Crane Report 2021

A supplement of:

CRANE REPORT PLUS

AL HSC’S HRIGAHNAEPSPESTAYS ON HSC C BAL JOBS O L G N I P TO

CLIMB AL FARISNOANLTLHIEFTING

S REGIO EXECUTE T S I L A I C E S T SP T PROJEC L U C I F F I D

G N I N SPIN B E W IT S

ANE SPIDER CR

G IN N I R B S E I MPAN O C L A EET T N M O T S AS RE L E MOD T S E AND, T M A E L D E E T TH I S JOBG N I EEMS S S A E E M R I T ’S INC RANE C R E EGION D R I P E S H T N THE I IVED R R A E V A TO H

© Tadano Ltd. 2021. Tadano and Demag are trademarks of or licensed by Tadano Ltd. or its subsidiaries.

The new AC 450-7

Benchmark on 7 Axles.

The new Demag AC 450-7 is in a class of its own: With a carrier length of 15.99 m and an outrigger base of 8.45 m, it is as compact as a six-axle crane, and yet is as powerful as some eight-axle cranes. In fact, the Demag AC 450-7 can reach lifting capacities of up to 23.7 tonnes when its 80 m main boom is fully extended, and that is without even using the SSL system. Bring in SSL, and the lifting capacity goes up to an unbeatable 37.3 tonnes.

In addition, Demag is using a new Sideways Superlift design for the first time ever in the AC 450-7 – one that makes handling and setup easier. The system can be extended with an 81 m luffing jib, and the sections of this jib can also be used to assemble fixed extensions.

Above. Ahead. Always.

1 A supplement of:

GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR RAZ ISLAM raz.islam@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5471 MANAGING PARTNER VIJAYA CHERIAN vijaya.cherian@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5713 EDITORIAL EDITOR ANIRBAN BAGCHI anirban.bagchi@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5715 DEPUTY EDITOR PAUL GODFREY paul.godfrey@cpitrademedia.com ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER BRIAN FERNANDES brian.fernandes@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5479 DESIGN ART DIRECTOR SIMON COBON simon.cobon@cpitrademedia.com CIRCULATION & PRODUCTION PRODUCTION MANAGER VIPIN V. VIJAY vipin.vijay@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5713 DISTRIBUTION MANAGER PHINSON MATHEW GEORGE phinson.george@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5476 WEB DEVELOPMENT ABDUL BAEIS SADIQ SIDDIQUI FOUNDER DOMINIC DE SOUSA (1959-2015)

PUBLISHED BY

The publisher of this magazine has made every effort to ensure the content is accurate on the date of publication. The opinions and views expressed in the articles do not necessarily reflect the publisher and editor.

LIFTING THE ECONOMY Throughout the economic bumps caused by Covid-19 in the last several months, the tower cranes, mobile cranes and crawler cranes in the Middle East have kept on lifting and the heavy flatbed movers and the selfpropelled modular transporters have kept on transporting their massive loads. It has not been easy for the lifting and heavy moving sector, which has had to take social distancing and all other precautions in their stride, but they have gone at it resolutely.

One member of the sector that has exemplified this resoluteness is Al Faris, and in this edition of CMME Crane Report, we bring you an insight into how the regional lifting services giant has gone ahead with lifting and moving projects around the region.

We also take a look at the tower cranes segment and reveal how the latest lifting equipment to catch on in the region is the spider crane.

We also give safety its due with AMCS technologies’ innovative new anti-collision system and look at what the latest kit that the likes of HSC, Demag, Grove and Liebherr have brought in which will have their impact on job-sites soon.

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06

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The published material, adverts, editorials and all other content are published in good faith. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publisher in writing.

Publication licensed by Dubai Development Authority to CPI Trade Publishing FZ LLC. Printed by Printwell Printing Press LLC. CPI Trade Media. PO Box 13700, Dubai, UAE. +971 4 375 5470 cpitrademedia.com © Copyright 2021. All rights reserved.

Anirban Bagchi Editor, CMME

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2

COVER STORY CR ANE REP ORT 2021

A spider crane from Dubai rental company, Spider Plus, made the Dubai Mall extension project possible, accessing hardto-reach areas.

“We chose these cranes because they are the simplest and most efficient solutions for the lifting needs of this project.

Here we are working in a covered, indoor space that is inaccessible to every other type of crane out there�

3

SPINNING ITS WEB

THE SPIDER CRANE’S TIME LOOKS TO HAVE ARRIVED IN THE REGION WITH THE MACHINES GAINING POPULARITY ON JOBS, AS CONTRACTORS INCREASINGLY DEMAND THE VERSATILE MINI LIFTERS AND RENTAL COMPANIES OBLIGE WITH THE LATEST MODELS

A

feature of the Middle East’s crane space over the last few years has been the proliferation of the use of spider cranes.

These small lifters present some unique advantages on job-sites with their ability to squeeze through narrow gaps while folded and then spread out and deploy with their outriggers splayed, lifting in a space that almost no other crane can reach.

CMME encountered first-hand how these arachnoid machines ease and enable work when we visited the Dubai Mall extension project in mid-2020, where a spider crane provided by Dubai-based specialist rental company Spider Plus was key to the execution of a difficult indoor job. At the location, it was amply clear that the most vital piece of equipment making the build possible was the URW 706 mini spider crane, provided by Spider Plus. With its outriggers extended and its red boom rising high into the high ceiling, it looked every bit like a mechanical spider with its bent, spindly metal legs.

Maged Tadros, construction manager for the project contractor ASGC, explains: “This project presents some unique challenges, not the least of which is accessibility. The main problem was how to get in the machinery and put it in place. This is what led to us choosing

Spider Plus and their spider cranes. We chose these cranes because they are the simplest and most efficient solutions for the lifting needs of this project. Here we are working in a covered, indoor space that is inaccessible to all other types of cranes out there. You cannot bring a mobile crane into this project as it is deep inside a building and there is no road.

