Arsonists set the 16th century Wythenshawe Hall alight, causing severe damage to the building, which was in danger of collapsing at one point.
With a framework of scaffolding in place around the building, Ainscough used a Liebherr LTM 1100/2, fitted with a specially designed cradle, to lift the hall’s bell tower off the building.
Garry Burke, Manchester depot manager, said: "It’s amazing to think that the bell tower has been in situ for almost 500 years before we carefully lifted it off."
Cllr Sue Murphy, deputy leader of Manchester city council, said: "A huge amount of work has already gone into helping protect Wythenshawe Hall, most visibly the scaffold cocoon that is helping to stabilise the damaged areas of the property and will support the new temporary roofing."
