The magazine for successful logistic solutions News

The magazine
for successful
logistic solutions
Customer Magazine
Issue No. 16
News
Report
International
MBB gets a lift!
The building blocks to your success
There’s no stopping the pros
02 // EDITORIAL
Tradition, Innovation and Acquisition
Marketing Directors: Wolfgang Pilz and Herbert Ortner
CONTENTS
2 Editorial
Tradition, Innovation and Acquisition
3 NEWS
MBB Gets a Lift!
4 Report
Building Blocks to Your Success
cranes
8Truck mounted
International
There’s no stopping the Pros
A Heavy-Duty Crane for Tough Tasks
Your "Keys" to Delivery
An All-Rounder on the Job
A New Star in the Indian Skies
Victoria Police Search and Rescue Squad
15Hydraulic Systems
PALIFT, BISON, MBB, RATCLIFF, CRAYLER, RAILWAY
20 Forestry and Agriculture
EPSILON
Economical Tree-Length Transport
STEPA
24 High Performance
…any way you look at it!
Italian Night
Once again, a lot was going on in 2007.
We celebrated our 75th birthday and successfully unveiled our new crane series at
the SAIE in Bologna, Italy – and true to its
name, the event was "high performance".
The feedback from our dealers and clients
was tremendous.
With the introduction of our new High
Performance crane series we once again
clearly demonstrated our dominance in the
crane market. We define, develop and set
the standards in the field of loading cranes.
There is hardly any innovative crane technology on the market today that hasn’ t
been influenced by PALFINGER. Questions
such as: "Who invented it?" or "Who readied it for production and marketing?"
receive the same response! PALFINGER.
We are and remain the leader in technology
and innovation.
While we’ re on the subject of innovation,
we’ d also like to point out that we don’ t
pursue innovation at all costs. New technologies must first establish themselves on the
market, be accepted by our clients and be
integrated on-the-job dependably and successfully on a daily basis. That’ s why at
PALFINGER our working groups in charge
of service and quality control routinely
review the requests and suggestions of our
dealers and clients so that we may integrate
them into subsequent product development. With our new High Performance
series we have broken new ground in intel-
ligent consolidation by making the best
even better and by ensuring that products
which have delivered quality performance
in the past may continue to do so in the
future.
We also wish to highlight the investments
we have made in capacity, rationalization
and the quality of our assembly and production plants. Roughly 80 million Euros
have been invested in the past two years
and further investments are right around
the corner. As of the middle of last year we
now also have a production plant in Delnice, Croatia, and the December acquisition
of MBB, one of the leading suppliers of tail
lifts and access systems, enabled us to
become the number two in the world for
loading systems of these kinds.
PALFINGER is and remains dynamic –
and we have plenty in store for 2008 as well.
Our clients, dealers and service partners
can count on it!
Enjoy reading! ❚
NEWS // 03
MBB
Gets a Lift!
With the acquisition of MBB, one of
the top three players on the market
worldwide for tail lifts, PALFINGER
once again set a clear signal of its
strategy: "Growth through internationalizing and diversification."
MBB not only represents a crucial enhancement of our product division TAIL LIFT, it
also rounds out our product portfolio and
enables PALFINGER to enter new markets
with these products.
The headquarters of MBB near Bremen,
Germany, will remain the competence center
for PALFINGER tail lifts in continental
Europe. MBB has dealers and distributors in
nearly 40 countries worldwide and thus represents a decisive expansion and enhancement of
PALFINGER’ s global dealer and service network. ❚
04 // REPORT
Building Blocks
to Your Success
A pile of building blocks can be made
into a structure that is more than the
sum of its parts. That is just how we
view the "PALFINGER Phenomenon".
What lies hidden in a PALFINGER product is not simply the sum of its steel, hydraulic and electronic components. As opposed to the competition, the surplus value
of a PALFINGER product stems from experience, stability, responsibility, clearly defined areas of expertise,
and an array of other galvanizing factors. Our success is
based upon our readiness to meet the ever-changing
demands of the market, our forceful engagement in
research and development, our implementation of the
latest production methods, as well as our sustained
effort towards superior quality down to the last detail.
The way we see it, only the best is good enough!
Every PALFINGER location acts as a competence center
exactly tailored for specific products and fields. In addition to the competence centers in Köstendorf (loading
cranes, transportable forklifts and railway applications),
Elsbethen (timber and recycling cranes), Caussade
(hookloaders), Löbau (aerial work platforms), Ganderkesee and Welwyn Garden City (tail lifts and passenger lifts), an R&D center (complete with an electronics
department) was launched in Köstendorf to serve as the
support center for the development teams in the various
product divisions. Lengau, Maribor, Delnice, Cherven
Brjag and Tenevo is where we concentrate our expertise
for specific production technologies (hexagonal tube
production und coating technologies, structural-steel
production of large components and cylinders.)