Also, there is a roof overhead, so that rules out using a tower crane. And, of course, a crawler crane is out of the question for accessing an indoor job-site.”

Joe Duffy, executive manager, Spider Plus, adds: “The weight of a spider crane is also within the range that the floor can bear, so the crane can move around inside the project and effectively become an indoor mobile crane on site. Spider cranes are very easy to move and position, and also have no problems accessing all areas of the job-site and passing through doorways and under arches and beams. They just fit both the dimensions required for the project and the lifting needs perfectly.”

The spider cranes that ASGC is using on the project are the URW 706 and its smaller sibling, the URW 506, both provided by Spider Plus who specialise in the rental and sales of spider cranes and glass lifting equipment.

Duffy says the company has seen both hiring and buying of spider cranes increase “during the construction rush leading up to the Expo

4

COVER STORY CR ANE REP ORT 2021

2020 projects over the last few years.”

With spider crane hire gaining popularity, regional rental heavyweight Johnson Arabia (JA) has also bolstered its fleet with them. JA’s fleet is among the largest in the region, comprising cranes of all types, sizes and capacities, with spiders among the newer additions.

“Spider cranes enable companies to continue work on large projects and fast track certain challenging lifting and placement operations. Our spider mini crane series also works in conjunction with a lot of existing cranes. It’s an easy choice for companies for lifts in compact or hard-to-reach areas with the option of short- or long-term hires,” says the company’s MD, Martin Kirby.

JA’s investment in spider cranes from Japanese brand Maeda is part of its vision to innovate and constantly bring new concepts to the market, says Kirby.

“We demand the very best in reliability, performance but above all safety and cost effectiveness from our long-term partners to ensure the best support to our clients. Our spider cranes set the standard with market

Rental giant Johnson Arabia provided the Maeda spider cranes that proved vital for the execution of several projects in Dubai’s Arjan.

leading performance, with up to six models of 1–8t tonnages, maximum lifting height of 25m and maximum working radius of 18m. Their ‘pick & carry’ feature makes them a logical choice for customers covering a wide range of applications - from construction and natural resource development to entertainment and

SPIDER POWER

JEKKO INTRODUCES JF545 V-MAX SPIDER CRANE Jekko has introduced

cooling radiator prevents oil

it’s the JF545 V-Max

overheating during operation

V-Max features all the

articulated crawler crane

and keeps a constant

characteristics of the

that improves on the

temperature even during

JF545 standard model,

versatility and multitasking

intensive hydraulic use. This

highly appreciated by the

characteristics of its previous

solution ensures a more

sector: endless stabilisation

flagship, the JF545.

effective and professional

configurations, compact size

exploitation of the tools.

for maximum accessibility in

The Treviso-, Italy, based

Jekko adds: “The new

manufacturer says the

confined spaces, great lifting

distinguishing feature of

capacity (15.5t) combined

the new JF545 V-Max is a jib fitting a wide range of tools whose operations require

with outstanding reach (28m), elevated maximum operating height (30m),

elevated quantity

triple articulated

and pressure of

boom (when

oil, such as an

jib is installed),

auger, a grapple

removable

saw or a clamshell bucket. An additional and independent hydraulic circuit with

counterweight, and precise and smooth operation for the most delicate tasks.”

heavy industry, the applications for mini cranes are limitless. and we have them all covered.”

Projects that JA’s spider cranes have featured in include those in Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates and Arjan, and Kirby elaborates: “Our spider cranes were recently used to erect the VOX outdoor theatre at the Mall of the Emirates. The drive-in cinema made a comeback in 2020, and a large screen was assembled in the mall’s upper parking on level 3, underneath Ski Dubai’s slope, using spider cranes provided by us.”

In Arjan, Maeda MC405 spider cranes provided by JA proved invaluable for structure erection works. “As this is a popular tourist spot, the developers needed to make sure that a large portion of the footpath was not occupied - so spider cranes were the perfect choice. Also, the job was short, and the crane had to be brought in and out quickly. So again, this made spider cranes the best choice, as transporting them from site to site or even within a site is quick.”

At another rental biggie, AJI Heavy Equipment Rental, general manager Dean Jones reveals that investment has been made in diversifying into niche machines, such as spider cranes, where AJI chose Italian brand Jekko.

“A big part of our main expansion since 2019 has been the introduction of mini cranes from Jekko, which is now among the world leaders in mini cranes due mainly to innovative solutions to traditional problems. We were appointed as the dealer for the UAE and have introduced both the popular SPX532 and the new SPX1280.

More Jekko products will be introduced soon, and this year they will launch the new SPX650, which will further entrench the brand worldwide.”

With the major rental companies identifying a definite demand trend for spider cranes in the regional market and bringing in the latest models from the best global manufacturers, it does looks like the spider crane has spun its web around the Middle East construction machinery sector.

6

TOWER CRANES CR ANE REP ORT 2021

STAYING TALL

PRECAUTIONS, SAFETY AND NEW MODELS GO HAND IN HAND AT THE MAJOR TOWER CRANE BRANDS AS THEY KEEP THEIR DEDICATION TO CUSTOMERS HIGH DESPITE THE PANDEMIC

N

o matter the state of its economy, the Middle East’s love affair with high-rise buildings continues. Even in a difficult year like 2020, Dubai still managed to complete 12 buildings over 200m - the most compared to any city in the world. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi is building supertalls like the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers and Fairmont Marina Abu Dhabi, even as Saudi Arabia continues reaching up towards the sky with buildings in projects such as King Abdullah Financial District.

