09.02.2016
Excavator does not make a good crane
A report we have been sent shows a 360 degree excavator being used on a site near St Petersburg, Florida to lift a large suspended load.
A short video clip clearly shows how the large excavator lost stability as its slewed the load over the side. The machine overturned partially ending up in the sea. The operator is clearly seen jumping from the cab as the machine went over and he is said to be uninjured. The excavators are clearing the site and there is significant amount of suspended line lifting, often on uneven and sloping ground. – a Death Wish that turned into a incident
cfk88
Like any lifting operations if properly planned and supervised using a modern excavator with an RCI with a competent operator trained in the lifting duties and characteristics of said excavator I don't see any problem. It is safe when using an excavator for lifting. This job just lacked the proper planning and supervision like many crane incidents we see.
Again an excavator being used for lifting rather than excavating we see this practice a lot in the uk and often the operators of these machines although very skilled in digging trenches etc have little or no knowledge or experience of lifting so why are these machines deemed fit for the purpose of lifting when that is not there primary design remit .
Cranes are for lifting diggers are for digging in my opinion.