Network for mutual knowledge transfer. When the
heads of the decentralized R&D centers and the Global
Product Managers come together at regular intervals to exchange ideas and experience, they lay
the groundwork for the optimal use of synergies for collective, company-wide development
projects. The interplay of individual product
lines and specific areas of expertise allows synergies to be wisely employed, thus giving rise to
new approaches and ideas for future innovations.
REPORT // 05
Best of
PALFINGER
There are many good reasons that speak in favor of PALFINGER
Expertise in research,
development and innovation
The passion for continual improvement in
terms of functionality, efficiency and safety is
the driving force behind the creative, innovative and ongoing development of our products.
The high level of engagement in the area of
research and development as well as our cooperation with universities have created the basis
for countless patents and innovations in the
areas of kinematics, electronics and coating,
as well as in the technologies of materials,
processing and production.
The cornerstone for a reliable and successful
product can be found in construction. Finite
Elements calculations, field and other ongoing
tests, DMS measurements and transport simulations all assure an optimal ratio between
weight and output. In the new R&D center in
Köstendorf, topics such as "Ergonomics, Functionality, and Weight and Materials optimizing" command the focus of attention.
Light-weight construction and
alternative materials engineering
The ongoing development and evaluation of
new light-weight construction materials is top
priority on the R&D list at PALFINGER.
On account of high-unit production cycles,
PALFINGER is able to go places in terms of
materials science that remains out of reach for
"smaller" producers due to reasons of capacity
Finite elements
and cost. High production volume, modern
production technology, modular construction
methods and synergies with other product
areas warrant the high outlays in development.
The new BISON TA-Business Line serves as
the best example of this.
"Innovation is the result of our passion for
ongoing improvements in products, processes
and organization."
Expertise in Production Technologies
In recent years PALFINGER has been working
at full tilt to increase the production capacity
for all product areas and to heighten the efficiency of the production flow. The investments
made focus on optimizing processes – which
means, reducing lead time and inventory as
well as maximizing quality and productivity.
Highlight: Hexagonal tube production
in Lengau
One element of our 80 million Euro investment program is the new hexagonal tube production in Austria’ s Lengau plant. Thanks to
the new technology, high-strength steel can be
processed with utmost precision, thereby eliminating even the most minute deviations in
production. This results in even more precise
crane movements. The new plant, a completely
interlinked production line, is highly automated. It is comprised of the latest 4 kW laser
cutting machines, a new 800 ton edging
Robotic welding system
machine, new longitudinal welding and alignment machinery, as well as a new robotic
welding system.
Metal processing and cylinder production
PALFINGER uses the most modern cutting,
edging and welding technologies at its metal
processing plants. Maribor produces base
frames, crane columns, telescopes and other
components. Equipped with a special machinery department, Maribor has established itself
as a competence center for oversized parts.
In Cherven Brjag main booms, outriggers, as
well as other components for all PALFINGER
products are produced. And with roughly
280,000 cylinders leaving the Tenevo plant
every year, PALFINGER has become one of
the largest producers of hydraulic cylinders in
the world.
Coating technology
PALFINGER products are coated using the
cathotic dip painting process. KTL coating is
the standard mark of quality in the automobile
industry and is proven to be the best protection against corrosion.
KTL facility
06 // rePORT
PALTRONIC 50
Expertise in electronics
As products become more and more intelligent, it is the field of electronics that has come
to play the dominant role. With its sophisticated electronic tools PALFINGER offers
safety and comfort functions which raise efficiency while easing the user’ s workload.
Expertise in design and ergonomics
When it comes to automation, comfort, ergonomics and intelligent control systems, the
highest expectations are also being placed on
hydraulic equipment and lift systems.
PALFINGER meets these demands head-on
with ongoing design studies and by intelligently implementing results into its products.
Functional design elements increase on-thejob comfort and facilitate service and maintenance. In addition to functional advantages,
optically attractive products also generate
priceless image and marketing effects.
PALFINGER Training and Demonstration Center
Ergonomic plastic levers
Assembly and tests
PALFINGER cranes are assembled in teambased production lines. And before they leave
the plant, each of them must pass a battery
of tests.
Expert service
The PALFINGER family is a family worldwide. We are available for our clients whenever
they need us – on five continents and with the
certainty that their concerns are of top priority
to us. We offer our clients coherent turn-key
solutions which begin with professional advice
and counseling and end with impeccable service. With over 3,200 sales and service locations we are able to provide an unparalleled
service network. As service champion in the
industry, we accompany our clients throughout the entire life-cycle of a product – from
initial contact to the smooth provision of
spare parts.
Maintenance-free extension system
Warning light on the stabilizers
Quality
Long-lasting, low-maintenance products
PALFINGER products are geared for longterm usage. Innovation and intelligent materials ensure that our products may be employed
with little maintenance. And with the maintenance-free boom extension system of our new
High Performance series, PALFINGER leads
the way in service-friendliness.
Low life-cycle costs
Minimal service expenditures, high value
maintenance thanks to KTL, the use of premium parts, as well as an optimal supply of
spare parts all help to reduce the cost of maintaining our equipment and clearly vouch for
products made by PALFINGER. In addition,
PALFINGER products are "light-weights" –
resulting in more payload and less overhead.