And where there are tall buildings, there are tower cranes. While these ingenious, versatile lifters have many more uses than building skyscrapers, those spindly structures are what they have come to be most associated with, especially in our region. And in our region, tower cranes have come to be most associated with NFT, where safety is now the first concern in the wake of the Convid-19 pandemic.

The world’s largest dealer of the Potain tower crane brand came

NFT has ensured business continuity and employee safety simultaneously during the pandemic with strict QHSE practices.

7

“Since day one of the pandemic, we haven’t stopped working. We assured our clients and employees that as long as it is safe to do so, we will be working”

through testing times last year at the height of the lockdowns.

Describing the situation and NFT’s response, deputy general manager Nagham Al Zahlawi, says: “Covid-19 has delayed a lot of projects, put some major tenders on hold and, most importantly, delayed payments from clients. While construction was declared a vital sector in the GCC and so was not subject to lockdowns, sites continued to be operational and so did we. However, contractors had to adhere to strict standards for the working and living conditions of their workers, which lead to unaccounted increases in costs. They then tried to find other ways to mitigate this increase, such as re-negotiating contracts, sometimes even towards the end of projects.”

For NFT, it has been a time of redoubled effort, explains Al Zahlawi.

“Since day one of the pandemic, we haven’t stopped working. We assured our clients and employees that as long as it is safe to do so, we will be working. We tested our entire staff using the advanced testing facilities we are lucky to have in the UAE. We also re-allocated our employees so that there was only one person per office and produced in-house glass partitions for rooms with more than one person.

“The biggest challenge during this crisis is ensuring business continuity and safety of employees simultaneously. Our QHSE department has been monitoring developments and NFT is strictly implementing all recommendations from trusted sources who are experts in the field - such as the UAE’s Department of Health, the WHO and Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The health and safety of our employees and customers are and have always been our number one priority.

Early on, NFT formed a ‘Crises Management C o m m i t t e e’ comprising its top management, QHSE, administration, operations and HR departments. The job of

this committee is to follow up on the current Covid-19 developments, remain in contact with UAE officials and with NFT’s sister companies overseas, and come up with measures in line with official recommendations.

Meanwhile, NFT has got the full support of Potain during this difficult time. “The manufacturer’s support has not wavered and even when the factory was closed for a few months, the Potain team working from home in France was on daily video calls with us to see how we can mitigate the production time lost. However, with the factory in full swing again, orders have been placed and we can safely say that business is back to a new normal. Manitowoc even managed to launch the new MCT 275 to its dealers in a virtual launch in July.”

NFT has also ordered the latest Potain models to update its fleet, such as Potain’s first hydraulic luffers for its European and Asian range, the MRH125, MRH175, MCH125 and MCH175, which have reduced out of service radii, quicker set up times and low maintenance for wire ropes.

Meanwhile at Wolffkran, Jeff Watson, operations director, and Rinju Ravindran, regional sales manager, Wolffkran Arabia, say that while they mainly supply to the UAE, Oman, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, the pandemic’s travel restrictions made them focus mainly on the UAE. “We’re still actively connecting with clients and planning for future projects. The challenge now is in acquiring new projects. The rental sector is seeing a mild benefit because people are choosing to rent rather than buy to avoid incurring long-term maintenance costs,” says Ravindran.

Safety remains the top priority for Wolffkran Arabia, and Watson adds: “We always work with high safety standards. Our entire operations team is trained at the factory to erect and dismantle our tower cranes, making sure everything from the foundation to the crane radius is assessed for safety. In the almost 15 years we have been here, we’ve never had any major

8

TOWER CRANES CR ANE REP ORT 2021

incident in the whole region.”

Speaking of new models and projects, he adds: “The 235 B is a new Wolffkran launch and we also introduced a 6x6m cross section for our tower cranes. The ongoing Burj Royale project is our latest and we have a few more in the pipeline. You will see the Wolff red in the skyline and will instantly know which new projects we are a part of.”

The new Wolff 235 B luffing jib model aims to save time for contractors with a design that speeds up assembly and maintenance.

Wolffkran says the new model was developed to replace the popular Wolff 224 B in its stable and ranks between the hydraulic Wolff 166 B and the next larger Wolff 275 B in the lower load moment range, fulfilling the demands of construction sites with a high volume of concreting work on high-rise buildings.

Wolffkran adds that the premise behind developing the new Wolff 235 B was that the faster a crane is ready for operation, the more cost effective it is. Wouter van Loon, product manager at Wolffkran, explains: “The Wolff 235 B was developed in close collaboration with Wolffkran customers, who have decades of experience in handling luffing cranes

At Wolffkran (right) and Comansa, the pandemic did not stop the launch of new models even as safety remained the top priority.

on inner-city construction sites. The result is a crane with a proven duty chart that is unrivalled when it comes to assembly and versatility.”

Spanish powerhouse Comansa has announced a slew of improvements to its 11LC flat-top cranes, adding features and enhancements to introduce the new generation of the

range. Comansa says the new features include simplified accessing elements not only to the cranes’ cathead, but also to the jib sections for easy access to the trolley. A new single trolley is now available as an option, which features a manual single-double reeving change by the operator directly from the ground.

The 11LC range comes with new drives in the hoisting winch and trolley, which give linear movements thanks to attached potentiometers.

This makes it possible to easily move and precisely position sensitive loads. Also, a new version of the 18kW hoist mechanism has been added to the 6t versions of the crane, requiring less power supply while maintaining drum capacity and speed features.

For reduced speed lifts, a power lift system comes as standard and improves the load diagram by 10%.

For higher speeds, optional 24kW and 37kW hoist motors feature the Effi-Plus system which significantly increases the hoisting and lowering speeds for light loads without increasing power or consumption.

