Belgian crane service provider Gheysens used a Tadano AC 7.450-1 all terrain crane to complete a challenging lifting operation in the historic centre of Bruges after unstable ground conditions forced a last-minute change to the lifting plan.
The crane had originally been due to work from a position beside the city’s belfry using a 160-tonne crane. However, the designated location proved unsuitable because of poor ground conditions, requiring the lift to be carried out from further away.
Gheysens selected the seven-axle AC 7.450-1, whose 80-metre main boom provided the additional reach needed for the revised lift. The crane worked at a 35-metre radius with a hook height of 67.7 metres.
The crane was rigged overnight in SSL (Sideways Superlift) configuration with 120 tonnes of counterweight, allowing it to be ready for operation by 9:30am while minimising disruption in the busy city centre.
Miguel Gheysens, managing director of Gheysens, said the crane’s combination of compact dimensions and long reach made it well suited to the restricted streets of Bruges’ historic centre. He added that the Sideways Superlift system could also be installed successfully despite the confined working area.
Christophe Gheysens, manager at the company, said the business values Tadano’s product quality, reliability and after-sales service.
According to the company, the lift was completed successfully following the revised planning, demonstrating the crane’s capabilities in demanding urban conditions.
A video of the lift can be seen here.
