New hybrid machines to lift and move heavy and long loads

NC Nielsen describes its HH Multi Handler as the world’s first of its kind. Lifting capacity starts at 200 tonnes and exceeds 500 tonnes. Image: NC Nielsen

A series of interesting heavy lifting and handling machines with pick and carry capability has been launched by NC Nielsen.

All combine carriers similar to self propelled modular transporter (SPMT) with hydraulically powered lifting functions mounted above. The Danish company is offering several models of three new types of machine in lifting capacities from 200 to more than 500 tonnes. It has designated the series HH Pick and Carry and describes them as “a hybrid between an SPMT trailer and a crane… truly the first machines of their kind in the world.”

Heavy loads, for example, wind turbine components, can be handled by these new lifters and movers in factories, warehouses, ports and marshalling yards. Wind turbine towers in a range of diameters, up to 10 metres, can be accommodated. The chassis legs can be adjusted for width to minimise the space the machine occupies when operating.

Operation via a remote control can be from outside, giving the driver a better vantage point in certain situations, or from the onboard cabin, for example, during bad weather. The safety package also includes cameras and laser lights.

The HH Mobile Straddle Transporter (MST) can be used to move things like wind turbine towers, in conjunction with the other machines. On its own it can lift turbine nacelles and other heavy units. Image: NC Nielsen

Jørgen Peter Lund, NC Nielsen sales manager, said, “In 2013 NC Nielsen brought the first 100 tonne reach stacker for single lifting onto the market. Today, we offer up to 180 tonnes. The new solution is based on requests from the wind turbine industry for very heavy lifting. We’ve focused on working smarter in less space, despite the goods having grown much larger. So, the HH Pick and Carry machines are a natural development in our strategy.”

Customers told sales manager Lund they wanted an easily scalable and flexible solution.

What is available

Three basic models are available initially. The HH Tower Mover is intended for moving wind turbine tower sections and other similarly long structures.

The HH Tower Mover is designed to transport wind turbine towers, large and long concrete pipes, ships or similar large loads. Image: NC Nielsen

The HH Multi Handler is for single lifting tasks, for example, large wind turbine components such as monopiles, transition pieces, hubs, bearings and nacelles. In addition, these can be paired to move turbine tower sections. but can also be used as one of the components in moving towers.

The HH Mobile Straddle Transporter can be used for heavy lifts on its own or in combination with either of the other two basic models.

HH Pick and Carry machines can be used to load ro-ro ships and barges.

Lund explained the advantages, “The wind turbine industry has many time-bound projects and mobile lifting machines come with many options and low installation costs compared to stationary harbour cranes, overhead travelling cranes, etc. and are relatively simple to move from site to site. They optimise logistics and can manoeuvre in a relatively small working space, which is often the reality at a port terminal, for example.”

Optional equipment includes an hydraulic beak, an intermediate yoke and special attachments.

In addition to these new machines helping to facilitate the energy transition to renewables, their contribution to sustainability includes availability of a fully electric version or as a diesel-electric hybrid.

NC Nielsen is Scandinavia’s biggest supplier of special machinery, forklift trucks and terminal tractors. It has more than 329 employees and annual turnover is around DKK 1.1 billion (US$164 million). The NC Nielsen Group has more than 575 employees at offices in Denmark, Norway and Sweden.

Check back as we will add more details as soon as they are available.

Where space is restricted, for example, on a ro-ro vessel, the HH Mobile Straddle Transporter can move over loads. Image: NC Nielsen