JASO J560

FAST AND RELIABLE SCHOOL BUILD Kanoo Cranes was recently

offloading of materials and to

compared to other models.

part of a large development

install the precast panels. This

This helped keep long-term

project in the UAE, which

allowed for a “lift and place”

operational costs low, as this

included a community

operation which helped

project went on for about 12

with homes and schools.

reduce construction time.

months,” said Kanoo Cranes.

The company was brought

“The J560 has an efficient

“The J560 series has a

in to help build the

power system with reduced

short tower top, which

school in this district.

power consumption when

allows use of several

Kanoo came in with the

cranes simultaneously on

JASO J560 tower crane to

a site. These cranes also

lift all the precast units that

accommodated height

were going to be used to build the school. The

restrictions because a part of the community

company said the J560

was already developed,

was a reliable crane that

and the developers

could do the job fast

didn’t want cranes to

and with great safety.

be in the line of sight.

The crane was erected

When needed, the

at the most suitable location to handle the

crane’s jib can reach 85m with 2.5t tip loads.”

EUROPEAN STANDARDS /EN14439/FEM1.001-A3

Certified tower cranes, operational in Europe, USA, Canada and Australia for decades.

Now available with us for the I.M.E.A. markets.

MADE IN

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81933, Sharjah - U.A.E. (+971 6) 539 03 83 (+971 6) 539 03 84 awtc@alwisamllc.com www.alwisamllc.com www.moritsch.it

10

CRANE TECHNOLOGY CR ANE REP ORT 2021

AMCS CLEARS THE AIR

FRENCH CRANE TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST’S NEW DCS 61-S ANTICOLLISION SYSTEM KEEPS JOB-SITES SAFER BY PREVENTING HIGH COLLISIONS TOWER CRANE AND MOBILE CRANE COMPONENTS

F

rench crane safety technology specialist AMCS technologies has introduced its new DCS 61-S device, which it says is more than an anti-collision system for lifting machines.

The company, whose flagship products are anti-collision and zoning systems, says the DCS 61-S, their new device, can manage anti-collision between tower cranes and many other machines on a job-site.

“It is an evolving product, which has been designed in such a way as to integrate new functionalities such as anticollision management between tower

cranes and mobile cranes. The DCS 61-S automatically detects the movements of the mobile machine and integrates the control of tower cranes,” says AMCS. The systems placed on tower and mobile cranes are connected via a radio network and constantly exchange all sensor information. Due to mobile antennas, every DCS 61-S connected in the anti-collision network knows the positions of the mobile crane’s elements at any moment.

When the mobile cranes move and reposition themselves in a different area to work, the tower crane devices automatically detect their movement and positions.

The device calculates in real time and in 3D the distances between each element of the cranes (including the position of the cabin) as well as the movement speeds.

This is to intervene on the cranes control mechanism to ensure a slowing down, followed by a complete immobilization of the tower crane at a pre-set distance from the mobile crane.

For the mobile crane, the device emits an increasingly loud audible signal when approaching an interfering tower crane or a prohibited overflight area.

The solution deployed by AMCS technologies has proven successful and demonstrated its effectiveness as well as

11 its necessity. Indeed, to avoid the many incidents that can arise due to the increase in the use of mobile machinery on site, the DCS 61-S responds to safety and work issues. The system adapts perfectly to immediate decision-making and daily jobsite needs while ensuring productivity and safety with a single product.

The DCS 61-S for mobile cranes is as easy as ever to install and program thanks to a screen installed in the crane operator’s cabin that provides him with all the information useful for operating the machine in real time.

With the DCS 61-S it is possible to monitoring your site’s productivity with precision and remotely, knowing the daily activity of your cranes, managing your fleet of AMCS technologies products as well as carrying out remote diagnostics.

By adding a SIM card (with a 3G / 4G network) in DCS 61-S systems, it continuously collects information of the various sensors placed on the cranes. As such it is possible to store, send and receive all collected information on the IoT Lifing App and Web and even to create user specific statistics.

“It is a product, designed in such a way as to integrate new functionalities such as anticollision management between tower cranes and mobile cranes.

The DCS 61-S automatically detects the movements of the mobile machine and integrates the control of tower cranes”

These tools provide access to precise and technical data in real time of both anti-collision systems and the use of the crane. The system transfers all collected data to the IoT Lifting Web platform as well as to the IoT Lifting mobile application, where they can be accessed crane by crane and even visualised in user specific statistics, adapted to each job sites and companies needs.

But the AMCS technologies’ IoT Lifting is not just about accurately monitoring job site productivity and crane activity

12

CRANE TECHNOLOGY CR ANE REP ORT 2021 The AMCS DCS 61-S system has shown great results in the Fécamp wind farm in France, where it manages 18 Potain towers.

remotely. It goes much further, by allowing customers a real evaluation of productivity according to the concentration of the machines but also an automated management of its fleet of systems.

All the systems are mapped and can be visualised for precise information. Some of the parameters and information that can be monitored through the system are: which systema are installed on which sites; the addresses of the sites; the cranes concerned as well as their numbers; the version of the software; the serial numbers of the equipment; what elements of the anti-collision kit are installed; how many cranes are interfering; how many prohibited zones are present; etc.

AMCS infomrs that this new tool is available internationally as the SIM cards integrated in the DCS 61-S systems operate in more than 170 countries worldwide.

AMCS IN FECAMP PROJECT

LIFT SAFETY ON WIND ENERGY SITE The site is the Fécamp wind

foundation of the offshore

same height are spread over

farm on France’s Normandy

wind farm are carried out on

four parallel tracks with

coast. The 18 Potain tower

the Bougainville shipyard, at

four cranes on each track.

time and in 3D the distances

cranes that make up the

the Grand Port Maritime at Le

This project represents a

between each element of the

foundation site for the project

Havre. In order to deliver the

real technical challenge in

cranes as well as the speeds

are all equipped with DCS

project by the end of 2022, 18

the world of anti-collision

and direction of movement on

61-S anti-collision systems

traveling cranes are needed.

and AMCS technologies

the rails in order to intervene

says it was chosen to

on the control mechanisms of

meet the challenge.

the crane to ensure a slowing

from AMCS technologies.