ISC "Integrated Stability Control"
REPORt // 07
Cranes in testing
Product safety
PALFINGER products move enormous loads
and are thus greatly responsible for the safety
of all persons involved. The development and
application of numerous safety functions make
PALFINGER products among the safest on the
market.
Market and client proximity
Our motto is: The client is the best developer.
We therefore always have our ears open to the
needs and suggestions of our clients. During
development, we attempt to infuse our new
equipment with optimal client benefits in
terms of comfort, technological advantage,
safety, and assembly- and service-friendliness.
Naturally, our service partners are also in close
contact with our customers, whose demands
find their way into the structure of our equipment. In periodic quality circles comprised of
Dealer since 1972. KRAN+HYDRAULIK AG (Ruedi Sutter, Gerhard Rauch and Fritz Müller)
service, development and quality assurance
units, market requests and suggestions are
reviewed, forwarded and ultimately integrated
into future product development.
Long-standing dealer and
service partnerships
From the very beginning, PALFINGER has
maintained close relations to its clients and has
always had its ears open for potential problems
its users were encountering. Since the introduction of its distribution structure, the organ­
izational culture has been marked by direct
and personal contact with distribution and
service partners. Long-standing dealer partnerships and clients who come back again and
again are proof of it.
able substances and materials is second-nature
to PALFINGER:
• Chrome VI-free coating on all small parts
which require corrosion protection
(wiring, adapters and brackets)
• Use of water-soluble finish for surface
treatment
• Biodegradable hydraulic oils
• Primary lubrication of the maintenance-free
boom extension system with the same
ma­chinery grease used in the food
industry ❚
Environmental awareness
The use of ecological, reusable and biodegrad-
. . . choosing a PA LFI N G ER pr od uct is def initely a smart choice!
PALFINGER Interlock System
Service team
Chrome VI-free coated pipes
08 // Truck mounted cranes International
There’s no
Bauberger AG – Full-service
machinery transport worldwide
With the sobriquet "The mechanic pros" the innovative
transport company Bauberger signals that it is an
expert in its field.
As a leading Swiss enterprise, Bauberger has been planning and carrying out a full-service operation that includes complete disassembly,
repair, transport and assembly of machinery and facilities worldwide
since 1974. The company also undertakes the daunting task of relaunching facility operations for a wide array of machinery producers.
Ruedi Bauberger and his motivated team tackle new challenges on a
daily basis. Using the latest lifting and moving devises capable of a lifting power of up to 360 tons, they work both expertly and with utmost
precision. "Our specialized teams are brought together on project-byproject basis. In that way, the training our mechanics have undergone
can be put to optimal use." Safety and guaranteed on-time delivery are
of top priority for each and every commission.
Between commissions, Bauberger also finds the time to move relicts
from Swiss transportation history – such as submarines, steamboats and
airplanes – to the unique "Swiss Museum of Transport" in Lucerne.
Without heavy-duty loading cranes, these almost circus-like feats would
be unimaginable. For Bauberger, outreach isn’ t the only crucial point.
Power for working in close quarters, safety, precision and dependability
are all attributes which are extremely important in the crane business.
With the new PK 100002 Performance with heavy-duty fly-jib PJ 170 E,
Bauberger found the optimal crane for his demanding tasks. Due to lack
of space, he selected the variety of PK 100002 Performance with truck
base. The truck was thereby constructed very compactly. The special
loading bridge with sliding roof was assembled by Walser AG in Rankweil, Austria, and the assembly of the crane with the PALFINGER PZH
auxiliary frame was done at KRAN+HYDRAULIK AG in Tagelswanwww.bauberger.ch
gen, Switzerland.
Truck mounted cranes International // 09
stopping the Pros!
A Success Story in Swiss Steel
and Metal Construction
Senn AG in Oftringen, Switzerland, is an unparalleled
success story in Swiss steel and metal construction.
With little means, a positive outlook and a good deal
of initiative, Heinz Senn took a daring step and opened
his own business in 1957.
On January 1, 1957 he opened his own shop, and at the end of 2007
Heinz Senn, his family and his over 200 employees celebrated the
company’ s 50th anniversary.
The company’ s ISO certification attests to its process oriented quality
management. In an area covering more than 60,000 m², over 7000 tons
of steel and aluminum are processed every year using the latest technology. The transport and crane department tackles special transports with
a payload of up to 150 tons. Mobile cranes with a carrying force of up to
400 tons are frequently employed for spectacular tasks.
Acting as a link between the fleet of mobile cranes and the heavy-duty
truck cranes is the new 4-axle DAF FAD XF105.510 supplied by Graf
Nutzfahrzeug AG out of Küttigen, Switzerland. The PALFINGER PK
100002 Performance complete with fly-jib PJ 170 E with its low integral
base, as well as the interchangeable flatbed were assembled by CALAG
Carrosserie Langenthal AG. The short and agile 4-axle truck is used as
both a tractor trailer and as a crane vehicle.
