by the 76-year-old’s plans and as a result supplied him with all of the materials he required to create his vision.
Commenting on his project, Hayes said: “I have always been good with my hands and really wanted to create, what I think, is the only possible way to move large, heavy objects without the luxury of engine mechanics. I needed good quality timber to construct my crane and the support of Covers, being a well-known and local company was exactly what I needed. They have supplied me with all of the quality timber I needed. Perfect!”
The wooden framed crane uses the weight of the object being lifted to its advantage, by generating a swing, which will in turn move the crane with ease.
Ben Gale from Covers, said: “The wooden framed crane is a beautiful piece of engineering and works really well. We were keen to support John and his project, as his interest in the historical concept of manoeuvring large objects was fascinating and also highly educating.”