An offshore wind farm with 71 wind turbines will be located 13-22km

Two MDT 349 units move on 120m of rails and the 16 MR 608 machines of the

The anti-collision system is essential to ensure

interfering crane components.

The device calculates in real

down and then a complete immobilization of the

off the coast of

the safety and

machine at a preset distance

Fécamp. These

productivity

from the other machine.

wind turbines will

of the project

The system also provides

be connected

because several

the crane operator with

to gravity

cranes move on

working comfort by displaying

foundations

the same track

all the parameters useful for

installed on the

and are placed at

operating the machine. It

seabed at depths

the same height.

gives him the possibility of

of 25-30m.

Jibs can therefore

visualizing in real time the

collide easily.

position of his crane as well

The DCS 61-S

as the positions of interfering

The design and construction works of the 71

detects in real

cranes while guaranteeing

concrete gravity

time the risk of

high performance in terms

structures for the

collision of all

of site productivity.

MEET OUR MAGNA CRANE TYRE RANGE. EUROPEAN TECHNOLOGY

MA03 MAGNATYRES.COM

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14

BRAND FOCUS CR ANE REP ORT 2021

HSC’S HIGH APPEAL

AMONG THE FAVOURITE CRAWLER CRANES IN THE MIDDLE EAST MARKET, HSC’S POPULARITY EXTENDS ALL AROUND THE GLOBE, AS SEEN IN THESE EXAMPLES FROM THE NETHERLANDS AND NEW ZEALAND

W

hen it comes to lattice boom crawler cranes, the HSC Cranes brand has always been among the most noted in its sector, both worldwide and in the Middle East. Not only does it come with the reputation for Japanese quality, but the HSC range also covers a wide spread of lifting capacities and is a tried and tested product in the market.

Wim Aernouts, director, Middle East Crane Equipment Trading (MECET), the regional HSC dealer, explains that HSC’s range in the Middle East goes from the 55t lift capacity SCX550E at the low end to the 550t capacity 6000SLX at the top end. He adds that while MECET sees more volumes in the lower and medium capacity models,

such as the 120t-capacity SCX1200-3, the 500t-capacity 6000SLX has also achieved sales in the region.

Globally, though, the recent talk about HSC Cranes concerns two models at the two ends of its capacity spectrum. The first is the 55t-capacity SCX550-3 delivered to a Dutch customer, the first of the model delivered in Europe; while the second is the SCX1800A-3 model delivered to New Zealand-based civil construction company HEB Construction, part of Vinci Construction.

The SCX550-3 was delivered to Cluysenaar Kraanverhuur in the Netherlands at the end of September last year by the local HSC distributor Hitachi Construction Machinery Netherlands. According to the customer, the crane “seems indestructible and will last for years without any problems”.

The first deployment of the new 55t

crawler was in Lelystad, where the SCX550-3 lifted precast concrete elements for newbuild houses. The heaviest parts weighed almost 6t. The crane is used here with a 37m boom. Cluysenaar bought this HSC with a full main boom, whose maximum length is 49m. It is also possible to use the 6m jib that Cluysenaar already had. A jib with a maximum length of 15m is also an option, which is mounted at a fixed angle of 10 or 30 degrees. The breech itself measures 5m and the head of the boom is 5m long.

The maximum transport width of the machine is 3,350mm, a height of 3,250mm and a transport length of 10,900mm. The model is equipped with chamfered and 885mm wide track shoes, which ensures low ground pressure. By chamfering the track shoes, dragline mats - on which the machine is often still standing - are not

15 HSC Crane’s 55t-capacity SCX550-3 places concrete in a Dutch project (below), while the 180t-capacity SCX1800A-3 lifts in a port project in New Zealand.

damaged. This also ensures that paving or asphalt is not damaged when the machine drives over it.

In total, the SCX550-3 has 18.6t of counterweight, consisting of two basic parts with a block on top left and right. The base plate weighs 8.7t. The second part of the counterweight is placed on top of it and weighs 6.4t. The block of counterweight at the top left weighs 1.8t and the block on the right 1.7t. The counterweight eventually measures 3.2m wide. The tail swing radius is a short at 3,850mm, making the crane ideal for tight locations. Two Eco hoisting winches are fitted as standard with free fall function, each with a maximum line pull of 63.7kN. The hoisting cable on the drums of the main winches has a diameter of 22mm and a length of 324m.

Meanwhile, in New Zealand, the

180t-capacity SCX1800A-3 is working on a large project at the Port of Napier. National plant manager Grant Moffat at the contractor HEB, says: “We chose this model because we were looking for a 150-180t crawler crane suitable for piling operations. It can be difficult to find a crane that is heavy-duty enough, and with the high line pull required for piling works, without compromising on lifting ability. This crane does it all. We chose the bigger winches and larger 28mm diameter rope, which are other key things we look for from a foundation construction point of view. The quality of this crane for the price is right up there. It delivers great value.”

HSC says the SCX1800A-3 has been designed to provide high lifting capability within a compact body. The main boom and crane jib combination has a reach of up to 75m + 31m (the maximum main boom is up

to 84m), covering a wide working area and streamlining operations on job-sites. Greater lifting performance can be achieved with an auxiliary two sheaves option, if required.

The engine has an energy-efficient control system for lower fuel consumption while the crane’s eco winch mode allows for high line speeds under light loads without having to increase engine speed, which also helps to limit fuel consumption and noise.

Grant points out that assembly and transportability are also impressive on the model, which is “very quick and easy to put together”.

