Friday roundup: Turbine moves, precision lifts and safety gear

Photo: TII Scheuerle

On Monday, we examined the cautiously optimistic outlook for the wind-specific trailer market in the U.S. Despite uncertainty around federal tax credits and subsidies, industry experts say demand remains steady—particularly for maintenance and repowering projects. With more than 76,000 wind towers in operation, there’s an ongoing need for trailers designed to handle longer, heavier components.

Trail King plans to launch its TK85EFX Blade Hauler by late 2025, featuring hybrid steering, increased stretch length for 60-metre turbine blades, and simplified remote control systems. Other manufacturers, Faymonville, Goldhofer, TII Scheuerle, Hale Trailer and XL Specialized, are also innovating to meet the evolving demands of the wind energy sector, focusing on flexibility, safety and maneuverability.

Liebherr LR 12500 crawler crane owned by Denzai from Japan at work on the S-Oil Shaheen project in Ulsan, South Korea. Photo: Denzai

By Wednesday, we shifted our focus to the latest in innovative rigging. From congested refinery sites to cramped mezzanine floors, recent jobs showcased remarkable precision and planning. At the S-Oil Shaheen Project, DENZAI used tandem Liebherr cranes and custom rigging to lift a 721-tonne (794-ton) Caustic/Water Wash Tower with an offset center of gravity. ProLift Rigging completed a shaker screen replacement, 13.6 tonnes (30,000 pounds), a full day ahead of schedule using a novel cantilever lifting frame.

Meanwhile, Allegiance Crane & Equipment took a crane-free approach to a reactor repair project, using a self-propelled trailer, turntable and custom-engineered stands to safely rotate and reinstall two 107-tonne (236,000-pound) vessels. In tight spaces, bespoke rigging solutions are proving more effective than conventional lifting methods.

On Thursday, we explored developments in below-the-hook equipment and how they’re enhancing safety and efficiency on site. As Niamh Marriott reports, hands-on tools like load orientation systems and load levellers are making a real impact by cutting down manual adjustments, improving accuracy and saving valuable time.