Two Potain MDT 128 topless cranes are playing a vital role in building the Hardanger Bridge in Norway
Two MDT 128 topless cranes from 5916 Potain are said to be playing a crucial role in the construction of the Hardanger Bridge in Norway - set to be one of the longest suspension bridges in the world.
The 6tonne cranes are placing suspension cables, and making other lifts, at the top of one of the bridge’s pylons, where working heights exceed 200metres.
The cranes are owned by Ajos, a leading crane rental company and the Potain dealer for Denmark.5915 Ajos supplied the cranes to MT Hojgaard, one of the largest contractors in Scandinavia. The company also provided two of its most skilled operators to the project.
The exposed site means the Potain cranes have no protection from the tough Scandinavian weather, where temperatures fall as low as –40°C and wind speeds can reach up to 217 km/h. Such extreme conditions mean the cranes enter out of service conditions, but even when temperatures rise and wind speeds fall to acceptable levels for operations, maintaining lift schedules on the project is said to have remained a challenge. Work is continuing 24 hours a day on the job, meaning highly durable equipment is required, plus the latest lifting technology.
For the Hardanger job, the MDT 128 cranes have been fitted with Potain’s 50 LVF GH Optima winch, and both are working with four falls of wire rope. This set-up is said by Potain, which is a brand owned by US-firm2123 Manitowoc, to allow the cranes to lift their maximum capacity, and also allows both high-speed hook operation and more precise movements when placing loads in their final position. The cranes are currently configured with 35metre jibs.
Assembling the cranes presented a challenge as steep valley walls lead down to the base of the pylon, and minimal space is available at ground level.
Jørgen Egede Saabye, technical manager at Ajos, said the MDT 128s were performing well and have needed no attention aside from regular maintenance.
“This is a high-profile project on a tight schedule and when you’re working this high up, you need to have confidence in your equipment. With these MDT cranes we have that.”
Located over Hardangerfjord near Bergen in south-west Norway, the €300 million Hardanger Bridge will span 1,310 metres – 20metres longer than the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Construction began in early 2011 and is due for completion in 2013.
The 6tonne cranes are placing suspension cables, and making other lifts, at the top of one of the bridge’s pylons, where working heights exceed 200metres.
The cranes are owned by Ajos, a leading crane rental company and the Potain dealer for Denmark.
The exposed site means the Potain cranes have no protection from the tough Scandinavian weather, where temperatures fall as low as –40°C and wind speeds can reach up to 217 km/h. Such extreme conditions mean the cranes enter out of service conditions, but even when temperatures rise and wind speeds fall to acceptable levels for operations, maintaining lift schedules on the project is said to have remained a challenge. Work is continuing 24 hours a day on the job, meaning highly durable equipment is required, plus the latest lifting technology.
For the Hardanger job, the MDT 128 cranes have been fitted with Potain’s 50 LVF GH Optima winch, and both are working with four falls of wire rope. This set-up is said by Potain, which is a brand owned by US-firm
Assembling the cranes presented a challenge as steep valley walls lead down to the base of the pylon, and minimal space is available at ground level.
Jørgen Egede Saabye, technical manager at Ajos, said the MDT 128s were performing well and have needed no attention aside from regular maintenance.
“This is a high-profile project on a tight schedule and when you’re working this high up, you need to have confidence in your equipment. With these MDT cranes we have that.”
Located over Hardangerfjord near Bergen in south-west Norway, the €300 million Hardanger Bridge will span 1,310 metres – 20metres longer than the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Construction began in early 2011 and is due for completion in 2013.
