Construction World January 2021

BABCOCK SWINGS INTOACTIONAT V&AWATERFRONT

CAB AMENITIES THAT ARE SURE TO PLEASE OPERATORS • Tilt-up console that allows easy cab entry and exit • Advanced viscous cab mounts that reduce vibration as much as 50 percent compared with previous models • Bluetooth ® integrated radio with USB ports for connecting and charging phones • Automatic climate control that maintains temperature settings regardless of ambient temperatures • Programmable joystick buttons that allow setting control patterns and hydraulic response rates, permitting machine operation to be tailored to individual preferences. • Large front, rear, and side windows along with standard rearview and right-hand-side cameras to enhance visibility • An optional 360-degree-visibility package combines images from multiple cameras to enhance the operator’s sight lines in all directions optimising performance. Engine speed automatically lowers when hydraulic demand decreases, further reducing fuel usage. The cooling system features a new on-demand fan that’s designed to operate only when required, saving fuel and ensuring maximum efficiency. An available reverse function assists with cleaning debris “Lifting the bridge from the barge was challenging as we had to contend with movement from the water. Careful planning and precise communication between the rigger and operator was needed to ensure the lift was executed accurately and safely,” says Van Staden. The V&A Waterfront replacement swing bridge took top honours at the Southern African Institute of Steel Construction (SAISC) 2020 Steel Awards, which was praised for “the combination and integration of mechanical, structural, marine, geotechnical, construction and architectural expertise to create a simple but beautiful structure that moves”. “As a trusted supplier of lifting machinery to the Construction I n 2019, Babcock’s plant hire business was contracted by a long- standing client in the Steel and Construction industry to assist with the installation of a new swing bridge at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. A Liebherr LTM1400-7.1 mobile crane, with a maximum lifting capacity of 400 tonnes, was used to lift the new bridge into place. After opening and closing up to 60 times a day over 22 years, and carrying up to 2,4 million people per year, the existing swing bridge was no longer sufficient for the increasing number of pedestrians. The replacement bridge is more than 40 metres long and 3 metres wide, with the mast section extending over 10 metres into the air. Je-T'aime van Staden, Customer Support Manager for Babcock, explains that the 78-tonne bridge was loaded from where it was assembled onto a floating barge. The crane was moved into position at night so as not to disrupt the general public and surrounding businesses. The barge transported the bridge the following day before it was lifted and placed in position.

and Steel industry, we are proud to have played a role in this award- winning project,” says Van Staden. Babcock specialises in the provision of mobile crane services with lifting capacities from 8 to 600 tons, distributed nationally as well as cross border. The offering includes a full turnkey services such as specialized rigging, crane trucks, abnormal transport, forklifts and project management to meet the needs of any small professional or large contractor. ▄

from the cooling cores – another plus for enhanced efficiency. The new electrohydraulic control system is built for responsiveness and efficiency; its main control valve eliminates the need for pilot lines, reduces pressure losses, and lowers fuel consumption. Fewer hydraulic lines result in less required oil and

lower long-term operating costs. Operator- oriented cab With a choice of Comfort or Deluxe cab packages, the 349 is designed to provide operators with a satisfying, safe experience. Performance-enhancing features like keyless pushbutton start, large touchscreen monitor with jog dial keys for control, and a sound- suppressed rollover protective structure (ROPS) come standard. ▄

Tel: +27 74 046 9427 | info@alchimica.co.za | www.alchimica.co.za

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD JANUARY 2021