Mobile gantry crane reinvented

However, the existing overhead crane did not reach the new site. A flexible solution was sought and found in the form of a Straddle Carrier from Mabo BeNeLux. Basically a mobile gantry crane, but fully custom configured to handle fragile, concrete foundation piles.

The Straddle Carrier is not very unfamiliar with concrete elements. It is already used, albeit in different configurations, by several concrete companies in the Benelux and the rest of the world. The plant manager at Lodewikus Beton was also already familiar with the concept. But a specific one for handling foundation piles, did not yet exist. Jan Vervloet of Lodewikus Beton: "For the expansion of our bag field, we put several concepts side by side, including an overhead crane, a shovel or forklift. However, the Straddle Carrier best suits our needs, while maintaining as much flexibility as possible."

Hydraulically rotating forks

The concept of the Straddle Carrier has been around since 2008. The mobile gantry crane was initially developed to load and unload containers. Due to the modular nature of the concept, the machine is capable of much more. For many companies, it offers tremendous freedom in transporting long and heavy loads. The machine stationed at Lodewikus is fully adapted to the need to handle fragile concrete foundation piles. Specifically for Lodewikus Beton, a construction was devised in which the four forks on a telescopic frame rotate hydraulically and the arms slide in and out, so that the piles can always be picked up at the right points to prevent breakage. Due to the specific construction and positioning of the cab, the driver always has optimal visibility of the load and forks, thanks also to the necessary cameras. The machine can also be operated via remote control.

Enormously agile

In the meantime, Lodewikus has already built up the necessary experience with the Straddle Carrier. "In the beginning, of course, it took some getting used to, but the machine is excellent and has already amply proven its added value," says Vervloet. "The 3-wheel concept makes the carrier enormously maneuverable. By the way, we use the machine not only in the bag field, but also to load and unload trucks. Thanks to a capacity of 40 tons, we can pick a complete 'order' in one go." Another great thing about this machine is the relatively low wheel pressure for the equipment being lifted. With a forklift, the load is in front of the machine, so you have to apply a heavy counterweight. With the Straddle Carrier, the load is in the heart of the machine, which reduces its own weight.

Lodewikus was the first pile manufacturer in Europe to use a Straddle Carrier. The machine was therefore developed in close cooperation. "Mabo BeNeLux really listened to our needs and immersed themselves in our business. We really feel that we developed the machine together. Even when we took delivery of the machine, there was still room for minor adjustments. In short, a pleasant cooperation, which may be continued," Vervloet says in conclusion.