This summer, UNIC Cranes was part of a truly memorable project in the Czech Republic, working alongside our valued dealer KMB STAVEBNÍ SERVIS s.r.o. to bring history and innovation together in the heart of the community. On the weekend of July 26th and 27th, the village of Hostivice gathered for a special moment as two new bells were lifted into the tower of St. James’ Church during a lively festival.
The work began with the careful removal of the old St. Wenceslas bell, and a rehearsal lift to ensure everything would run smoothly in front of the large crowds expected the following day. Sunday’s festival saw the installation of the new St. James and St. Lawrence bells, with local residents, church representatives, and officials watching as precision engineering took centre stage.
The challenge was formidable—the window into the church tower was just 19 centimetres taller than the largest bell. Every movement needed to be exact, and that’s where the UNIC URW-706 spider crane proved to be the perfect solution. Compact enough to operate in tight spaces yet powerful enough to lift heavy loads with millimetre accuracy, the crane made it possible to complete the installation with ease.
Adding a touch of surprise for the spectators, the crane operator sometimes controlled the URW-706 remotely. Many onlookers were astonished that such a large, powerful machine could be guided so smoothly from a distance, and it became a talking point of the day. It wasn’t just a technical achievement; it was a spectacle that combined modern technology with centuries-old tradition.
At UNIC Cranes, we are proud of our strong relationship with KMB. Their professionalism, skill, and commitment to excellence make them a trusted partner in projects like this one, where the stakes are high and precision is essential. Together, we helped create a moment that will be remembered in Hostivice for years to come. The bells now ring out proudly over the town, a lasting reminder of how tradition and innovation can work hand in hand—and how the UNIC URW-706 continues to prove itself as the ideal crane for historic, sensitive, and challenging installations.
