Going Down

Sometimes getting the right machinery on a site that’s not easy to access can be difficult. But when it’s an odd shaped cherry picker from Kennards Hire being lowered down a 10 metre deep manhole, difficult doesn’t seem so hard.

Civil Construction Company Bellrise Investments P/L, were engaged to construct 28 manholes positioned at every change of direction along a 13 kilometre major sewer upgrade pipeline south of Brisbane.

Brendan Seppanes from Bellrise Investments P/L explained, “The manhole where the cherry picker was used had an unusual shape. It was at a junction of four interconnecting pipelines all at different heights, 10 metres in depth and five metres in diameter at the base.”

The shaft also featured three flat surface walls. As methane gas can erode concrete over time, a HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) liner had to be placed over the concrete walls and the joins sealed with an extrusion welder.

After consulting with Kennards Hire and the machine manufacturer about the ideal lifting points, a spreader and tag lines were used to lower the cherry picker safely into the access shaft.

“Another consideration was the unit needed to be electric as it was being used in a confined space and therefore produce no emissions,” said Brendan.

“The outrigger of the cherry picker provided stability as the work crew welded the liner,” he added. The basket rotator and fly boom provides extra reach and flexibility to the work platform, while controls can be operated from the ground or in the basket.

Bellrise Investments is a civil construction company that specialise in the construction of large diameter pipelines, pump stations, treatment plant upgrades, concrete works and bulk earthworks.

“Dealing with Kennards Hire is so easy,” said Brendan. “They always get equipment to site quickly, they offer helpful advice when we need it and that sort of service really adds to a project running smoothly.”