Trier, Germany - The Schmidbauer Group is extending its construction capabilities with a new Terex® CC 6800 crawler crane, featuring a lifting capacity of 1,250 metric tonnes [1,378 tons]. The decision was crystal clear for Managing Director, Werner Schmidbauer: “It will allow us to significantly increase our capabilities in the upper lifting capacity segment: it can lift loads of up to 1,250 metric tonnes [1,378 tons] and reach hook heights above 200 meters [656 feet]. The crane is absolutely ideal for use in industrial facilities and in work with large wind turbines. In addition to the fact that we got the CC 6800 with the maximum level of equipment available, we also ordered the pedestal crane version (PC) with star-type outriggers. This way, we are also perfectly equipped for operations that don’t require traveling with loads.”

　　The new machine’s first mission was certainly a challenge: ALE Heavylift Deutschland commissioned Schmidbauer to replace an old railroad bridge in Trier with a new steel bridge. This allowed Schmidbauer to use a new tactic for the first time ever: a tandem lift operation featuring a Terex® CC 6800 and a Terex® CC 2400-1, both new lattice boom crawler cranes.

　　During the first weekend of work, the new bridge was first placed parallel to the old railroad bridge, above the river. The CC 6800 was positioned on one of the river banks, and its hook was used to pick up one of the bridge’s ends while the remaining end rested on sliding tracks on the opposite bank: The bridge was slid inch by inch across the river and was then placed on auxiliary supports. The actual load: 200 metric tonnes [220 tons] at a reach of 47 meters [154 feet]. The crane was equipped with a 54 meter [177 ft] main boom, a 42 meter [138 ft] Superlift mast, and a 320 metric tonne [352 ton] Superlift counterweight.

　　After this first step was completed, everything was ready for the bridge to be lifted and placed in position.

　　One weekend later: Friday, 10 PM sharp, the German Railways company DB cuts off the power and railway services are suspended. The Schmidbauer team now has exactly 17 hours to remove the old bridge and lift the new one into place. All crane work must be completed by Saturday at 3 PM, since trains will start rolling again at 6 AM Monday morning.

　　The Terex® CC 6800 works solo while lifting out the old bridge, weighing 148 metric tonnes [163 ton], at a reach of 24 meters [79 feet].

　　The new bridge, with its net weight of 210 metric tonnes [231 tons], is considerably heavier. Schmidbauer sets up a second crane in order to support the Terex® CC 6800. At the crack of dawn, the Terex® CC 6800 and the 400 metric tonne [441 ton] Terex® CC 2400-1 are used in a tandem lift operation in order to place the new bridge into position.

　　The Terex® CC 6800 worked with a 54 meter [177 ft] main boom and a 42 meter [138 ft] Superlift mast. A Superlift counterweight of 240 metric tonnes [265 tons] was perfect for a maximum load of 230 metric tonnes [254 tons] (incl. hook block and slinging cable) at a reach of 32 meters [105 feet].

　　In the meantime, the Terex® CC2400-1 dealt with a maximum load of 230 metric tonnes [254 tons] (incl. hook block and slinging cable) at a reach of 20 meters [66 feet]. A 42 meter [138 ft] main boom, a 30 meter [98 ft] Superlift mast, and a 240 metric tonne [265 ton] Superlift counterweight were used for this portion of the job.

　　The Terex® CC 6800:

　　The 1,250 metric tonne [1,378 ton] lattice boom crawler crane, featuring a maximum load moment of 13,952 mt, was designed for worldwide industrial operations. Its components, featuring dimensions with a maximum transport width of 3 to 3.5 m [9.8 ft to 11.5 ft] and low transport weights ranging from 15 to 50 metric tonnes [16.5 to 55.1 tons] which allow worldwide, cost-effective transportation. The crane’s strengths can be utilized to their full potential in the construction of petrochemical plants and power plant buildings in particular. A simple assembly process and extremely short setup times, a main boom variable offset for SW and SWSL, and both a Quadro drive and hydraulically assisted boom section pinning are provided as standard features. The variable Superlift unit, with an adjustable radius of 15-24 m [49-79 ft], enhances the crane’s maneuverability at the construction site and makes it ideal for tight space conditions. The crane is equipped with redundant drive units, which leads to increased reliability at the construction site: If one of the two drive units fails, the other one assumes its place immediately. If the power supplied by both motors is not required, it is possible to save considerably on fuel consumption by using a single unit.

　　About the Schmidbauer Group

　　The Schmidbauer Group features over 20 branches across Germany, as well as Braunschweig, Aschersleben, and Hannover-based subsidiary Fricke-Schmidbauer Schwerlast GmbH and the Rieger & Moser KG company in Ulm. 250 mobile telescopic cranes, 150 heavy goods vehicles, and 500 employees ensure that the high expectations of the company’s customers are always met with the highest degree of reliability and diligence.

　　About Terex

　　Terex Corporation is a diversified global manufacturer with 2008 net sales of $9.9 billion. Terex operates in four business segments: Terex Aerial Work Platforms, Terex Construction, Terex Cranes and Terex Materials Processing & Mining. Terex manufactures a broad range of equipment for use in various industries, including the construction, infrastructure, quarrying, mining, shipping, transportation, refining, and utility industries. Terex offers a complete line of financial products and services to assist in the acquisition of Terex equipment through Terex Financial Services. More information on Terex can be found at www.terex.com.