D.A. Collins completes Erie Canal repairs

As part of New York State Canal Corporation’s emergency repair program, construction is complete on Erie Canal Lock E-7 in Niskayuna, NY Maintenance and repairs were finalized prior to May 15, 2021 when navigation season of the Erie Canal begins. D.A. Collins Companies (D.A. Collins) of Wilton, NY used their 200-ton Link-Belt 248 HYLAB 5 lattice crawler crane and 275-ton Link-Belt ATC-3275 all-terrain crane for refurbishment of the lock’s key components – valves, gates, electrical and concrete basin.

Tracks, carbody, and lattice boom sections of the 248 HYLAB were lowered (and lifted back out at the conclusion) using D.A. Collins’ ATC-3275 all-terrain crane.

Following installation of sheet piling and draining the lock with a coffer dam, DA Collins lowered the 248 HYLAB 5 crane down into the dry lock to lift, remove and position the 100,000-pound lock gates for repairs. According to D.A. Collins crane operator Bill Staley, because of the ATC-3275’s long 223-foot reach and lift capability, he could reach any of the 45-foot wide by 328-foot-long lock easily.

Tracks, carbody, and lattice boom sections of the 248 HYLAB were lowered (and lifted back out at the conclusion) using D.A. Collins’ ATC-3275 all-terrain crane. The 248 HYLAB rested on timber planks over a group of 7-foot tall Flexifloat barges that rose if prolonged rainfall flooded the lock. For operation inside the lock, the 248 HYLAB 5 was outfitted with 90 feet of boom to ensure proper motion of the lock gates when they were lifted and moved for maintenance. Steel ramps on either side of the centered floating barge allowed the 248 HYLAB 5 to navigate the full length of the base floor of the lock. Anything beyond the perimeter of the lock footprint, the ATC-3275 was used to reach from above with its full boom and attachment.