"This future-oriented concept meets all of today’ s demands. With an
outreach of up to 38 meters, we can easily take care of our assembly
work for metal construction and mobile network operators. But also
as a heavy-duty crane for close-range tasks, we can depend on the
PK 100002 Performance to tackle the toughest jobs," says Jörg Senn,
www.sennag.ch
manager of the renowned firm. ❚
10 // Truck mounted cranes International
A Heavy-Duty Crane
for Tough Tasks
It’ s not always the spectacular projects that require the
use of cranes with the heaviest payload. In fact, it’ s often the job with unique demands that make a modern,
high-tech and high-power crane ideal.
In this case, it’ s the assembly of support walls, the erection of halls,
and the construction of basements for small living units. Heavy,
prefab concrete sections which often have to be lifted into position
horizontally and at a great distance, construction sites with little room,
and conditions that are ever-changing – that’ s just the right terrain for
a PALFINGER.
"My father has been in this line of work since 1979. We bought our first
loading crane back in 1985," says Gerhard Hamburger of the company
that sports his name. Over the years, the tasks as well as the demands on
the crane’ s capacity have increased. The Hamburger Beton- and Stahlbeton GmbH specializes in the construction of residential basements,
halls and support walls. In order to be prepared for all possible commissions in the future, Hamburger decided to go with what is currently
the largest PALFINGER knuckle boom crane in the Performance
series, the PK 150002 Performance.
"It was important for us that the Weinmann company could come
across with a compact and versatile vehicle in spite of the heavy crane,"
states Gerhard Hamburger. And indeed, the all-wheel drive Mercedes
Actros 4151 measures exactly 9 meters bumper to bumper. The PK
150002 Performance requires only a portion of the entire bed. "That was
another reason for the crane, since we could also transport things like
the charging bucket, heavy lifting tools, or even a pallet fork." Yet those
are by no means all of the advantages that ultimately convinced Gerhard
Hamburger. "The compact construction that offered both high lifting
power and outreach was the decisive factor. And also, the low support
width, which is great for us with our tight construction areas. Another
important factor was the simple and logical handling, either from the
ground or the top seat. And, of course, the advantages of the endless
slewing mechanism and the oscillation suppression system AOS. You
have to fit in basement walls very precisely, and so it’ s important that
the crane you’ re using can help out. The same goes for the charging
bucket. Especially when you have workers with less experience in
operating the machine."
When asked about the assistance and service he’ s received as a client,
Hamburger offered nothing but praise. "We’ ve been in contact with
Thomas Moucka, who’ s now the director of PALFINGER in Ainring,
for several years. They take great care of our requests and problems
over there." ❚
Your
Truck mounted cranes International // 11
to Delivery
"Keys"
Delivery right into your living room
Since 1919 even the heaviest musical instruments have
been transported safely from one location to the next
thanks to the company Piano Goossens.
This crane combines the exact qualities demanded for the tricky transportations the company is responsible for. Due to its outreach, the lightweight crane is able to easily reach the seventh floor of a building.
Long before acquiring a PALFINGER crane, all the lifting was done
by external contractors, either with the aid of a crane or an elevator.
Unfortunately, the contractors were not always able to provide services
at the desired time or with the safety required. In other words, relying
upon external parties was always uncertain and pricey.
Thanks to the fly-jib and the two manual extensions, the PK 12502
Performance is able to work its way through just about any surroundings
while carrying its load. The lift motor works smoothly and very precisely. Its wireless control unit ensures that, in any situation, all movements remain under control and that they can be carried out with
utmost precision.
Piano Goossens thus decided to purchase its own vehicle that could
meet its demands of working in municipal areas: a truck with a short
wheelbase and a total weight of under 12 tons, including a PALFINGER
PK 12502 Performance!
On account of this ideal vehicle, on-time and safe piano deliveries
in and around Anvers are guaranteed. Not even small, upper-floor
balconies are an obstacle for quick and careful delivery. ❚
12 // Truck mounted cranes International
An All-Rounder
on the Job
That’ s one of the reasons why the roofing firm Eich Nico, located
in Windorf, 15 km west of Luxembourg City, selected a PK 60002
Performance with fly-jib and workman basket. A PALIFT P12 hookloader supports the crane so that all tasks may be completed to the
customer’ s complete satisfaction.
The PALFINGER crane is equipped with AOS and ISC and is thus able
to work smoothly and safely in even difficult conditions. In combination
with the workman basket, small repairs as well as photogrammetry can
Nowadays roofing companies have
to meet some highly divergent
client demands. Especially in downtown areas where the working conditions are often quite precarious
due to the extreme lack of space.
be done safely. The ISC System is especially important in such cases
since the operator cannot enter any areas that may endanger stability.
The combination with the PALIFT P12 allows for a quick and economical handling of the transported material and is even a relief for the
trucks since they will only be needed to drive the individual containers
to the construction site, whereby they will be loaded in either the factory or at the construction site. ❚
Truck mounted cranes International // 13
A New Star in the Indian Skies
In times of strategic partnerships,
the merging of two global players
is of tremendous financial importance.
