SANY SCC3200T-1 Crawlers Play Crucial Role in Fremantle Traffic Bridge Replacement

Two SANY SCC3200T-1 crawler cranes are working on the Fremantle Traffic Bridge replacement project, in Western Australia.

A Perfect Fit for a Challenging Task
The replacement of the historic Fremantle Traffic Bridge is part of the Swan River Crossings Project, which involves replacing the aging bridge with Australia’s first extradosed bridge. This new bridge, designed with cantilevers and cable support, will improve road traffic flow, enhance clearance for watercraft, and offer a striking gateway to Fremantle.

With a 320-tonne lifting capacity and a 75-metre main boom, including a 43-metre luffing jib, the SCC3200T-1 cranes are ideally suited for this intricate project. The cranes are equipped with a Tier 5 dual-slew Cummins QSL8.9-C325 motor, ensuring both performance and environmental compliance. Select Plant Australia’s National Cranes Manager, Paul Marshall, said: "The cranes are perfect for the job, and will play a pivotal role in building the new bridge, and removing the old bridge."

The project, led by the Fremantle Bridges Alliance – a consortium between Arup, WSP, and Laing O’Rourke – is a highly complex venture that takes into account various factors such as road, port, freight, heritage, environmental concerns, and more. The presence of four SANY cranes on-site, including two SCC3200T-1 and two SCE4800A, ensures increased safety and less impact on traffic while maintaining construction efficiency.

Construction Challenges and Solutions
Construction work is progressing in two phases. The first phase focuses on temporary jetty construction, permanent piling, and the start of bridge tower construction. The second phase involves the demolition of the old bridge structure. Throughout both phases, SANY cranes are being utilized for critical tasks such as pile installation, foundation work, and precast concrete shell installation.

The key benefit of the SCC3200T-1 for this project is its ability to operate without outriggers, as the 8.18-metre wide crawler is ideal for operation whilst sitting on narrow jetties. "The ground-bearing aspect of a job like this is sensitive, as the cranes are basically going to be working over water," Paul Marshall pointed out.




Operator Friendly Cab Design
The SANY SCC3200T-1 offers a highly comfortable working environment for operators. Feedback from operators has been overwhelmingly positive, especially in regard to the crane’s operator cab. The design features a large window with a 20-degree tilt for panoramic views, a 10.4-inch touch screen, and an ergonomically designed floating adjustable seat. Other operator-friendly features include integrated cameras for real-time monitoring, adjustable lighting, air conditioning, and a radio.

Paul Marshall emphasized the importance of a comfortable and efficient working environment, particularly for long hours on-site: "The cabin features are user-friendly and not overcomplicated, making it easier for operators to focus on the task at hand."

In addition to the SCC3200T-1s, Select recently brought in four more SANY tele-crawlers and a SANY Battery Energy Storage System. Paul Marshall praised SANY's dedication to providing not only reliable machines but also cutting-edge green solutions. "SANY is pioneering with us in sustainability, and their backup power generation services are second to none," he said.

The SANY SCC3200T-1 crawler cranes are proving their worth on the Fremantle Traffic Bridge replacement project, demonstrating unparalleled performance, safety, and operator comfort. With their advanced technology, strong lifting capacity, and adaptability to challenging working environments, the SCC3200T-1s are a testament to SANY’s commitment to providing high-quality, reliable equipment for the construction industry.