XCMG’s crawler crane record lift

XCMG’s XGC15000A crawler crane has set a new world record after completing its first single-boom wind power hoisting operation, lifting a turbine to a height of more than 180 metres, for the Jinjiaozhou wind power farm in Qingdao, China.

The installation team had to consider strong winds on the flat land (Photo: XCMG)

The crane lifted the 107 tonne 4.5 megawatt wind power turbine components to a height much taller than a conventional turbine, increasing power generation efficiency but posing a much greater challenge for installation.

This combined with the fact that the site is on flat and open land, meant the crane had to withstand strong winds. The lift had to take place during a short ‘wind-free’ time window, the company said.

“The tower height at this wind farm will reach 180 metres, and XCMG had taken everything into consideration,” said manager of on-site hoisting operations, Di Caijin.

Record breaking
The installation makes the XGC15000A the world’s first wind power crawler crane to achieve a hoisting height of 170 metres.

China has pledged to reach carbon peak by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060.

In February, XCMG delivered China’s largest tonnage wind power reach stacker, the XCS70S, which was co-developed and customised by XCMG and CRRC Zhuzhou Institute Wind Power Business Unit. With a capacity of 64 tonnes, it was designed to handle large-scale wind turbine components and site equipment.