The total transportation weight is a low 40.8t, including the lower boom, winch rope and mast, while remaining within a 3.2m transportation width. The variable counterweight charts also deliver more flexibility, Grant adds.

16

COMPANY FOCUS CR ANE REP ORT 2021

“We provide a strong commitment and focus to adhere to the best QHSE practices on-site, which is discussed in detail with the client prior to the commencement of operations�

17

AL FARIS ON THE CLIMB

THE REGIONAL CRANE SERVICES AND HEAVY LIFT AND MOVE SPECIALIST HAS DEMONSTRATED ITS PROWESS IN RECENT MONTHS BY EXECUTING SEVERAL DIFFICULT PROJECTS IN THE UAE AND THE REGION

A

round this time last year, Dubai-headquartered regional heavy lifting and moving services giant, Al Faris, placed an order for 69 Liebherr cranes.

This further cemented the ties between the heavyweight Middle Eastern company and the crane behemoth whose products Al Faris makes heavy use of, while also providing further testimony that the homegrown company has built its reputation and track record of excellence on top class equipment.

The order also capped a very successful six months for Al Faris leading up to it, while also pointing the way forward to more successes ahead, as we have since observed.

Looking back several months to September 2019, a Liebherr LTM 1500 all-terrain crane is making its way through the Jordanian countryside to a remote job-site. It’s mission: to erect wind turbine towers.

Al Faris had said at that time: “After careful consideration and calculations the Liebherr LTM 1500, 500t all-terrain crane was selected as the most suitable to safely carry out the heavy lifts. The crane was mobilised to Jordan from our branch in Saudi Arabia along with three of our well-trained staff members, showcasing our capabilities and strength to cater to any projects in the entire Middle East region. Execution was safely carried out by

our trained operators. The loads varied from 64t to 90t. Our 550t mobile crane was used with main boom operations.”

As is usual with the company, all surveys, planning, technical support documentation, execution plans and schedules were prepared in-house prior to job execution, which helped in organising all activities smoothly and kept delays to a minimum.

A couple of months after the Jordanian project came another noteworthy project in the energy sector, albeit this time in petroleum energy in the UAE. Al Faris provided complete logistics services, from loading to transportation, for more than 15 oversized components of an oil refinery project, which were moved from Dubai’s Jebel Ali port to a storage yard at Dubai World Central.

Al Faris used 12-axle Goldhofer hydraulic trailers as well as self-propelled modular transporters (PST/SL-E trailers) to move the loads, and finally offloaded them using an Enerpac SBL900 gantry. The refinery column’s three sections were up to 11m in height, 32m long and 10m wide, and weighed up to 315t.

The biggest challenge in the project was to find a route practical and feasible enough to transport the loads. An elaborate route survey was done, studying all technicalities and required modifications. During the transportation, a stretch of Dubai’s main highway, Sheikh Zayed Road, was completely

18

COMPANY FOCUS CR ANE REP ORT 2021

blocked for 30 minutes to make way for the trailers, which were accompanied by 4-6 police escorts. Al Faris obtained all official permissions and clearances for the move and route modifications beforehand, including from Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority.

“All surveys, planning, technical support documentation, execution plans and schedules were prepared in-house prior to job execution. This helped organise all activities smoothly with minim delays. Execution was safely carried out by our trained operators. We also provide a strong commitment and focus to adhere to the best QHSE practices on-site, which is discussed in detail with the client prior to the commencement of operations,” the company had said at the time of the project.

More petroleum sector projects followed as 2020 began, with Al Faris transporting 19 heavy vessels over a distance of 150km for the expansion of a crude oil production facility in Abu Dhabi. This project was completed in different stages over a period of three months and Al Faris provided its client with a complete solution for loading these vessels from different manufacturer’s locations to Hamriyah and Jebel Ali ports in the UAE where they were shipped to neighbouring Abu Dhabi. Al Faris then received these vessels at Abu Dhabi’s Mussafah port and land transported as well as offloaded them at the client site.

Meanwhile, projects in construction and infrastructure were also being executed apace. Towards the end of 2019, Al Faris lifted and placed heavy structural elements on the UAE pavilion build site at the Dubai Expo. Using a Liebherr LR 1000 crawler crane with 156m main boom and Liebherr LTM 1750 9.1 mobile crane with S/L and luffer, the Al Faris team lifted 42 steel structural elements in total at the falcon-inspired UAE pavilion structure, which they then placed and installed in their places.

Some of the challenges that the project presented were a limited, congested area for placing the cranes

Cranes and heavy moving systems from Al Faris seen here working in projects in (from top) the hills of Hatta, Jordan and Dubai.

due to adjacent ongoing projects, the restricted time and area for the assembly and dismantling of the cranes and a long working radius of 132m along with strong winds, says Al Faris.

Selection of the right lifting gear was of utmost importance as the structures had to be lifted at a given specific angle.

Also, steel mats had to be fabricated for

maintaining ground pressure to meet the site requirements.

“This project was completed in stages. We provided our client with a complete solution for lifting and installation of structural steel elements of length varying from 24m to 46m.

The weight of each unit ranged from 8t to 55t. After careful consideration and study, the 1000t Liebherr LR 1000 crawler crane was used due to the long working radius required for the installation,” a spokesperson explains.

For the final stage of the lifting project, Al Faris used its Liebherr 750t all-terrain mobile crane to lift and install the oculus structure at the centre of the UAE pavilion’s roof top.

Early 2020 saw Al Faris execute another unique project, loading, transporting and discharging a tugboat and pontoons from Sharjah’s Hamriyah port to a location on the Hatta dam as part of the Hatta Pumped Storage Hydro Power Plant (PSHPP) in Dubai.

