Hydraulic Casing Handling Device

The main contractor working on this project have introduced a hydraulic casing handling device to the UK piling market which is making the handling of temporary pile casing sections safer, quicker and more sustainable.

This piece of equipment was developed by the Zueblin plant division in Stuttgart, Germany and introduced to the A63 Castle Street Improvement project in Hull in close cooperation with the main contractor.

The hydraulic clamping device is mounted to a Liebherr wheel loader type L550-L576 which is generally used as part of tunnelling operations and has now been introduced to the A63 project piling works following a number of smart modifications to the standard loader configuration.

This is a new way of working in the UK which has allowed for the elimination of common dependence on cranes for the installation of casings completely. This in turn has removed all risks associated with the lifting of casings.

Key benefits from this new device include:

• No slinging of casings – Removing the requirement for working in close proximity to plant and working at height when the upstanding casings need to be attached to a crane.
• Improved productivity by quicker assembly/disassembly of casing strings.
• No vertical casing storage – No risk of casings toppling over due to inadequate anchorage into platform, avoiding damage to casings and surroundings (removing hazard)
• No vertical storage – No wear & tear on casing collars