General
How much does the MULE cost?
This question has no single answer. MULEs are sold mainly through dealers. Each MULE has variable configurations depending on customer needs and jobsite requirements. Configuration variables can include type of scaffolding attachments or mast attachment options for ground installation, as well as type of grippers that may be most relevant. Sharing specifics will allow you to obtain a detailed price. Contact us to find a dealer near you.
Is financing for MULEs available?
Financing is available. CR works with third parties that will evaluate the best options for you.
Are MULEs available for rent?
Rentals are available through CR’s numerous dealer partners across the United States, with expanding options in the U.S. and internationally. Find a dealer near you.
Can you help me design the right solution?
If you’re able to join on a Zoom call or Google meeting, we’ll send you an invite and we can review more jobsite use-cases and answer any other questions you may have also.
What is the ROI?
We have customers recognizing up to a 2-3x increase in production! The MULE can reduce insurance premiums, workman comp claims, and can support 32″ block and other large materials. Other savings beyond labor savings can be realized through reduced injuries and possible lower insurance premiums.
Does a MULE have a warranty?
New MULEs are covered by an 18-month manufacturer warranty for any direct sales.
Do the unions support using the MULE?
The International Masonry Institute (IMI) is a partnership between the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC). IMI owns a fleet of MULEs that are spread across the U.S. and is actively training members and future members about MULE usage and its benefits.
What size project is the right size project to use the MULE?
A MULE is relevant for any job that requires repetitive lifting of materials. MULEs have been used effectively on elevator shafts, stair towers, SRWs (segmented retaining walls), commercial facilities. Download the PDF to learn more.
Specifications
How much does a MULE weigh?
The base MULE is comprised of a core section which includes the arm and power pack. This typically weighs 870lbs. Each additional component or accessory will add weight. These weights can be found in the CR Parts Guide.
A good rule of thumb for an average weight is that an operational MULE is 2500 lbs or equal to a pallet of block.
What are the dimensions of a MULE?
The typical MULE ML150 or ML135 for ground application is approx. 13 ft tall with a footprint of 78in x 66in for the ground plate, with the outriggers extended. Exact dimensions depend on final configuration and application/job site logistics (type of scaffolding, etc.).
What is the reach of the MULE’s arm?
Each MULE ML150 or ML135 has a 12 ft arm comprising two 6 ft sections and an elbow joint. The arm can rotate 360 degrees, providing a 12 ft working radius.
What height can the MULE reach?
Each MULE ML150 or ML135 has a wire rope with an 11 ft run. Depending on your job site-specific requirements, the MULE can free stand up to 20 ft. It can be raised on masts in a wide range of lengths. Cable extensions are available in various lengths also.
What type of power supply is required to use a MULE?
120V AC power is the base option. It is convenient to plug into house power or generators. International adaptations are available as needed.
What is the lifting potential of a MULE?
Weight capacity includes the gripper plus material.
- MULE ML135 has a maximum weight capacity of 135 lbs.
- MULE ML150 has a maximum weight capacity of 150 lbs.
How high can you free stand a MULE?
Overall height with a standard ground base can be up to 28 ft. This allows a wall up to about 23 ft to be built.
What material can a MULE lift?
The standard gripper is designed for CMUs. Multiple grippers are available for the majority of existing materials and applications including foundation block, SRWs (segmental retaining walls), refractory brick, metal panels, concrete form panels and precast stone. CR can also design custom grippers for new materials and new applications. What are you trying to lift?
Does it have adjustable height?
Yes, MULE is modular with mast sections of various heights. A standard MULE package includes a 5 ft mast section and a 2.5 ft mast section, but some users choose to use extra mast sections to free-stand MULE from the ground. You can add up to 22 ft of the mast before we recommend using wall ties, and up to 44ft total after wall ties.
Operations
Does a MULE work on A-frame scaffolding?
Yes!
Does the MULE work on a mast climber?
Yes! CR offers accessories to attach a MULE directly to the mast climber deck and can also be attached to the mast climber mast.
Can the MULE be used indoors?
There are no regulations preventing a MULE from being used indoors. Logistics will dictate the feasibility, including building height clearance, sufficiently wide / tall openings to bring the MULE inside, smooth floor surfaces to allow use of a wheeled cart for moving the MULE as needed.
How do you move a MULE?
Each MULE has multiple pick points for use with a telehandler or forklift. Rigging points allow for moving a MULE.
How do you transport a MULE between jobs and home base?
Each MULE breaks down into multiple shipping configurations depending on your fleet dimensions / capacity. The ground base serves as its own pallet base. If no ground base is ordered a typical alternative would be a fork base, allowing self-contained transportation.
How long does it take to set up a MULE?
It depends! Do you have the right tools? How big is your job? Seriously, it is hard to give a single answer, but a simple MULE configuration can be set up in as little as 15 minutes with as little as 4 nuts and bolts. A telehandler or forklift is typically required.
What type of training do I need?
Basic operation requires little training for standard operator usage. CR training allows planners and end users to optimize the MULE’s contribution to your process and workflow. Training is helpful to ensure maximum benefit to increase safety and productivity on the jobsite by incorporating best practices.
What kind of attachment does it take to safely use it on scaffolding?
We have special deck straps designed for MULE to securely mount to mast-climbing work platforms and have approvals from Hydromobile, EZ Manufacturing, Benu, and others. Other contractors have secured the MULE to deck planks on traditional scaffolding or crank-up with a tensioning strap or chain.
Can it be mounted to a buggy for ground use?
Yes, we have a roll-a-round MULE Cart specifically for this application. MULE wheels into place and then outriggers are set.
Can it be used in traditional pipe-frame staging and moved from level to level, or does it require a non-stop style of staging with no deck above?
It can be used on pipe-frame scaffolding, but you must be sure that it is secure, safe, and stable. Also make sure that the MULE is free to swing and work the whole wall section without the arm hitting any cross braces (so top level is best).
Can it be moved around with a Lull?
Yes, MULE comes with fork pockets designed for safe, easy picks from the front, back, or either side.
What kind of block can a MULE lift?
MULE attachments allow for lifting more than just block. With a wide variety of grippers available, and CR innovating all the time, there is almost nothing a MULE can’t lift! CR’s grippers easily allow MULEs to switch between a wide range of shapes and sizes of stone, block, veneer, form panels, and more. Contact CR Sales to see how we can solve your heavy lifting needs with MULE attachments.
How easy is it to move a MULE?
Using a forklift or a MULE on wheels is the best way to easily and quickly move MULEs. They are equipped with features to facilitate this.
What is the best way to address workforce resistance to using a MULE?
Once workers use a MULE they realize that there is a physical benefit and the MULE is a great partner to help them get their job done. Try it to believe it.
Maintenance
What sort of regular maintenance issues could we expect to encounter?
Maintenance is actually pretty minimal since the MULE is outdoor weather rated and built rugged for the job site, however, monthly service PM would include lubricating the wire rope, changing the compressor filter, etc.
What are the maintenance requirements for a MULE?
Maintenance programs will be detailed based on your specific MULE components. Ongoing maintenance is generally minimal and includes some wire rope lubrication and cleaning fan filters. Specific annual maintenance requirements can be completed by your mechanics after they are CR verified or by a CR field representative.
What is the life expectancy of a MULE?
MULEs were launched in 2017. Original MULEs are still in operation with limited maintenance/repair required if service protocols are followed.
What happens if my MULE breaks while on the job?
Construction Robotics offers customer support and will address issues as quickly as possible. 844-4-ROBOTIC (844-476-2684).