Smeal style hoist for wind turbine maintenance

[In nomine]

Has anyone here adapted or regularly uses a smeal style pump hoist or a similar telescoping boom rig for wind turbine maintenance or small tower work. I've seen them used a lot in the well industry, and I was thinking about whether the reach and control they offer could be handy for lifting nacelle components or swapping out gear up top without needing a full size crane
I would love to get insights or advice for lighter turbine installs or service work? limitations or workarounds?

 

[James D.]

Ok lemme tell you that I've encountered one rigged for light turbine service out west, but it took a few mods to handle the height and precision needed. If you're not going too tall, they can definitely pull their weight with the right setup.

 

[Spartan_1]

Relying on a Smeal-style pump hoist for turbine work feels like asking for trouble. They're great for wells, but their stability and precision up high can't match a proper crane.

Most people use them out of budget constraints, not because they're ideal

 

[Randisson]

Have you run into stability or safety concerns using a Smeal-style pump hoist on turbine towers, or does its reach and control actually hold up well compared to renting a smaller crane for the job?