Thus, Star PALFINGER Equipment India Pvt.
Ltd, a joint venture between PALFINGER AG
and the Western Auto Group – Dubai & India,
was created as a promising strategic alliance
for the marketing of PALFINGER products in
the Indian market. The headquarters and central servicing facility are located in Chennai,
while service partners throughout all of India
are available for regional client needs.
Lexus, Honda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota and
Hyundai. Western Auto successfully routes
imports from Europe and the Far East to markets in the Middle East, Asia and Africa.
Star PALFINGER is now in charge of the
marketing of PALFINGER cranes and PALIFT
hookloaders. With the quality products of
PALFINGER and the marketing acumen
and sales network of Western Auto, Star
PALFINGER is primed for the demands of
heavy industry and construction in the Asian
region.
By integrating Star PALFINGER into the
worldwide PALFINGER network, the Indian
market profits by the precise and safe performance of world-class cranes and the bonus of
a service network with a permanent supply of
spare parts! ❚
The Western Auto L.L.C., Dubai has been
active in the automobile and commercial vehicle market since 2000, with a current business
volume of 400 million US-Dollars generated in
14 countries of the Middle East, Africa and
Asia. The company buys and sells economy,
mid-size and luxury passenger cars, sporty allwheel drive vehicles, light- and mediumweight commercial vehicles, as well as heavyweight commercial vehicles and construction
equipment of illustrious companies such as
Mercedes Benz, BMW, Porsche, Ferrari, Audi,
"Red carpet for the start of the marketing activities of the new joint venture in India"
(Western Auto and PALFINGER management)
14 // Truck mounted cranes International
Victoria Police Search
and Rescue Squad
The "Victoria Police Search and Rescue Squad" is a
special unit for land and underwater search and rescue
missions in Australia.
The crew was formed in 1957 following several unsuccessful search missions for missing persons. The original unit consisted of five people
whose chief task was search missions in Australia’ s Outback. In 1958
members of the Royal Australian Navy were trained in diving and thus
prepared for underwater recovery campaigns. This operational area
encompasses the search for and recovery of persons, stolen objects,
weapons, evidence, vehicles and many other objects located underwater.
Since 1962 the unit is active on a full-time, permanent basis. Today,
there are 20 full-time employees in Williamstown who are on call for
diving, Outback, cliff and mountain missions. In addition, the specially
trained team is authorized to carry out searches on ships for drugs and
for the investigation of objects recovered from bays, rivers and lakes.
In 2005 the unit purchased a recompression chamber for their diving
missions. The size and weight (1200 kg!) of the new acquisition called
for the purchase of corresponding transport and loading equipment.
In search of the best solution, they decided on an Isuzu 950 Long Truck
with a rear-mounted PK 16502 Performance.
Designed and constructed by PALFINGER AUSTRALIA, the crane has
been in use since the beginning of 2006 – to the joy of the entire "Search
and Rescue" squad. "We have thoroughly enjoyed working closely
together with PALFINGER AUSTRALIA. A whole bunch of recommendations convenient for us went into the specifications of the crane. With
the result that it conforms exactly to our needs and makes our life during our oftentimes difficult missions a lot easier," states Ryan Hartshorne, Senior Constable – Victoria Police Search & Rescue Squad. ❚
HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS // 15
PALIFT
In agriculture and on plantations –
wherever fruit and vegetables are
harvested in large quantities –
intelligent loading systems are in
demand more than ever.
During harvest, usually a very short period,
a great deal of labor and vehicles are needed.
However, with a hookloader or skiploader
mounted on a farm trailer, the number of vehicles can be substantially reduced. Placing the
containers directly at the worksite, they can be
filled in due time without making the vehicle
wait. With only one tractor, all the containers,
filled in the meantime, can be transported for
processing. And outside of the harvest period
the farmer can use the trailer for other purposes, such as for transporting agricultural
and forest materials and goods.
Hookloaders and skiploaders by PALIFT –
mounted on farm trailers – are thus the ideal
solution for work during the harvest. Short
loading cycles allow the farmer to use fewer
vehicles while transporting several containers.
In order provide ideal service to its clients,
PALFINGER cooperates with a pro in farm
trailers – the company Hans Brantner & Sohn
Fahrzeugbaugesellschaft, located in Laa an der
Thaya, Austria.
PALFINGER and Brantner, both leaders in
their respective markets, work together to offer
hook- and skiploaders for farm and industrial
trailers. The advantages are clear: where there
was once a large fleet of vehicles and trailers
that had to be maintained and financed, now
one can easily manage with a considerably
smaller fleet thanks to hook- and skiploaders.
And employing trailers instead of trucks has
other advantages as well: lower costs in terms
of purchasing, maintenance and operation, no
trucking license necessary, and, especially
when used seasonally, the expenses during the
other times of the year remain low. Plus, due to
the high speed which modern tractors are
capable of reaching today, the hook- and skiploaders can also be used on trailers for work at
mid-range distances.
