Transport company Kübler moved a 345t gas turbine in March a distance of 15km in Germany, using a 20-axle Scheuerle Inter Combi platform trailer. But first the load, measuring 11.25m x 5.55m x 5.3m, had to be lifted on to the platform trailer, using the trailer’s own hydraulics. Two 10-axle modules were coupled in parallel and solid steel plates were put into position to distribute the load. Getting into the turbine manufacturer’s assembly station was a tight fit. CAD simulations had ensured that, with the maximum steering lock manually adjusted via the engine unit, and with a clearance of only 20mm on each side, it was possible to move in a 90° turn to get the platform trailer just 10mm under the turbine. Raising the platform trailer with its hydraulics lifted the load. Once outside again, the assembly supports arranged transversely under the turbine had to be exchanged for lowering supports, which were necessary for lowering the load onto a Rhine pontoon. To do this, the trailer was lowered again and made absolutely horizontally. Rigging company Scholpp Montage placed the turbine on eight emergency feet using four 150t capacity hydraulic gantries and specially made bridging supports and the lateral supports were removed with a loader crane. The turbine was then lowered once more in reverse sequence onto its lateral transport supports.
The 15km journey to the roll-on/roll-off ramp on the Rhine river took eight hours through the night. Once there, the platform combination rolled onto a heavy goods pontoon and the turbine was lowered onto trestles by the vehicle hydraulics.
