UK lifting equipment company Crane Care has secured a £255,000 ($360,000) contract with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to produce 14 turnover fixtures which will help the army inspect and service temporary field bridges around the world.
The MoD approached Crane Care two years ago with a brief to design something that would enable field engineers to lift temporary bridge sections and allow easier access for regular inspection and servicing.
This type of bridge is made of a lightweight alloy and lifting with fork trucks could damage the ribs that give the units their strength. The design solution needed to facilitate both square and wedge ended bridge components.
Crane Care designed and built a prototype for testing around the world. Each fixture comprises two units, positioned at either end of the bridge. These elevate and rotate the unit through 360º to allow full inspection.
Following testing, the MoD has placed an order for 14 further sets. Crane Care managing director Derek Barnbrook said: ‘With 15 units soon to be in operation around the world, we are confident that they will enable more field engineers to maintain and service the various temporary bridges, giving them a much longer working life.’