In addition to agricultural and forestry uses, as
well as on plantations, these loading systems
may also be employed for the disposal of construction waste, the transport of machinery, in
recycling and in many other areas where flexibility is an advantage. All in all, the cooperation of PALFINGER and Brantner guarantees
innovation, quality, flexibility and the greatest
possible efficiency for the client. ❚
Ideal Agricultural Solutions –
System partnership with Brantner
16 // HYDRAULIc systems
BISON
Electricity Supplier Requires
Versatile Experts
The ÜWS Netz Company oversees roughly 250 kilo­
meters of overhead lines in the 20 kV medium voltage
range as well as 112 kilometers of 0.4 kV low voltage
lines. In case of a breakdown, the private households
using these utilities aren’ t the only ones who expect
quick service.
A dependable power supply is vitally important, especially for goodsproducing companies, hospitals, old-age homes and other institutions.
That’ s why the latest addition to the company’ s fleet of vehicles – an
all-wheel drive Mercedes-Benz Atego 1018 – is specially equipped for
such needs with a BISON aerial work platform TKA 19 KS.
"We’ ve been working with the new platform since the end of August,"
states Günter Rupp, director of line maintenance and the emergency
service of ÜWS. "One of the most important criteria for us in purchasing a unit was the technical design. This platform can slew within the
width of the vehicle due to the counter slewing system, and we’ re able to
set the outriggers very close. Those are advantages that really help us,
especially when we work on street lights in very narrow roads.
When used on a slope, the smallest platform within the BISON KS
series demonstrates its technical features.
With the automated outriggers and the automatic leveling of the stabilizers, the TKA 19 KS can get right into position next to the power pole
within minutes – in spite of the slanted surface. "The short wheelbase,
all-wheel drive, and the alignment of the platform to its constantly
changing environment are all indispensable for our line of work," says
Günter Rupp. "We’ re talking about a quick repair of a 20 kV line.
The strips of the circuit breaker are damaged and have to be replaced."
At first it seems to be fairly routine – if it weren’ t for the line carrying
20 kV. In preparing for the repair work, the ingenious design of the platform proves to be a boon once again. The roomy and waterproof storage
space contains not only the crew’ s tools, but also the necessary grounding equipment, voltage tester and other aids.
The workman basket of the TKA 19 KS is insulated up to 1000 volts and
specially adapted for maintenance work. Since it is so easy to operate,
crew members are able to concentrate on the actual work at hand.
The sensitive proportional control system enables precise control of the
basket, as can be seen here under the electrical wires and by the utility
pole. The boom system and additional outer boom enable the operator
to approach the desired position quickly and precisely. ❚
HYDRAULIc systems // 17
MBB
Nothing Half-Baked
Special solutions by MBB PALFINGER
Products and solutions by MBB
PALFINGER are as wide-ranging and
flexible as the logistical needs of
our customers.
In addition to standard, tukaway and underslider platforms, MBB’ s product repertoire
offers a series of special solutions that fit the
exact needs of individual clients. For example,
"half-lift solutions for vans" are becoming
more and more popular along delivery routes
due to their great flexibility.
Prinz & Co., an experienced supplier of
hydraulic tail lifts based in Kottingbrunn,
Austria, supplies just such vehicles, mainly to
bakeries, nurseries and laundry services. By
mounting a half-lift, drivers can load and
unload either by tail lift or manually in quick
fashion if necessary. The baking company
"Resch und frisch" ("Crispy and Fresh") is
apparently both convinced by and enthusiastic
about the quality and functionality of this
transport solution. The delivery fleet of this
dough supplier based outside of Vienna has
had four such vehicles in use for over a year
now and will be adding a fifth soon. The company ultimately plans to have a total of ten of
these vehicles!
RATCLIFF
Prinz & Co. has absolute confidence in the
advantages of the 500 Minifix by MBB
PALFINGER. The Minifix is marked by very
low weight, yet is capable at the same time of a
high load capacity of up to 500 Kg. It has a
powerful lifting cylinder as well as a dual toggle cylinder integrated into the aluminum
platform. Through the ingenious alignment of
the two cylinders it is possible to attain
extremely flat mounting positions. The quiet
hydraulic drive is designed as a compact unit.
The Minifix is operated by an extraordinarily
dependable compact control. The construction
also allows users to attach a detachable trailer
coupling. ❚
Flexi-Lift on the Rise
In England during the last few years
sales in vehicles between 3.5 and 6.5
tons have risen sharply – and accompanying this rise has been the growing need for light 500 Kg Flexi-Lift
column lifts.
RATCLIFF PALFINGER has invested a great
amount of resources and considerable financial
means in the development of its largest selling
model, the RQ 517. This model has an appealing
cost-performance ratio and sports technical fea-
tures such as a light aluminum platform and an
extremely resistant, galvanized steel frame.
