The Game-Changing E-Steer Trailers

In Washington State, Bigge recently started work on the first of many transports that will be using new E-Steer Technology Trailers.

For the job, we used 2 trains of 12 line, 2 file Goldhofer PST/SL-E transporters spaced 64 feet apart to move two 800 ton barges from their fabrication site to the launch-way. These vessels were so large they had to be moved one at a time, in a process that involved transporting the barges up a ramp to a Syncrolift apron that rotated and aligned them with a track system. From there they were then placed on the launch-way carts and the Goldhofers were removed.

The benefit of using the new E-Steer technology was that one operator could control both trailers where originally there would've been two operators. Setup was easy: the transporters were inserted individually and then electronically and hydraulically coupled into one unit.

This kind of synced operation was highly efficient and reduced transport haul time. The chance of error was also drastically reduced because only one operator was used.

Although we perform this type of haul exceptionally well using the more traditional methods, we believe the E-Steer trailers are game-changers, which is why we will be implementing them more into future transports as we move ahead.

If you would like to find out more information about our heavy hauling capabilities please visit our website or contact a representative today.

Contact Gedge Knopf by email gknopf@bigge.com or by phone 510-639-4010.

A Nor-Cal Haul

In Northern California, Bigge recently hauled, lifted and set a 145,000 lb. transformer for a new city-mandated substation. The Bigge crew used a Liebherr LTM 1220 with 92,000 lbs. of counterweight to lift the 19' 6" tall by 14' 6" wide component onto a 9-axle trailer. We then transported the unit from its storage facility to the jobsite, utilizing city streets and country roads.

Although the weather conditions were not ideal - there was persistent rain which resulted in a muddy jobsite - we were still able to complete our work in a single day. Thanks to our engineering staff's comprehensive pre-planning process and a well trained, experienced crew, the transport and setting of the transformer was not delayed by the inclement weather.

Clark Construction Group Project Recognition

Bigge would like to congratulate Clark Construction Group on their win for AGC's prestigious 'Meeting the Challenge of the Difficult Job Award', given for their outstanding work on the John Muir Medical Center. AGC states that these awards "recognize members' achievements" by acknowledging the contractor's "unique undertakings" and their "ability to address the most difficult challenges" that can occur on a jobsite. The John Muir Medical Center was a large and impressive project, and it is no surprise that Clark won the award. Bigge supplied a Liebherr LR1300 that was utilized by several subcontractors on the project. We are proud to have worked alongside Clark Construction Group on such a notable project.

Houston's Growing Fleet

Our new Houston facility has been up and running for quite some time and we have been continuing to build up a huge fleet at this location.

Currently we have tower cranes and crawler cranes ranging from 88 tons to 660 tons, including two brand new Liebherr LR1600s, perfect for wind turbine erection. With over 50 machines available for rent - from our 30 ton Link-Belt RTC-8030 to our 130 ton Grove RT130 - we have one of the fastest growing rough terrain fleets in the area. We also feature brand new Terex cranes available for purchase.

This location services the entire Southwest region, and with our continually expanding inventory we are able to provide equipment for any type of job. If you would like to find out more about renting or purchasing one of our cranes please contact Mike Tilghman for rental information at (713) 253-6659 or mtilghman@bigge.com, and Brian Noga for sales information at (510) 318-1170 or bnoga@bigge.com.

A Two Crane Lift

Bigge recently replaced two large vessels over a period of four days at a west coast refinery.

Refineries often have very tight quarters with limited amounts of space that require specialized engineering plans to accommodate the jobsite. In this instance, we used a combination of our Liebherr LR1300 as the main crane, with 105' of main boom and 330,100 lbs. of counterweight; and our Liebherr LTM1200 as the tailing crane, with 163,000 lbs. of counterweight.

The two cranes worked in unison to lift the old vessels up and onto our transport vehicles. The first vessel weighed 160,000 lbs. and was lifted from a 35' radius. The second vessel was a little smaller, at 91,900 lbs., and we lifted this one from a 100' radius. The entire process included engineers, oilers, teamsters, heavy haul equipment and cranes-all provided by Bigge. The old vessels were removed and transported out of the refinery and the new vessels were then transported onsite and lifted into place, the entire process taking just four days.

Using our team for the entire process allowed for a quick and smooth operation from beginning to end. If you would like more information about Bigge and refinery turn-around projects, please contact David Peralta at (925) 699-8234 or by email at dperalta@bigge.com.

Bigge's Cranes at Work at the Transbay

The new San Francisco Transbay Terminal, which if you remember from our last update has been dubbed the "Grand Central of the West," will function as one of the largest hubs of transportation within Northern California.

After being a part of the demolition operation, where we removed old steel support beams from the previous structure, Bigge's cranes are now part of the first phase of construction. We currently have two crawler cranes on site, an American HC165 and a Manitowoc 888, each configured with 140' of main boom and with their maximum counterweight. The two cranes are currently being used to drive sheet pile in preparation for the next stages of construction.

This job is scheduled to continue for several years, and our crawlers will be a fixture for some time to come. If you would like to find out more about bare lease or operated and maintained crane rental within San Francisco, please contact Josh Pratchard: by email, jpratchard@bigge.com or by phone, 510-390-4420.

A New Addition to the Oakland Airport

Just north of the existing Oakland Airport, Bigge is currently hanging steel for a new traffic control tower. For this job we are using our Manitowoc 2250 with 170' of main boom and 170' of luffing jib in Series 2 counterweight. The crane will be onsite for about five weeks, hoisting steel beams that weigh up to 45,000 lbs. at radii of up to 95'.

This new addition to the Oakland Airport will sit just over 200' tall and will serve a highly trafficked departure and arrival point in the area. For instance, last year the airport flew over nine million passengers in and out of the terminal.

If you would like to find out more information regarding crawler crane rental or operated and maintained services, please contact Marcus Leaverton by email at mleaverton@bigge.com or by phone at 510-639-4012.