Al Faris says it provided the client a complete solution for loading the vessels from the customer’s shipping yard at the port to a location near Hatta dam as a temporary changeover location, and then to the final location at the Hatta Jetty. These critical jobs also involved change of equipment at different stages based on requirement.

The task was a challenging one, with some of the hazards being steep angles up to 23 degrees uphill and 24 degrees downhill; electric power lines with restricted heights; the need to manoeuvre extremely narrow roads; and bottle neck turns.

After careful study, Al Faris selected its Goldhofer hydraulic multi axle and self-propelled trailers for the move, with up to eight axle lines used. Lifting duties were handled by Al Faris’ Liebherr 100t and 250t mobile cranes when the load needed to be placed. The project was completed safely and without a hitch.

Building on its success and dedication Al Faris started operations in Iraq in 2021 began, expanding into the country with an all-new fleet of cranes and equipment but with the same time-tested expertise.

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20

NEW RELEASES CR ANE REP ORT 2021

NEW LIFTERS ON THE BLOCK THE MAJOR GLOBAL CRANE MANUFACTURERS, SUCH AS TADANO DEMAG, GROVE AND LIEBHERR, ARE CONTINUING TO RAISE THE BAR BY INTRODUCING NEW MODELS WITH THE LATEST TECHNOLOGIES AND FEATURES, INCLUDING HIGHER LIFTING CAPABILITIES AND ALTERNATIVE POWER SOURCES

SPREADING THE LOAD

NEW SEVEN-AXLE ALL-TERRAIN CRANE FROM TADANO DEMAG Demag has introduced the

maximum lifting capacity of up

identical dimensions, the new

AC 450-7 all-terrain crane,

to 195.5t. The main boom can

AC 450-7 features considerably

which it calls a new standard

be extended with a luffing jib

better performance

among seven-axle mobile

with a maximum length of 81m.

characteristics when compared

cranes. The Zweibrücken,

The crane’s maximum system

to cranes with six axles.

Germany-based manufacturer,

length is 132m. The luffing jib

which is part of the Tadano

can be divided up in three-

the luffing jib, two system

Group, said the basic idea

metre segments from 24-81m.

dimensions are used, making it

To make it easier to transport

when developing the new AC

Michael Klein, product

450-7 was to “give wheels” to

marketing manager, Tadano

possible to slide the extension’s individual parts into each

a more powerful alternative

Demag, said: “In other words, it

other. The Demag patented

to its existing six-axle cranes,

doesn’t need more space than

luffing jib rigging system makes

with the objective of keeping it

a six-axle crane at a work site,

setup especially fast, simple,

as compact as its counterparts

and yet it offers significantly

and safe – a design that the

despite the additional axle,

better lifting capacities.”

new AC 450-7 shares with the

while combining that with

The reason for the

Demag AC 300-6, AC 350-6,

better performance. In terms

manufacturer designing a

of its dimensions, the AC 450-7

seven-axle crane was that the

meets this criterion, having a

“only way for the machine to

extremely versatile when it

carrier length of only 15.99m,

be street-legal and meet our

comes to extensions. In addition

an 8.45m outrigger base and

goals of having a longer boom

to the luffing jib, Tadano

a total length of 17.62m.

and larger lifting capacities was

Demag also offers fixed jib

for it to run on seven axles”,

configurations, even with an

Klein explained. Despite mostly

offset section, and also a runner.

The AC 450-7 features an 80m main boom with a

and AC 1000-9 models.

The AC 450-7 is also

21

80

Length in m of the AC 4 etres 50-7 main boom ’s

22

NEW RELEASES CR ANE REP ORT 2021

LIFTING IN COMFORT

GROVE INTRODUCES NEW CAB ON THREE-AXLE ATCS Manitowoc has introduced a

sophisticated layout ensures

new carrier cabin for its Grove

ample room for the cab’s

three-axle all-terrain cranes,

controls, which are clearly

which improves comfort and

arranged. The CCS (Crane

ergonomics for operators, is

Control System) display is

ECE R29-3 approved and also

positioned slightly higher

meets the latest European

to ensure it is comfortably

crash-test requirements.

and conveniently within the

The new cab2020, as

operator’s sight and reach.

Grove calls it, is now available

Buttons and dials are also

on all Grove three-axle

laid out optimally so that

all-terrain cranes, the

the crane can be handled

GMK3050-3, GMK3060-2

easily and intuitively, said

and GMK3060L-1. Further

Manitowoc, adding that

GMK models will receive the

the cab2020 comes with

cab2020 and a fresh new look

premium-quality surfaces

over the coming months.

for a better look and feel.

According to Manitowoc,

5.4

Lift capacit y of the Dem in tons 80-4 at full ag AC boo extension m

Andreas Cremer,

the cab2020 also makes the

vice president, Product

POCKET POWERLIFTER

exterior of the new three-axle

Management, Mobile Cranes,

cranes appear more dynamic

at Manitowoc, says: “It was

DEMAG FOUR-AXLE ATC LIFTS BEYOND ITS CLASS

and closer to the design of their

important for us to retain

bigger brothers in the Grove

what was deemed aperfect by

Demag has introduced a

capacity. In fact, a large

crane operators. By adding the

new four-axle all-terrain

number of customers kept

extra bits and pieces, we have

crane (ATC), the AC 80-4,

confirming this time and

achieved real improvements.”

which is its latest offering

time again. That’s why we

its all-terrain cranes with the

in the 100t lift capacity

decided to add the AC 80-4

compact design the brand

segment. The new model

to our product portfolio in

has a 60m long main boom,

the segment of up to 100t.”

all-terrain crane range. The company added that Grove will also continue manufacturing

is known for, with a width of 2.55m, which makes it easy to access confined job-sites.

