SENNEBOGEN Telescopic Crane 653_Tunnelling_Melbourne
tunnelling with telescopic crane Low Headroom Conditions
13.09.2024 Melbourne, Australia Author: Jason Ang, Nicole Yeong

Metro tunnelling in Melbourne: Telescopic crane in an extremely confined space

Associated Rigging Australia seamlessly incorporates SENNEBOGEN telescopic crawler cranes into the expansive Metro Tunnel project in Melbourne, Australia. Valued at $11 billion, this major endeavour aims to unravel Melbourne's City Loop congestion while enhancing connectivity for an additional half a million weekly commuters from the West to the South East suburbs.

The Metro Tunnel initiative entails constructing a new end-to-end rail line from Sunbury to Cranbourne/Pakenham, including the establishment of five underground stations and the implementation of upgraded trains equipped with next-generation signalling technology.

Excellent all-rounder crane to face harsh and low headroom tunnelling projects

The SENNEBOGEN 653 E telescopic crawler crane’s undercarriage is a standout choice for working on both small and large construction sites, as it has the capability to manoeuvre through demanding rough terrain and inclines of up to 4°.

With its game-changing 43.4 m Full-Power Boom, this crane excels in low headroom scenarios, offering maximum flexibility for lifting, moving, and positioning hefty loads. The inclusion of a standard camera system enhances safety and provides optimal visibility in the work area while lifting.

“As far as we are concerned the SENNEBOGEN cranes are excellent all-rounders. They work well in applications where there is limited head room and not much room to manoeuvre," remarks Kieran Hoare, Managing Director of Associated Rigging Australia Pty Ltd.

"They are robust cranes capable of dealing with the harsh conditions they can face in tunnelling projects. They are versatile and compact without compromising on lifting power."

SENNEBOGEN Telescopic Crane 653_Tunnelling_Melbourne
SENNEBOGEN 653 E carefully telescoping its 43.4 m Full-Power Boom in an extremely challenging, confined low head room space to its load.

Quick self-remedy when accessibility to help is restricted

External service crews entering and exiting a tunnelling project require significant effort due to security clearance and the need for escorting into the tunnel. Therefore, the lifting crane must be capable of aiding the operator by being convenient and uncomplicated.

The SENCON control and diagnostics system by SENNEBOGEN provides an easy-to-read interface and simple setup for operators to program and access tables related to operating parameters, as well as quickly process error messages. Additionally, the central lubrication points located in the upper carriage are easily accessible, simplifying any servicing tasks.

Ease of deployment and space-saving transport

Associated Rigging Australia took advantage of SENNEBOGEN’s specially tailored design for ease of transportation. At just 3 m wide, the extendable crawler tracks facilitate space-saving transport and can be extended up to 4.5 m for support width during operation.

SENNEBOGEN Telescopic Crane 653_Tunnelling_Melbourne
Compact sized SENNEBOGEN 653 E makes deployment easy as the 7 tonne counter weight and 5.5 tonne undercarriage ballast can be lifted in together as one telescopic crawler.

Longstanding partnership with SENNEBOGEN Australia crane dealer

A family-owned enterprise managed by the Hoare family, Associated Rigging Australia boasts over 30 years of experience in delivering lifting solutions across Geelong, Melbourne, and nationwide. Their portfolio encompasses a diverse range of projects, such as the Chisolm Road Prison Project, Geelong Regional Library, and many others. Associated Rigging Australia has developed enduring relationships with its clients and maintains a longstanding partnership with SENNEBOGEN Australia dealer and service partner, Pace Cranes.

“We have known, and are close friends with, the Heeks family of Pace Cranes, and our relationship has spanned over 15 years. Obviously, the SENNEBOGEN products perform well for our business, but it is an added bonus to call the Heeks family our friends,” says Kieran Hoare, Managing Director, Associated Rigging Australia.