Spectacular dredging application of a duty cycle crawler crane HS 8130 HD

Since July 2016, a Liebherr HS 8130 HD cycle duty crawler crane, belonging to the newest generation, is operating amidst the Swiss Alps. It is being used to dredge large amounts of sediment on the filter grids of the Lake Luzzone reservoir. At depths of up to 200 m, a total of 125,000 m³ of material has accumulated in close proximity to the power station.

It is anticipated that the duty cycle crawler crane will be operating for two years during summer months. Only after the completion of this work can the power station in Olivone be put back into full operation.

The importance of this project derives from the fact that a yearly average of 180 million m³ of water flow through the turbines of the Olivone power station and consequently generate approximately 234,000 MWh of energy.

The delivery of the construction machine imposed an immense challenge for the transport company. On the way to its job site the duty cycle crawler crane did not only have to negotiate numerous hairpin bends but also pass through two narrow tunnels and cross a 225 m high dam. Furthermore, shortly before transportation the road had to be cleared of fallen rock.

The new HS 8130 HD is equipped with a specially produced mechanical clamshell bucket from Negrini. In this combination outstanding turnover cycles can be achieved.