Construction World June 2019

EQUIPMENT

M ichael Hawkins, Heavy Lift Manager at Babcock, says that despite external setbacks, the three-month project went very well with Babcock achieving what many thought impossible with a mobile crane. “Our competitors believed the project required a high capacity crawler crane; however, by building the mobile crane and boom on the ground we were able to drive it into position, lifting the boom along the way and stabilising it with a 100-tonne crawler crane,” says Hawkins. Ten gantries, some exceeding 70 tonnes, were then lifted 35 metres into the air over a live working plant to be strategically placed between A-frames for the carrying of conveyor belts for a new wood chipping plant in Umkomaas, south of Durban. Hawkins says that 28 lowbed trucks were used to transport the Liebherr LG 1550 mobile crane to site where it was built. “The challenge then came in lifting the gantries above plant buildings and underneath existing conveyor belts before slewing them in to final position,” he says. The Liebherr LG 1550 lattice boom crane is the largest mobile crane in Babcock’s plant fleet. It has a maximum lifting capacity of 600 tonnes at a 4.5 radius and lattice boom extending to 161 metres. The eight-axle machine with slewing platform also features outriggers that can be completely folded into the vehicle width, increasing manoeuvrability in confined spaces. In addition, the 24 wheels provide the load bearing capacity necessary for the crane to move on-site with the parts of its equipment and ballast. The boom and jib system enable hook heights of over 100 metres to be reached. With a current equipment fleet of 161 cranes, ranging from 8 tonnes to 600 tonnes, and a combined inventory of more Defying the laws of gravity is all in a day’s work for Babcock’s plant hire business as their heavy lift mobile cranes continue turning challenges into triumphs. Most recently, Babcock put a 600-tonne Liebherr LG 1550 lattice boom crane to the test in a project involving the precise placement of 10 gantries within a live and confined working space. BEARING THE LOAD Leading vehicle telematics and tracking services provider, Ctrack, has introduced Ctrack Iris, a high-quality, customisable video monitoring solution ideal for rental vehicles, light deliveries, fleet vehicles, heavy commercial’s, general machinery and buses. W ith Ctrack Iris, fleet owners can reduce the number of insurance claims they submit and settle the claims they do submit much faster. Iris can also be used to lower fuel consumption and improve vehicle maintenance through better driving, while also reducing diesel and goods-in-transit theft. By monitoring crew activities, it is possible to improve and enforce company processes and procedures and reduce theft, pilferage and stock damage. Furthermore, the new video solution from Ctrack combined with a tracking device can improve vehicle route optimisation, increase load frequency and hasten turnaround times. The number of side or back cameras (IP69) used can be specified by individual customers. Video footage can be recorded in eight quality settings, from CIF to 1080p. Live, real-time video streaming can be viewed on mobile devices. Apart from the cameras, the solution is further equipped with rear door triggers, a lockable A GAME CHANGER

than 40 000 items, Babcock is the largest empowered mobile lifting equipment and plant service provider in southern Africa. Other mobile transport options offered by Babcock include tractors and trailers, trucks and lowbeds, and abnormal transport for the logistics and transport for heavy haulage. Babcock’s combined fleet is utilised on a wide range of customer projects, from substantial infrastructure development and mining, to petrochemical plants, wind farms and marine projects. Babcock’s team of certified riggers and qualified red seal riggers are trained to provide a wide spectrum of advice and services ranging from machine moving to rigging and placing of equipment and lifting assessments. Babcock operates to a safety- first philosophy and boasts an outstanding safety record while working within and exceeding OHSAS and ISO requirements. Safety is further supported by well-trained drivers and operators as Babcock continually trains and upskills employees. As a preferred plant service provider, Babcock offers its clients: • A one-stop-shop of mobile crane services, rigging and transportation for a complete plant hire solution • Expertise and advice to identify and specify the appropriate equipment for individual operational demands while

keeping in line with customers’ cost efficiency requirements

• Availability of equipment

with fleet range and location ensuring optimal utilisation as well as strict maintenance schedules keeping downtime of the fleet to a minimum • An extensive branch of network and workshop facilities in Southern Africa • Cradle to grave equipment monitoring using a digital QR code scan and tracking system monitors that allow instant access. 

video device, two-way communication system, fatigue and ADAS monitoring and an onboard/reverse screen. GPS, Wi-Fi, 3G and accelerometer modules can also be included. Ctrack Iris is supported by web-based, desktop software and a password protected mobile application. These platforms provide Geofence/Point-of- Interest information, live tracking and video and dashboard event management. “Ctrack supplies monitoring equipment that is made with high quality components. It’s video unit models are best in class, which results in minimum downtime and system maintenance. Ultimately, Ctrack Iris is a sustainable, long-term video tracking solution of the highest order,” Hein Jordt MD of Ctrack stated. 

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD JUNE 2019