crane industry news

Liebherr has expanded its range of mobile harbour cranes with the new model LHM 420 to be shown at TOC Europe 2011. The new model – which succeeds the LHM 400 and slots between the LHM 550 and LHM 280 – will be available in two variants with maximum lifting capacities of 84 and 124 tonnes.

The UK’s Health & Safety Executive has concluded an investigation into the failure of a hook on a loader crane whilst lifting a large cabin. Examination of the hook after the accident revealed that a roll pin used to secure a nut onto the threaded shank of the hook had failed. The failure of the pin allowed the nut to move on the threaded shank, particularly when the hook and load were rotated.

A 450 tonne All Terrain crane went over on a wind farm in Denmark last week dropping the rotor blades of a turbine it was helping to repair.

The 59-storey tower has suffered several delays and internal problems since construction began in 2006 and in late-2009, Hill International took over management of the project

A hire firm boss has admitted a mobile crane that leaked oil on the A92 before a fatal car crash was not safe for the road. Lawrence Whyte, 40, of Ellon-based William Whyte Cargo Handlers, initially told the inquiry in Stonehaven Sheriff Court that he believed the crane was roadworthy. But he went on to admit it was not when shown the condition of some of its parts.

A LARGE Dutch ship which has its own massive onboard tower cranes sailed up Walney Channel for the first of eight visits to the port to start a new phase of a windfarm’s development. Fair Partner, owned by Jumbo Shipping of Holland, effectively kicked off phase two of the construction of the £1bn Walney Offshore Windfarm, nine miles off Barrow.

A four axle truck crane was turning at an intersection and hit a 71 year old lady, who died later in hospital. Witnesses say that the driver was not speeding or driving recklessly and there is absolutely no suggestion that there was anything wrong with the crane.

The International Sign Association has added a Mobile Crane Operator Safety Certification Training class in Altoona, Pa. ISA also has partnered with The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO), which has agreed to administer tests the day following the completion of training. The tests will be held in the same location as the training. ISA will conduct the Altoona course May 25-28 and one in Pittsburgh April 20-23. Dozens of other courses will take place around the country throughout the year. Visit www.signs.org/cranetraining for the full 2011 crane-training schedule.

Linden Comansa has introduced two new models of luffing-jib cranes. The company says the new models will be available by the end of April. These new cranes, LCL 310 and LCL 280, altogether with the LCL 190 presented last year in Bauma, form the new family of luffing-jib cranes from Linden Comansa, which will be completed this summer with the launch of a fourth model, the LCL 165.

Perth- Australia, a court has fined two directors of D&G Cranes $45,000 each and the company $90,000 for a fatal accident in 2007. D&G Hoists & Cranes, operations director David Keating and Luigi Vincenzo Decesare, managing director, were found guilty in December of failing to provide and maintain a safe workplace, which caused the death of Luke Murrie, 22, after he was struck in the head by a 375kg tower crane section.