Discharging Macadam, Preston Dock
These cranes were operated by hydraulic water pressure supplied from the power house close to the Bull Nose. Whenever freezing temperatures were imminent these cranes had to be completely drained of water to prevent damage. According to one old crane driver this was a long and difficult task that required the operator to get soaking wet while having to open a multitude of drain cocks that were placed in extremely cramped locations. The process would then be reversed at the start of the next day and repeated day in and day out until warmer temperatures returned. Some days when the cranes were worked continuously round the clock they would light a coke brazier in the machinery compartment. This made the operators conditions extremely uncomfortable to say the least due to inadequate ventilation. All the crane drivers were happy to see them go and be replaced by electric units.
Discharging Macadam, Preston Dock
These cranes were operated by hydraulic water pressure supplied from the power house close to the Bull Nose. Whenever freezing temperatures were imminent these cranes had to be completely drained of water to prevent damage. According to one old crane driver this was a long and difficult task that required the operator to get soaking wet while having to open a multitude of drain cocks that were placed in extremely cramped locations. The process would then be reversed at the start of the next day and repeated day in and day out until warmer temperatures returned. Some days when the cranes were worked continuously round the clock they would light a coke brazier in the machinery compartment. This made the operators conditions extremely uncomfortable to say the least due to inadequate ventilation. All the crane drivers were happy to see them go and be replaced by electric units.