Whilst focus has been on infrastructure booms in Melbourne and Sydney it is easy to forget about Tasmania, but some of the state’s biggest projects are currently being undertaken or will begin in the near future.
One such project is the new Bridgewater Bridge, which began construction in July.
The new four-lane bridge will fix the missing link in Tasmania’s National Highway, while also improving connections at Bridgewater and Granton and catering for cyclists and pedestrians with a safe shared path.
The Bridgewater Bridge is Tasmania’s largest ever transport infrastructure project and, thus, will require impressive machinery to ensure it remains on schedule.
Construction expert BridgePro Engineering will be bringing a wealth of experience to the project to deliver a high-quality product for Tasmanians.
BridgePro Engineering was founded in December 2010 to provide the Tasmanian market with a highly competent, innovative and quality infrastructure solution provider.
With a focus on bridges, jetties, wharves, and foundations, it builds the infrastructure that enables Tasmania to grow and thrive.
Ray de Haan is a team leader at BridgePro engineering and explains how the new HSC SCX2800A-3 will be an asset to the Bridgewater project.
“It has been awesome; we have been looking ahead at some bigger projects here in Tasmania, for example Bridgewater, so we were looking for something with greater capacity,” he said.
“The job we have got it on at the moment is well below its capacity, but it is mainly a chance to get it out and allow the guys to get used to it.
“Most of our other cranes are under 100 tonnes. We have some 55s and a 70. This is definitely our biggest crane by far, so we are all very excited to have it.”
Crawler crane expert Phil Chadwick from Tutt Bryant is the business development manager for the southern region and delivered the new crane to BridgePro Engineering.
“I can see the HSC SCX2800A-3 becoming very popular as a result of the extra lifting capacity. The 250t class has almost been superseded, with tenders now asking for 275t, 280t or 300t capacity cranes. I think the SCX2800A-3 has a significant advantage because of this. The resources and infrastructure booms are going to see bigger cranes and the capacities will be from 275t and up. Everything is getting bigger,” he said.
A reduced counterweight specification is a major asset on the new crane. By removing counterweights on the upper structure, this feature will allow the SCX2800A-3 to be utilised in four different capacity classes (275t, 260t, 250t and 240t). Coming into its own in situations where lower operating weight/reduced ground bearing pressure are required, the reduced counterweight specification will further give owners the flexibility to use the SCX2800A-3 as a lower capacity crane, meaning fewer counterweights need to be transported to a job site.
Another option that will greatly improve safety around the crane is the swing restriction system. Used to limit the range of slew to pre-set working zones, the system aims to allow smooth operations when working within tight constrained sites. There is an added slow-down function prior to reaching the no-go zone, thereby minimising load swing.
“The truth is, anything Japanese is excellent,” said Chadwick.
“In my experience, HSC crawler cranes are designed and manufactured with traditional engineering values in mind and the SCX2800A-3 is a standout machine. It is the biggest crane in its class, which is easily and economically transportable.
“The challenge to increase the lifting capacity but to keep the carrier small has always revolved around the size of the slew ring and having the strength in the slew ring to keep the weight down. HSC has optimised this crane to be the biggest lifter whilst keeping it transportable.”
De Haan echoed the sentiment of Chadwick when discussing the crane upon its arrival.
“We obviously have challenges getting it to site, as we do with all cranes, but it is surprisingly easy to move and efficient when being erected once we reach the sites. And, of course, once it is there, the tracks make light work of moving it around,” he said.
“For us, this crane gives us fantastic reach. It is obviously a challenge working in the areas we do, so this crane was a no-brainer.
“I was there for the original assembly and we were able to dismantle it with just a few of us. We have found it very easy to work on,” he said.
De Haan and the team at BridgePro have been impressed by the service provided by Tutt Bryant and Chadwick.
“I have had a bit to do with Phil and Tutt Bryant after the purchase and he has been fantastic, always quick to answer my questions,” said De Haan.
“We had some of the people from the Japan factory come and talk us through the crane, which was amazing for our own knowledge,” BridgePro has become an important member of the Tasmanian community and is 100 per cent Tasmanian-owned.
BridgePro sponsors or makes donations to sporting clubs, community organisations and charities throughout the region, including the Redwater Creek Steam Railway, Devon Netball Association, Devonport Gymnastics, City of Devonport Scouts, Latrobe Basketball, Devonport Soccer Team and Student Formula 1 Racing at St Brendan Shaw College. BridgePro is a strong supporter of projects stimulating local and regional development, and provides financial contributions for mountain bike schemes at Break O’Day Council and Latrobe Council.
BridgePro regularly hosts tours of its workplace to the St Brendan Shaw College Year 12 science class, and provides science presentations to local schools such as St Patrick’s College and Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School.