The new model, the RQ 527, has already become
extremely popular among our clients. By improving the efficiency of our production process while
maintaining the same level of capacity, we have
been able to easily meet the rising demand.
Clients may chose from a wide array of platform
widths and equipment options, such as non-slip
coating, hinged ramps and safety gates. ❚
18 // HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS
CRAYLER
Just in Time
The construction process for the
new K 125 Olympic ski-jump in
Garmisch-Partenkirchen, located in
the steep terrain of Mt. Eselberg,
was characterized by the just-intime delivery of the necessary construction materials. For such jobs,
specialists in dry materials construction like b + m Baustoff + Metall
Handels GmbH, headquartered in
Gersthofen, Germany, are in high
demand.
BM. The powerful 24 kW diesel motor starts at
the press of a button. Within just a few seconds
the storable forklift turns into an all-terrain
pro equipped with all-wheel drive and articulated vehicle steering.
At first glance, the Volvo truck driven by
b + m employee Genc Laski doesn’ t look any
different than a traditional covered vehicle.
Yet when Genc Laski opens the transport
box behind the rear axle, he is sure to get the
attention of the entire construction crew:
behind the hydraulically retractable lid is
the all-terrain transportable forklift CRAYLER
Since the crane at the construction site doesn’ t
reach all the way to where the truck is parked,
it is up to the forklift to cover the steep and
treacherous terrain. That’ s the perfect job for
the CRAYLER BM with a lifting power of
2100 Kg and a lifting height reaching up to
2.85 meters. All functions can be used via
remote control when working safely in pedes-
Genc Laski has a total of 10 pallets with dry
construction materials on the loading area,
each weighing a good ton. The flooring and
wall panels are needed for the interior of the
two-story, free-standing referee building that
is being built directly next to the jump.
trian mode. Even with a full load, the forklift
can cover uneven ground surfaces and steep
areas without losing speed.
"We deliver a complete assortment of dry construction materials from our location in Gersthofen", Genc Laski explains after completing
his work. "That includes fire-resistant material,
drop ceilings, separating walls, drying lofts,
doors, frames etc." For such work b + m has
several crane transport vehicles available, as
well as the truck in use today carrying the
transportable forklift. "A lot of times we’ ll go
to a construction site where there’ s no proper
equipment for unloading and transport. With
the CRAYLER I don’ t have to depend on anyone else, just like here in Garmisch. I can serve
the client quickly and keep my deadlines. That
alone is the decisive factor!" ❚
HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS // 19
High-End Bridge Inspection
for the Syrian Railway
RAILWAY
The modernization of the railway system has been top
priority for the Syrian government for several years.
The railway operator responsible, CFS (Chemins de Fer Syriens), is in
charge of a network which includes roughly 200 bridges. These bridge
constructions – of which the largest measures approximately 100 meters
in height – are inspected and maintained at regular intervals. For the
Syrian railway’ s modernization plans, three bridge control and inspection vehicles by Plasser & Theurer, model OBW 10.300, have been
ordered for the efficient employment across the entire railway network.
The machinery is to be delivered in the near future.
All three maintenance vehicles are outfitted with a PALFINGER PA
19000 bridge inspection unit. Bridge inspection units by PALFINGER
have proven their dependability for many years and on numerous rail-
way cars. They are distinguished by an especially large working area
both below and above track level. Equipped with electric and pneumatic
energy in the work basket, the units can also be employed for extracting
material samples and for carrying out specialized repairs.
The extensive work-range above track level (24 meters!) also allows
work on special timber-framed bridge constructions, tall supply line
poles, as well as on light and signal equipment. All movements of the
unit can be operated very delicately and proportionally by remote control directly from the work basket. A robust slewing system and the
three individually maneuverable booms provide the unit with superior
mobility, making efficient and speedy inspection and maintenance work
possible and allowing safe access to all positions, whether on, under or
over the bridge. ❚
20 // FORESTRY AND AGRICULTURE
You can trust
EPSI
The trend of cut-to-length timber
and automatic cross-cutting is
not slowing down. With powerful timber harvesting machines,
the trees are felled, their branches
removed, and the timber cut to size
and set aside ready for pickup by
truck. Time is money in this heavily
industrialized field. It should thus
come as no surprise that all parties involved are interested in the
quick and smooth transport of their
goods to the nearest lumber mill.
FORESTRY AND AGRICULTURE // 21
IL N
Two things immediately strike the eye when looking over the truck fleet
at Robert Petzi’ s company, based in Freyung, Germany: Robert Petzi
generally drives a Mercedes and works with EPSILON timber cranes.
A great many models can be seen represented: from the somewhat older
E115Z and two E140Z models, to the just released E120Z. Robert Petzi
has good reasons for his choice: "A total of five of our vehicles are
equipped with EPSILON cranes. I’ m very pleased with the dependability, functionality and the quality they deliver." Any special advantages?
"For me, it’ s the protected hose arrangement. In all EPSILON cranes the
hydraulic hoses in the boom system are fed by rollers and so they stay
protected from the outside. And not to forget: the good PALFINGER
service in Ainring!"
