Manitowoc 36-Foot Diameter Platform-Ringer
BAM International
This impressive Manitowoc 36-Foot Diameter Platform-Ringer was operated by BAM International from the work pontoon Marlin for lifting and piling operations. It is a 300 US ton (272 metric tonnes) crane built in 1977.
The crane is mounted on a large ring with a diameter of 36 ft (approx. 11 metres). The crane is equipped with 250 tonnes of ballast.
Depending on configuration, this crane could be powered by a 6-, 8- or 12-cylinder diesel engine.
The crane is shown here with a short backmast, measuring 70 ft (approx. 21.3 metres). Optionally, this could be extended to 130 ft (approx. 39.6 metres). The main boom of type 27 is shown here with a length of 180 ft (approx. 54.9 metres) and can be extended to 200 ft (approx. 61 metres).
This crane can also be equipped with a 66-metre-long leader, allowing foundation piles with a maximum length of 70 metres to be driven into the ground.
A detail of the heavy rollers with which the crane moves over the ring. On the inside of the ring, a gear track is fitted to rotate the crane using slewing motors.
Several months later, I was able to observe the crane in operation during the vibration of heavy tubular piles in the Afrikahaven in Amsterdam (NL). The work pontoon Marlin is 60 metres long and 23 metres wide. The work pontoon with the crane was initially operated by Nederhorst Grondtechniek before BAM acquired this company.
A few months later, I encountered the crane again during the driving of heavy tubular piles, this time equipped with a large IHC hammer. A short fixed jib was also mounted on the main boom for lighter and faster lifting operations.
A very impressive and special crane operated by BAM International.