Swiss heavy haulage specialist Friderici Spécial has acquired four new SPMT modules from German manufacturers Scheuerle.
Putting the machines straight into use, the four new SPMT PowerHoss modules went to work on the renewal of the runway at Geneva’s airport, playing an important role in carrying 180-tonne prefabricated concrete slabs.
Per module, the SPMT PowerHoss 260s hold six-axle lines and accommodate payloads of up to 256 tonnes. Up until this point, the operator at Geneva’s airport had used gantry cranes for the task. As Geneva Airport has only one runway, maintenance work always took place at night during the ban on night flights so that regular flight operations weren’t disrupted.
“Our search for a functional replacement for the gantry cranes chassis has shown that the SCHEUERLE SPMT PowerHoss is the most efficient solution for this task and the most cost-effective solution in terms of acquisition and operation,” said Stéphane Friderici, the Swiss company’s Managing Director.
Before putting the machines into use at Geneva’s airport, Friderici wanted to test the efficacy and perform a practice run transporting components of a tunnel-boring machines (TBM) in the region of Valais. Transporting two transformers weighing 100 tonnes and 147 tonnes respectively, the MD of the Swiss company was effusive in his praise for the control the SPMT PowerHoss’ displayed.
“It’s unbelievable how well the modular transporter can be controlled,” he said. “It can be steered precisely and easily adapted to suit the load as well as the incline of the road.”
The SPMT’s also displayed their flexibility and manoeuvrability in tight spaces, according to Friderici. Adding to their versatility is the ‘plug and play’ operation of the SPMTs, making the transporting system usable anywhere.
“The manoeuvrability of the SPMT PowerHoss is almost unbelievable and the handling is impressively easy,” he said. “It is ideal for use in tunnels, galleries, halls and similar spaces where manoeuvring space availability is very limited.”
“Even when under load and negotiating road inclinations, it can be excellently controlled with the radio remote control,” he said. “There is always enough time to compensate for road gradients.”