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June 2015
Infrastructure & Mixed Use
T
he crane trucks from the FASSI
factory in Italy cost approxi-
mately R3,4million each. “With
the strain that Eskom’s load shedding
places on infrastructure, it ismore im-
portant than ever for the City to pro-
vide a vigilant systemof maintenance
with the best resources possible, in
line with our commitment to being a
well-run city,” said the Mayoral Com-
mittee Member for Utility Services,
Ernest Sonnenberg.
When the Department’s existing
fleet neared the end of its economic
lifespan and needed replacement,
the City saw an opportunity to en-
hance its performance by replacing
it with superior technology models.
The vehicles’ primary function is to
perform maintenance on electricity
services infrastructure, comprising
the installation, removal and reloca-
tion of hefty components such as
transformers, mini-subs, and ring
main units. These units are some-
times not easily moved or lifted due
to environmental constraints. The
new trucks, however, are function-
ally designed to legally transport
transformers, mini-subs, ring main
units, concrete slabs and six-foot
containers.
“Previously, this would easily have
required the efforts of two or three
trucks for a single project. The new
trucksmean lower fuel consumption,
fewer drivers, less maintenance and
a swifter operation in general,” said
Sonnenberg.
The crane component of the truck
has a 24,5 m reach with a lifting ca-
pacity of 55 tons / m and is equipped
with the latest electronic devices in
the field and control systems which
constantly monitor the varying envi-
ronmental and operating conditions.
This is a sophisticated stabilisation
system that aids accurate mobility.
In older suburbs, it is very tricky
to access transformers. Staff find
themselves having to park on the
street and access a transformer on a
property on the other side of a fence.
These cranes are able to lift themover
these obstacles.
While the trucks are no slouch
when it comes to heavy lifting, they
tread remarkably lightly on the en-
vironment.
The engine exhaust emissions are
Euro 3 compliant, which exceeds the
country’s legislated Euro 2 require-
ment thus contributing to a remark-
able reduction in the vehicle carbon
footprint and fuel consumption.
The load body design is such
that it contains any oil leakage from
transformers that may arise during
transit and therefore guards against
environmental pollution as well.
‘They are also very comfortable
– the driver and passenger seats are
fully adjustable and air-suspended,
and able to accommodate a variety of
operator weights. Increased comfort
means reduced driver fatigue, and
ultimately a higher level of safety.
As the vehicles are highly special-
ised, fleet management staff have
embarked on an operator driver skills
development programme. This will
ensure that adequate internal com-
petency and skills exist to operate
them at optimum efficiency levels.
■
Crane trucks at R3,4 m each
The City of Cape Town’s
Electricity Services Department
has taken delivery of three
sophisticated new vehicles –
each able to do the work of
three normal trucks – which
will significantly boost efficiency
and reduce costs.
Ernest Sonnenberg