German crane service provider Wiesbauer used its newly delivered Tadano AC 7.450-1 all-terrain crane for the first time during the assembly of the Neckartal Bridge near Horb, Germany.
The lift formed part of a project to raise two 32t steel bridge elements to a height of 64m as part of the ongoing construction of the 667m-long structure, which rises 65m above the ground.
Wiesbauer partnered with Munich-based AKM to carry out a tandem lift, relying on both companies’ cranes in a coordinated operation.
Tadano managing director Sissy Wiesbauer said: “We master such challenging operations with state-of-the-art crane and lifting technology, for which the AC 7.450-1 is a prime example.”
Crane operator Jannik Weigle led the lift after transporting the AC 7.450-1 to the site in Zweibrücken.
The machine was configured for the job with a 76m main boom and 120t of counterweight.
“As with any tandem lift, the challenge in Horb was ensuring that both cranes lifted in perfect synchronicity so that the load was always precisely balanced on the hook,” said Weigle.
Communication was key during the operation, according to those involved, with the two crane operators and spotter in constant radio contact throughout the process.
Weigle said: “The lifting concept developed by our team beforehand proved to be extremely effective – we lifted the two 24m-long structural elements as planned and positioned them with centimetre precision at a height of 64m. Everything worked perfectly.”
In addition to reporting on the smooth execution of the project, Weigle highlighted the Tadano crane’s design for the site’s requirements.
Weigle said: “The AC 7.450-1 is large, powerful, and yet incredibly compact for its class. It was simply the best crane for this job.”
He further noted that alternate models would have required either the use of a jib or encountered space restrictions on the construction site.
