Four Potain tower cranes are rebuilding a ski resort more than 2,660m above sea level. The jobsite, which rests on a glacier in the Austrian Alps, is reputedly the highest in Europe.
Two self-erecting and two top-slewing models have been brought in to do the heavy lifting at the site. The cranes will have to contend with severe snowfall, high winds and freezing temperatures in order to complete the €10m project on time.
The cranes are owned by Jenbach-based company Lauer Baumaschinen. The crane rental firm is confident that its Potain machines will be more than a match for the challenging conditions.
“The schedule is crucial – not only to avoid the worst of the weather, which comes in November, but also to ensure the resort is up and running for the upcoming ski season,” said Harald Hornbacher, managing director of Lauer. “That is why we are using our Potain tower cranes. We can rely on them for a fast assembly and efficient work. And I am pleased to report we are on schedule.”
The cranes, which were transported to the Hinterlux Glacier Ski Resort in May, will remain at the project site for another six months. The Potain machines provide complete coverage of the mountaintop jobsite, and are being used to lift general construction materials.
Project managers have enlisted the help of a six-tonne capacity MDT 128 and an eight-tonne capacity MDT 178 from Potain’s range of top-slewing cranes. The self-erecting cranes include a four-tonne capacity GTMR 311 B and a six-tonne capacity GTMR 346 B.
As temperatures at the Hinterlux site can fall below zero for weeks at a time, all four cranes are fitted with well-insulated, air-heated cabs to protect operators from the elements.
