Link-Belt lattice crawler assists water facility upgrade

A 300-ton (272-metric ton) crawler crane from Link-Belt Cranes is central to the reconstruction of a major water treatment facility in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.

Led by English Construction, the nearly US$50 million project at the E.M. Johnson Water Treatment Plant is designed to increase clean water production by approximately 25 per cent, expanding capacity from 90 million gallons a day (approximately 341 million litres a day) to 120 million gallons a day (approximately 454 million litres a day). The facility supplies about 90 per cent of Raleigh’s potable water.

Led by English Construction, the nearly $50 million project will produce around 25 per cent more clean water for the local population. Photo: Link-Belt

The project involves dismantling, reconstructing and demolishing 60-year-old sedimentation basins and ancillary piping while maintaining operations at the active plant. A Link-Belt 348 Series 2 crawler crane, configured with 140 feet (42.7 metres) of main boom, 180 feet (54.9 metres) of luffing jib and 80 feet (24.4 metres) of fixed jib, is handling key lifts. These included a 74 foot (22.6-metre), 19,000 lb (8.6 tonne) rake arm or bridge and a 9,000 lb (4.1 tonne) plate settler that will replace the original equipment.

According to English operator Tim Tebbe, the crane provides the capacity and reach required for the site’s varied lifting demands. “The 348 Series 2 gives us enough capacity and reach to complete every task out here,” Tebbe said. “It has the picking power you need, and it’s been performing great.”

Tebbe also pointed to the crane’s smooth swing and winch functions, ease of assembly and disassembly, and Link-Belt’s HSL-1 LML control system and camera views as advantages on the jobsite. Michael Collier, general superintendent for English Construction’s North Carolina Utilities Division, added that the crane has been a strong fit for the project and highlighted the long-standing relationship between English and Link-Belt.

With roughly two and a half years remaining on the project, the 348 Series 2 continues to support daily operations, including pick-and-carry work when required. “We pick and carry with the 348 Series 2 when we need to,” Tebbe said. “It mostly doesn’t even feel it.”