Skyjack to supply 200 units for Vikings stadium

Skyjack is supplying around 200 aerial work platforms to complete the new Minnesota Vikings stadium in Minneapolis.

“Construction on the stadium is just starting so we do not have all units on site yet but we anticipate having well over 200 by fall 2015,” said Don Beaupre, owner of Beaupre Aerial, the rental company working with subcontractors on the new Viking Stadium project.

Located in the heart of Minneapolis, the new glass-centric covered stadium will replace the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, which was torn down in early 2014.

The nearly $1 billion new stadium will be home to the 52nd Super Bowl in 2018. It will be Minneapolis’ second time hosting the Super Bowl; the last time was in 1992 at the now demolished Metrodome.

The 1.75-million-square-foot stadium will feature moveable front windows, 65,400 seats, 800 hi-definition televisions, wifi and a translucent roof to let natural light that also makes snow removal easier.

Exceeding customer expectations, subcontractors Harris Mechanical, Parsons Electric and Gephart Electric are using more than a dozen Skyjack vertical mast lifts, 38 DC electric scissor lifts and two rough terrain scissor lifts to help install the plumbing, HVAC and electric components at the new stadium.

“Our customers expect to rent Skyjacks because Skyjack equipment has made up the majority of our fleet since we started Beaupre Aerials. They, like us, appreciate the straight forward design and reliability of the equipment,” Beaupre said.

Beaupre Aerials has worked with both subcontractors on other stadium projects and have also used Skyjack equipment on those projects. For the new Viking Stadium construction project, the subcontractors selected SJIII 3219, SJIII 3226 and SJIII 4632 electric scissor lifts for their various working height and deck size to help with installations.

The subcontractors selected Skyjack’s SJ12 and SJ16 vertical mast lifts for their small turning radius in tight areas to help install HVAC systems. The self-propelled vertical mast lifts feature zero inside turning radius, 30 percent gradeability and a 20-inch traversing platform that provides increased access and ability to reach over potential obstacles.

The subcontractors selected Skyjack’s SJ9250 RT rough terrain scissor lifts for its platform, work height and heavy duty capacity.

The Skyjack units currently work eight-hour shifts, five days a week. Beaupre anticipates extending the aerial work platforms’ shift as the final deadline approaches.

“Commonality of Skyjack parts allows us to carry a somewhat smaller inventory of parts both in our parts room at the shop as well as in our five mobile service vehicles,” Beaupre said. “Also, the commonality of electrical components allows an easier time of troubleshooting problems both in the shop and on a job site and means shorter down time for our customers.”

"Beaupre Aerial is a loyal Skyjack customer because of the quality, durability and reliability of the equipment,” Beaupre said. “Also, there has been no easier equipment manufacturer to work with since I have been in business.”