Konecranes grabs unloader orders

He says the enduring attraction of the range lies in the high capacities available, and the long-standing design and technology expertise deployed.

By the end of this year, the company will deliver two grab unloaders rated at 1,900 tonnes per hour to Denmark’s Dong Energy for handling coal, each equipped with efficient noise reduction systems due to strict local requirements for night time operations.

Sandvik and Rio Tinto Australia will also take a delivery of a 48 tonne unit rated at 2,300 tonnes per hour. “The main contractor is Sandvik and Konecranes’ scope includes the AGD control system and main drive machinery,” says Mr Nyman. “This is a repeat order – Sandvik/Konecranes delivered an identical crane to the same wharf five years ago.”

FLSmidth and Hamburg’s Vattenfall Moorburg have also ordered two 34.5 tonne units boasting unloading rates of some 1,500 tonnes per hour. Both units will feature a standard Konecranes design with complete control system, main drive machinery and an operator’s cabin.

Konecranes’ AGD Grab Unloaders are suitable for handling all kinds of bulk materials, including very dusty ones, notes Mr Nyman. “For example,” he says, “the two AGD Grab Unloaders delivered to Bristol Port in the UK are unloading various qualities of animal feed stuffs some of which is very dusty.

“These cranes are equipped with efficient dust collection systems which prevent dust emissions escaping to the surroundings. Bristol Port has been very satisfied with the efficiency of the cranes, both in operation and in the elimination of dust.”