All the drivers at Petzi agree when it comes to the topic of timber
cranes. "I’ ve been working with the EPSILON for four years now and
haven’ t had a single problem," states Ludwig Breit from up on his top
seat. "My 140 has never let me down. In terms of quality, it’ s better than
the crane we used to have from the competition, and it’ s just got more
power!" Otto and Florian Bauer and Ludwig Kern, the proud owner of
the new E120Z, all say the same thing. ❚
22 // FORESTRY AND AGRICULTURE
Economical
Tree-Length
Transport
Timber transport companies like Maier, based in the
Black Forest, make use of the transport technology
available today to meet the demands of tight
deadlines.
"The construction of the new MAN by the company Doll in Oppenau,
Germany, is equipped with an array of special features that are the result
of on-the-job experience," explains Eduard Maier, who, as head of the
company, drives the new vehicle. With laptop and an operating unit for
control of the trailer, the cab of the truck looks more like a modern control tower. Directly behind the cab sits his vehicle’ s most important
equipment: an EPSILON E250L tree-length crane, equipped with a
FG 56 X timber grasp, also by EPSILON.
"This is the second of a total of four vehicles that are equipped with an
EPSILON crane," says Maier and goes on to give his reasons. "We’ ve
been very happy with the first EPSILON. We’ ve been using it daily now
for two years, and it hasn’ t given us the slightest problem. The competition hasn’ t been doing much by way of new technology. And then
there’ s the issue that EPSILON has a lower build. And that’ s important
since the vehicles themselves are getting bigger and bigger."
"At the moment timber is experiencing a big boom. From the middle to
the end of last year the price of wood jumped 40 to 50 %. And it’ s not
just the recovery in the construction branch that has played a decisive
role. The entire market for raw materials, like scrap wood, firewood and
wood pellets, is in an upswing. Per vehicle we do about 100,000 km per
year. All totaled, we move between 90,000 and 100,000 cubic meters of
wood per year," says Eduard Maier, describing his business. "With our
two EPSILON cranes we couldn’ t be better prepared for it." ❚
FORESTRY AND AGRICULTURE // 23
STEPA
Quick as a Wink
A new generation
of hay cranes
Superior mobility, great agility,
service-friendliness and a low dead
weight are among the exceptional
qualities of the STEPA hay crane.
Farmers highly appreciate the wide
range of possibilities between
3.3 and 8 meter-tons.
The large selection of boom systems and additional gear (for grasps and chassis) enable any
farm to select the best solution. All cranes
come standard with a depressible lifting cylinder and a double hydraulic circuit. The array of
booms (with two, three or four extendable sections) and the sideways control of the support
boom allow for an extremely wide outreach
with short material. Rolled, high-strength
form-fitted pipes are used for the telescopic
booms. Due to the resultant reduction in
weight, the payload is increased. Tread rollers
on ball bearings ensure that there is little friction, thereby increasing the speed of the
extension.
Hans-Peter Rieder from just outside of Salzburg, Austria, couldn’ t be happier with his
HDK 5011 hay crane with four extensions.
Two years ago the farmer built his new freerange stable at a ninety degree angle to an old
hayloft due to lack of space. In order to get the
hay out of the ventilated containers in the hay
loft and into the feeding area in the stall, the
buildings were connected by a curved chute.
Although there is very little room available in
the hayloft, the crane is able to make its way
through without a problem due to its short
structure. With the STEPA hay crane, feeding
60 cows and calves becomes easy as pie and
can be done by farmers of all ages. ❚
24 // SAIE
HIGH PERFORMANCE any way you look at it
One formidable presentation
The kickoff for PALFINGER’ s new generation of cranes took place on
October 24, 2007 at the SAIE in Bologna, Italy. Under the banner "We’ ve
made the best even better", the first High Performance crane models were
presented to specially invited guests from around the world. That for
PALFINGER the name High Performance didn’ t just apply to the potential of the new cranes, but also to the presentation itself – that was something the world leader from Austria made very clear to all present. In a
dazzling acrobatic show the fair-goers were amazed at just how multifunctional these cranes can be! ❚
ITALIAN
NIGHT
Imprint:
Media owner & editor: Palfinger AG, Franz-W.-Scherer-Straße 24, 5101 Bergheim bei Salzburg/Austria, Tel. +43(0)662 4684-0, Fax +43(0)662 450100, www.palfinger.com
Responsible for content: Mag. Harald J. Böhaker Editorial: Mag. Daniela Schwaiger Design: Rahofer Werbeagentur Print: Druckerei Roser, Salzburg, Printed in Austria
KP-WORLD16+E
For the ceremonial closing of the world premier – or rather, for the
actual start of the new crane generation – more than 300 guests were
invited to a gala dinner at a stately residence near Bologna. Until the
wee hours of the morning PALFINGER dealers from around the world
relished in their historic and exclusive surroundings while enjoying
music from the opera Don Giovanni. ❚