Mastering the Dual Lift: Lifting Solution Tailored to a Unique Challenge in Capel, WA.

The Challenge: A Dual Crane Lift for a Repurposed Vessel in Capel WA

A dual crane lift is generally required when a load is too heavy, long, or cumbersome for a single crane to manage safely. On this day, the challenge was not just the weight, but the length and orientation of the vessel. The goal was to take the vessel from its horizontal transport orientation and stand it upright, a procedure known as a "top and tail" or "assisted" lift. This type of lift is often used for large or long objects like vessels or piling cages.,

One crane, the primary crane, lifts the top of the load while the second, or tailing crane, controls the bottom, slewing or tracking to follow the base as the load is hoisted to a vertical position. Once the load is upright and stable, the tailing crane detaches, and the main crane can then place the load.

The Equipment: A Tale of Two Cranes

The selection of cranes for a dual lift is a critical decision. While using identical cranes can simplify the process by ensuring matched lifting speeds, it's not always feasible or necessary. In this case, two very different, yet complementary, cranes were chosen for the job:

• The Franna MAC25: A 25-tonne capacity mobile articulated crane, the MAC25 is a versatile "pick and carry" crane. Its key advantage is its mobility and ability to travel with a load, making it an excellent choice for the tailing crane in this operation, which required controlled movement of the vessel's base. The MAC25-5 model boasts a patented Dynamic Load Moment Indicator (LMI) that provides real-time calculations of the crane's capacity, taking into account its articulation, pitch, and roll for enhanced safety.

• The Demag AC40-2L: This 40-tonne capacity all-terrain crane is known for its long main boom (37.4 meters) and maneuverability in tight spaces. Its superior reach and stable lifting power made it the ideal main crane, responsible for taking the primary weight of the vessel as it was lifted into its final vertical orientation.

  
  

The Blueprint for a Safe Lift: Planning and People

A successful dual crane lift is built on a foundation of rigorous planning and clear communication. Every dual crane lift is considered a "critical lift," demanding a detailed written plan and the oversight of qualified personnel. In Australia, the operation of these lifts is governed by Australian Standard AS 2550.1-2011, with Section 6.28 specifically addressing multiple crane operations.

The Lift Plan: This comprehensive document is the single most important element for a safe lift. It must be developed by a "qualified person" and reviewed with the entire crew before the lift commences. Key components of the lift plan include:

• Load Calculations: Determining the exact weight and center of gravity of the load is crucial. For a dual lift, the load distribution between the two cranes must be calculated, and a safety margin is added. For a two-crane lift, this involves adding a 20% contingency to the calculated share of the load for each crane.

• Crane Positioning and Sequence: The plan details the exact placement of each crane and the step-by-step sequence of the lift. This includes mapping out the movement of the tailing crane to prevent side loading on the booms, which occurs when a load is not directly under the hoist.

• Rigging: The plan specifies all rigging equipment, such as slings and shackles, which must be rated for the intended load.

• Communication: A clear and precise system of communication, often using two-way radios, is essential to control the movements of both cranes.

The Lift Controller: This individual is the leader on-site, responsible for overseeing the entire operation. The lift controller must be a "competent" and "qualified" person and is generally the most experienced rigger on site. Their responsibilities include conducting pre-lift meetings, ensuring the area is secure, and delegating tasks to the team.

The Context: A High-Tech Dairy

The setting for this lift adds another layer of interest. The operation took place at a new, fully automatic robotic dairy being constructed in Capel, Western Australia. These facilities represent the cutting edge of agricultural technology, utilizing robotic systems for voluntary milking. This high-tech approach not only improves efficiency but also provides detailed data on the health and productivity of the herd, as cows can choose when they are milked.

The vessel at the center of this lift is a critical component of the dairy's infrastructure. Once installed, it will serve as a storage tank for waste products, an essential part of the facility's operational and environmental management system. The use of a repurposed vessel is a practical and resourceful choice for this kind of industrial application. Our role was to safely and precisely lift this key piece of equipment into place, contributing to a significant milestone in the dairy's construction.

Another Successful Lift by South West Cranes

The successful "top and tailing" of the storage tank at the Capel robotic dairy is a testament to the skill and professionalism of the crew. It highlights that behind every seemingly straightforward heavy lift is a complex process of calculation, planning, and communication. This operation serves as a powerful reminder that with the right expertise and a meticulous plan, even the most challenging lifts can be executed flawlessly.

To find out how South West Cranes can help you with your challenging next lift call: 0475272637 or email us at safelift@southwest-cranes.com.au

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