Maxim Crane Works has deployed a Tadano CC 78.1250-1 crawler crane for the dismantling of the retired W.H. Sammis Power Station in Stratton, Ohio, US.
The site, which provided electricity to the eastern Ohio region for more than 60 years, was officially decommissioned in 2023.
Demolition works, including seven power units, five chimneys and several baghouses, are being managed by Cleveland’s B&B Wrecking.
Controlled implosions are being used for most structures, with smaller cranes up to 750t (700t) class handling the majority of the removal.
However, several heavy baghouses are located above a tunnel bridge deck over Ohio Route 7.
The complicated position and weight of these structures, estimated at 500,000lb (230t) each, required a crane with greater reach and lifting capacity.
Initially, B&B Wrecking considered alternatives, as Maxim Crane’s fleet did not include appropriate equipment for this specialist task.
The company later identified the Tadano CC 78.1250-1 as a suitable choice for the project, leading to the crane’s first ever delivery and use at the Stratton site.
Maxim crawler cranes vice-president Dan Murray said: “Our primary reasons for picking the CC 78.1250-1 were its high capacity, flexibility and easy transport.”
Maxim Crane operates its own transport fleet and did not require new trailers for the 1,375t (1,250t) class crane.
The equipment arrived for assembly at the site in early February.
B&B Wrecking noted that Maxim Crane’s commitment to acquiring the new crane and offering detailed planning for its delivery influenced their selection.
The project required particular attention to crane configuration and site ground pressures, as some work takes place above a state highway.
Tadano provided technical support, including site assistance for assembly.
The Tadano CC 78.1250-1 is capable of operating with a main boom reaching 209m. On the W.H. Sammis project, the crane was configured with a 74m main boom and a 48m luffing jib.
In its Superlift arrangement, the crane used a 42m Superlift mast at a radius of 21m, with 540t of counterweight positioned on the Split Tray.
The plan involves multiple lifting positions, with the heaviest load so far approaching 648,000lb (294t).
Maxim Crane expects the Tadano CC 78.1250-1 to remain on site for approximately six months to complete the baghouse removal.
