Two Legends Reunited: A Crane, a Classic Truck, and a Familiar Face

There’s something special about seeing pieces of Street Crane history come together — and that’s exactly what happened recently when a crane was delivered to a familiar name on a very familiar truck.

Andrew Bettney — or Sodbuster, as many of his former colleagues fondly remember him — was once a skilled installation engineer and welder at Street Crane. In 1984, he left to start his own venture: Tideswell Welding Services, a family-run business that began humbly from the back of his van.

Fast forward a few decades, and Andrew’s business has grown steadily. In 2017, he moved into a unit on Tideswell Moor and reached out to Street Crane for a lifting solution. Now, with a brand-new building in place, Andrew has once again turned to Street Crane for another crane to support his expanding operations.

But the delivery wasn’t just business as usual — it was a trip down memory lane.

Back in the 1980s and 1990s, Street Crane relied heavily on RD Gill Transport for its haulage needs. One of their drivers, Nick Gregory, has kept the legacy alive by restoring the original truck he used during this time. That very truck sourced from Ireland — lovingly brought back to life — is still going strong today.

And what better way to deliver Andrew’s new crane than with Nick’s beautifully restored wagon? Two pieces of Street history, side by side: a former employee turned successful business owner, and a vintage truck that once carried countless Street Cranes across the country.

Take a look at our delivery photo’s from Street Crane to Andrew’s warehouse — they’re more than just a delivery; they’re a celebration of craftsmanship, loyalty, and the enduring connections that make Street Crane what it is.