Vanguard in long distance relocation

The 600 tonne capacity hydraulic telescopic gantry lifting system in action. Photo: Vanguard

Combining a long series of different capabilities was key to the success of a major industrial machinery relocation project.

Specialist contractor Vanguard Rigging was tasked with removing, transporting and shipping a 2,000 tonne Nissan Rotem press from its home country of South Africa to Mexico.

Starting in Pretoria in June Vanguard had to lift, dismantle and transport it before preparing it for export. In addition to the press, there was a CNC machine, two compressors and a cooling tower.

Structural inserts to give extra height for the main and cross beams on the 600 tonne telescopic hydraulic lifting gantry. Photo: Vanguard

For the initial removal Vanguard used a 600 tonne capacity telescopic hydraulic gantry lifting system to securely handle the components during the disassembly phase. The press crown weighed 200 tonnes prior to being reduced to 100 tonnes by removing components.

Scaffold system under the floor below to support the load movements above. Photo: Vanguard

Bring in reinforcement

When it came to moving it, however, the floor was too weak to handle the necessary point loading. It had to be reinforced using a custom-built scaffold everywhere the loads travelled and were staged.

The loads were carried on 6 axle Goldhofer PST trailers to the staging area. There they were packed and crated for shipping before onward transport to the Port of Richards Bay. Larger components went on a 10 axle modular trailer. With everything together at the Port it was all loaded on to the ship bound for Mexico.

Four axle Mercedes Actros 4880 tractor and 10 axle PST trailer. Photo: Vanguard

Commenting on the project Marius Tembo, Vanguard engineer, said, “This project demonstrates Vanguard’s ability to provide complete, end to end solutions for complex industrial and automotive equipment. From the initial dismantling and heavy lifting through to specialist sea freight packaging, transportation and project cargo shipping, our team managed every stage of the operation to ensure the equipment was handled safely, efficiently and in line with the project requirements.”

A string of packed press components on a ten axle trailer built with six- and four-axle modules coupled by a spacer section. Photo: Vanguard