The manufacturer says that space inside the cab2020 is used more efficiently and the

2.55

Width in m e Grove’s all tres of -terrain cranes wit h new cab20 the 20

which can be configured

According to Demag, in

for even longer reaches,

the class of up to 100t, no

making it possible to have

other crane comes close to

the longest main boom

the lifting capacity of the AC

reach not only in its own

80 4 with a fully-extended

class but also in the class of

boom up to a radius of 30m,

up to 120t ATCs.

with which the AC 80 4 can

The new AC 80-4 is an

lift an impressive 5.4t at a

improvement on Demag’s

radius of 14m. It also raises

older AC80-2 twin axle

the bar with its main boom

model, and Michael Klein,

extended to 50m, lifting 9.7t

product marketing manager

at a radius of 10m at that

in charge of the new model

boom height, which is 2.2t

explains: “Demag already

more than the next most

had an 80t crane, the

powerful competitor.

AC 80-2. The worldwide

In terms of line pull,

success this model had,

the Demag AC 80-offers

showed that there’s

66.9kN, or 6.8t, claimed as

significant interest in a

unmatched in its class by

crane with this kind of lifting

Tadano-Demag.

23

A CLEAN LIFT

WORLD’S FIRST BATTERY-POWERED CRAWLER FROM LIEBHERR Liebherr has introduced

advantages in areas sensitive

to the unplugged series,

Nenzing GmbH, said:

the world’s first battery-

to noise and also for the

symbolises the electric

“The year 2020 has shown

powered crawler cranes,

people working on the

solution representing an

that one must be open-

with the duo of LR 1200.1

job-site. The cranes can be

advanced technology”. The

minded and bold to break

unplugged and LR 1250.1

recharged on a conventional

cranes achieve a happy

new ground. With our

unplugged driven by electric

job-site electric supply at

combination of operator

unplugged cranes we offer

engines with a system

32 amps and 63 amps in 4.5

benefit, efficiency and

our customers an alternative

performance of 255kW.

hours and optionally with

environmental sustainability,

drive design. As we have

125 amps in 2.25 hours. The

the manufacturer added.

already seen with the LB

The manufacturer said the two models make “no

battery capacity is designed

compromises regarding

for four hours of lifting

performance or availability

operation. In accordance

the strategy is a complete

when compared with the

with their names, the cranes

success. Strict requirements

conventional versions”,

can be operated without a

with the LR 1200.1 offering

cable - thus “unplugged”

a maximum lifting capacity

thanks to the battery-

of 200t, while the LR

electric drive design.

1250.1 can lift 250t.

According to Liebherr,

The cranes have a blue accent in the colour

Gerhard Frainer, MD for Sales at Liebherr-Werk

4

Hours of li operation fting th LR 1250.1 p at the ro on full cha vides rge

16 unplugged, the first battery-powered drilling rig,

regarding environmental sustainability in tenders for construction projects increase the demand for advanced technologies.

For us, it was clear that we

thanks to the duo’s zero

composition of their

emission and very low noise

livery, which, Liebherr says,

extend and successfully establish the design in

levels, they bring huge

“lends a distinctive look

further product groups.”

24

LAST WORD CR ANE REP ORT 2021

F ORDERS O G I B S E I L P RAND SUP TERN CUSTOMERS B C O W O MANIT IDDLE EAS M R O F S E N RAIN CRA R E T H G U RO

SUC

E V O R G R O F H G U O R E H CESS IN T

roughve GRT8100 e chose Gro “W : ys good sa ry l), ve ta have a e Ren cause they mobile cran be c o es w than an r ito cr ge n an n in terrai t 25% stro rove, the M essful time ich is abou h cc w the su t a ar ed ad ch lik h e also rt- load brand, has achines. W , with impo m ly e the te iv la at it st th et p Ea ts of com movemen the Middle stomisable last quarter e cu th d in an s e is ie prec S) offers.” ant deliver ter this year.

System (CC g and the first quar ne Control ra C shipbuildin ls st 2020 and in ta mimi Ren , Middle Ea Ta ile h ’s w added ia n b as ea ra h A M Saudi Damen hT8100 roug ny Albwardy R pa G m e fleet ve co an ro ir cr G repa units of 655L to its to drive its ordered 50 t Grove GRT ar 60 ye e e UAE. th st th la ss ) es (RTC cilities acro work terrain cran r use at its fa re fo o amen m D in dy w ar and help said Albw expansion Manitowoc lds. fie of its as se g u & ca il ane be dom’s o chose the cr in the king st fir load e g n th ro st ed n of a deliver “combinatio Manitowoc i hich im w am h” T ac anes to d long re an t ar ch GRT8100 cr f r of d for “both Number o e last quarte w it to be use lo s al it ill n u w Rentals in th 0 810 llow onents in Grove GRT others to fo large comp i g im in m ld a o T h 2020, with r y b onths. are built o ordered coming m hile ships w ls ta ce n la over the e p g R a join existin cranes will sections on The 50 new r stalling new ve in o boom es d m u 43 cl , ready in e-section fiv a as l h el fleet that al It w . es, as ships” l-terrain cran of 59.7m.

40 Grove al They will nded reach te s.

C ex T R an , Albwardy er d ld er of o here an lity manager w ci s fa , ite in -s al b as a numb B jo r ge of is a really Shara Igo ed to a ran hinery ew GRT655L n ac e m h y “T av be dispatch : he ys ing en, sa sections at ill include plac oving Dam d turn large m an t en lif h typical lifts w to w it le amp lighter parts rsatile un radii, for ex smaller and h fully ve l it al w st in g r at shorter in o i rk , wo docked.” shorter radi hter picks ips we have sh n s. o d s io rigs, or lig ce er p an nger ng dist ooms for lo mimi at lo extended b imi, CEO, Ta am l-T A S d Faha Mohammed

G

50