01. Project
What we did
Synergy Lifting were contacted by a German rail company who had purchased these two rail machines in the UK. Our quote was prepared straight away and the lifting operations were carried out 4 days later.
The weight and length of these rail machines, coupled with the site restraints, led us to planning this lift with two cranes perform a tandem lift instead of one larger crane. Given the circumstances, this was safer from a logistical standpoint and also more economical.
We utilised a Demag AC 100-4 (L) set up with 39.5te of counterweight working at an 8m radius and also a Terex AC 140 Compact set up with 43te of counterweight working at a 10m radius. One of these cranes was set up on a modular outrigger matting system which meant that it could fully rig straight away and then offload steel pans for the other crane to set up on.
When the cranes were both set up, the first rail machine was brought alongside them on the tracks. A careful tandem lift was performed to lift the rail machine up. The trailer was then reversed under the suspended load and the rail machine was lowered down onto it. When the load had been secured on the transport, it left site and this operation was repeated again for the second rail machine.
02. Resources
How we did it
Plant and Equipment
The rail machines we were lifting weighed 60,000kg each. To lift these safely and economically, we used two cranes to perform a tandem lift.
The Demag AC 100-4 (L) set up with 39.5te of counterweight and 24.8m of main boom telescoped out. The Terex AC 140 Compact set up with 43te of counterweight and 25.4m of main boom telescoped out. One of these cranes was set up on a modular outrigger matting system which meant that it could fully rig straight away and then offload steel pans for the other crane to set up on.
As part of the tackle arrangement for this lift, we used 50te modular spreader beams and large endless slings.
Labour
The site visit by our appointed person soon made it clear that this job would need to be carried out with two mobile cranes instead of one. Our appointed person quickly developed a safe method for lifting and developed a thorough set of site specific RAMS for this job.
When it came to the day of the lift, our appointed person was on site to act as the lift supervisor. He took control of the tandem lift, maintaining clear communication at all times with both operators and the assisting slinger signaller.
03. Timeline
Key events
04. Usage
How we can help you
Performing a tandem lift is always a complex operation. However, it is important to also note the time critical nature of this project too. We understand that as well as having to safely and economically undertake our lifting operations, there are also other factors outside of our control that need to run smoothly too. In this case, we had to make sure the two rail machines were loaded on time so that they could arrive at the port in good time. On a job like this, it is even more critical that everything has to go right the first time round.
We can help you if you are buying, selling, transporting, or otherwise involved in a project that needs heavy trains or associated equipment/machines lifting on or off transport. We will work out a safe and economical method that makes sure your lift runs well from start to finish.
05. Project Gallery
Take a look
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