Features Archive
Archive of features from the global cranes industryFeatures By Date
November 2019
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Turning without taglines
To turn and control a hanging load, taglines are used. Taglines are risky, but no alternative has seemed available. You wait years for a solution, then two turn up at once. Both are from Australia. Julian Champkin looks at the devices from down under that may turn lifting upside down.
The way the wind blows
Sotiris Kanaris talks to special transport manufacturers about how they are serving the ever-changing wind energy sector.
Cutting edge expertise
David Collett is president of ESTA, the European mobile crane and special transport association, and MD of the eponymous UK special transport firm. Will North interviewed him about the challenges posed by longer, heavier, wind farm components, and collaboration between the transport and wind energy industries.
Built in Italy
GIS in Piacenza has established itself as the key show for the Italian lifting industry. Will North attended, and spoke to a number of Italian—and Italy-based—crane manufacturers.
Terex launches first hydraulic luffer
During a customer event at a testing yard in Polcenigo, Italy, Terex has shown for the first time three new tower crane models, one of which is the company’s first hydraulic luffer.
A flexible frame
A Liebherr LR 11000 crawler crane featuring the highly flexible “V-frame” ballasting system has successfully completed its first jobs in the field.
October 2019
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Raising the Roof
The nuclear power sector continues to drive demand for the world’s biggest cranes. Julian Champkin visited Hinkley Point, where Sarens and Favco have giant cranes at work, and reports on nuclear projects around the world.
Ready for Delivery
As Comansa planned a September open house to show off its new large flat top, the 21LC1400, Sotiris Kanaris spoke to group marketing manager Javier Militino about the new model and the company’s strategy.
Bigger and Stronger
Over the past few years, Jaso has launched a number of models across its different ranges, among them were its highest capacity models. Dick Huitema, area manager at Jaso, talks to Sotiris Kanaris about these models and the market.
Innovation Drive
A number of tower crane models are at the final stages of development at Saez’s factory, one of which claims a world title. Sotiris Kanaris talks to sales representative Juan Ballester about the upcoming launches.
A Smaller Telecrawler
For more than 50 years the concept of the telecrawler crane has intrigued the industry. Labelled, until recently, as a ‘niche’, the cranes are taking an increasing share of the market. Here, Stuart Anderson assesses the market in the smallest swing cab models, up to 30t capacity.
The Global village
As Liebherr's Ehingen plant celebrated its fiftieth anniversary this summer, Will North visited the plant and talked to three of its managing directors about the company's past and future.
Standing on water
Sarens has transported and installed a 580m bridge in Nord-Trøndelag, Norway, over the Beitstad Sound between Steinkjer and Verran.
September 2019
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New jack capacity
Hydraulic jacks can lift huge structures from below; strand jacks can lift them from above. Rams can push them sideways to slide along rails. Julian Champkin discovers that there is more than one way to move something heavy.
A wider, safer working zone
In recent years, anti-collision systems have developed into new areas, offering improved integration with crane controls, cameras, and BIM systems. John Bensalhia reports.
Cranes on the factory floor
Industry needs lifting power for many regular lifting, maintenance, and one-off tasks. Julian Champkin finds spiders, minis, crawlers, and others are all used in the role.
Building a new city
Over 35 Potain tower cranes are working on the construction of the New El Alamein City, an urban development being built on Egypt’s northern coast.
August 2019
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High desert tower cranes
Mining has been a key feature of the Chilean economy since the earliest days. Julian Champkin finds that lifting methods have become uniquely adapted to the conditions of South America’s Southern Cone, with tower cranes operating for decades in the Atacama desert and beyond.
Blades slicing through mountains
To move more than 900 wind farm components over 200km through Chile, ALE had to carefully develop a route, including cutting into a mountain.
Brazil holds its breath
Brazil is poised to recover from economic and political crisis. Julian Champkin spoke to Paulo Carvalho of crane company Locabens
