bauma 2007: Lifting gear and conveyor systems – Further improvements in safety and efficiency
The market for rotating tower cranes has changed greatly in recent years. The often contrary economic cycle in the building and construction industry in the individual countries prompted the emergence of new constellations among the manufacturers. It also produced a host of new ideas and technology for specific applications. More than ever before the manufacturers are paying close attention to rapid assembly, with the effort being concentrated more on the ground and the work at height being reduced. Key parts of this concept are simplified connections between the individual components and easy assembly, with as few work steps as possible.
Advances have also been made in adapting the jib to the particular location. New solutions are required in particular for renovations and modernisation projects, many of which take place in restricted site conditions in towns and cities. These circumstances also affect the volume of individual components being delivered or transported away.
Live at bauma 2007 – Nine-axle 1,200 tonne mobile crane
The 28th bauma, which takes place in Munich from 23 to 29 April is showcasing the entire range of cranes for stationary applications, plus tracked cranes. The biggest tracked crane currently available can handle loads of up to 1,350 tonnes. Derrick cranes will also be on view, such as are used for cantilever construction of steel bridges or for building the steel frames for high-rises, but which can also be used for dismantling operations.
The first nine-axle 1,200 tonne mobile crane with 100-metre long telescopic jib is celebrating its world premiere at bauma. This crane is designed primarily for use in wind parks, for fitting the up to 100-tonne machinery houses at heights of 80 metres.
New models are also announced in the “mid-range” category of cranes, of up to 220 tonnes.
Electronics supports safer operations in truck-mounted cranes
A smaller type of crane, but equally in demand, is the truck-mounted crane, many models of which are available. The range here is from 1.2 to 120 metre-tonnes. The manufacturers have announced a range of improvements and innovations in mechanical and hydraulic processes, but also further advances in electronics. Among the more familiar developments are complex systems which increase hoisting power under certain conditions, precisely monitor any possible overload and actively dampen vibrations that occur during change of load. The stability in cases of only partially extended outriggers is also being controlled via sensors. A core element in controlling the cranes are portable remote-control devices, which are developing more and more into mini computers. Here, too, there will be some new developments on show at the 28th bauma.
All-rounders master transport functions
Designed originally as all-terrain high-lift trucks, telescopic cranes have for a number of years been developing into all-purpose equipment and have secured considerable market share within the construction sector. Fitted as standard with a shovel and a pallet fork, the telescopic crane still has a lot more potential. The accessories catalogues of the manufacturers list a wide range of load-carrying tools, additional booms and various jib attachments. Thus telescopic cranes are capable of taking on jobs normally performed by excavators, loading cranes, wheel loaders and hoist platforms – even acting as small rapid assembly cranes. The ever-growing number of suppliers of these cranes are looking to attract more customers at this year´s bauma, with their modern load-sensing control systems, level regulation and newly designed cabins.
Mastering heights without vertigo
The use of site hoists is not just restricted to high-rises or bridge pylons. The range of models now available from manufacturers is so great that appropriate solutions are on offer for every building project. No longer is it just about rapid, safe moving of building materials; larger systems are also authorised to carry people. bauma will be featuring the full spectrum of hoists, from simple cable hoists and diagonal hoists with or without toothed rack through to platforms for transporting all kinds of loads. New developments have been introduced in the purely mechanical components, such as for example the platforms. Here flexible modular systems are proving popular, which can be adapted to the geometry of the building and to simplify transport to and from the site. The manufacturers are also placing great emphasis on the subject of safety. Electrically locking ramps, overload protection and electrically secured halts are typical of the kind of advances in this area.
Automobile standard in fork-lifts
The process of loading, delivering and unloading of building materials and other materials requires extensive support from machinery and equipment. bauma is therefore devoting much space to the product group of fork-lift trucks, for without these handy assistants, it would be extremely difficult to organise the supply chain on site efficiently. As with any other ride-on building machinery, fork-lifts are also improving all the time in terms of user-friendliness and safety. Environmental protection is a constant focus of new developments. One highlight at the 28th bauma, for example, will be the first ever fork lift with hybrid drive technology. And one leading manufacturer is showcasing a new ergonomically designed concept vehicle with a multifunctional steering wheel for noticeably easier steering and hoisting operations. The steering movements are transferred electro-hydraulically to the steering axle. Thus as with a modern automobile, the ease of steering is speed-dependent.
Further information:
www.bauma.de
bauma
The world´s biggest international trade fair for machinery for the building and construction, building-materials and mining industries takes place at the New Munich Trade Fair Centre from 23 to 29 April 2007. This event, organised by Messe München GmbH, will take up over 540,000 m2 of indoor and outdoor exhibition space. The last bauma in 2004 attracted 2,801 exhibitors from 47 countries, all making full use of the fair as a platform for communication, product presentation and marketing. 50% of the exhibitors were from countries outside Germany. 416,000 trade visitors came to bauma in Munich in 2004, 29% of them from abroad. The number of exhibitors and the number of global brands among them is evidence of bauma´s central significance as an international forum for the sector. 93% of the exhibitors at bauma 2004 reported contacts with international trade visitors at their stand.
Messe München International (MMI)
Messe München International (MMI) is one of the world´s leading trade-fair organisations. It organises around 40 trade fairs for capital and consumer goods, and new technology. Over 30,000 exhibitors from more than 100 countries, and over two million visitors from more than 200 countries take part each year in the trade fairs in Munich. In addition, MMI organises trade fairs in Asia, Russia, the Middle East and in South America. With four subsidiaries in Europe and Asia and 66 foreign representatives covering 89 countries, MMI has a truly global network.
Press contact:
Henrike Burmeister, Press Officer, Capital Goods Fairs
Messe München GmbH
Tel. (+49 89) 949-20245, Fax (+49 89) 949-20249
Henrike.Burmeister@messe-muenchen.de