In Haarlem, MHM Montage is working on the construction of the Haarlem energy hub. This new building for Intercel, a leading player in battery technology, will be the largest production complex for custom battery storage in the Netherlands. The new building has a floor area of more than 8,500 m2 and meets the latest safety standards (PGS 37-2), which apply to the storage of energy carriers from the beginning of 2024.
MHM Montage focuses on the assembly of steel structures in non-residential construction. The company has been around for almost 30 years and has an extensive fleet of machines consisting of cranes, aerial platforms, trucks and trailers. During the construction of the energy hub, MHM is placing the steel structure and the concrete floor elements. These activities are carried out with an electric Sennebogen crawler crane 653.
We speak with Arjen van Maanen, operator of the electric crawler crane and co-owner of MHM Montage.
Have you worked with an electric crane before and how do you like it?
“No, this is the first electric crane I have worked with. The first impression is very good, it is a fine machine to work with. The controls are smooth and you can work with it for a long time. The 653 is a great machine anyway, also for transport. There is no need to disassemble parts such as ballast, which saves a lot of time.”
What positive features do you experience?
“Working with the crane is smooth and fluid. The big advantage is that the crane is quiet and has no emissions.”
How long can you work with the crane?
“Like now, when placing the floor elements, you can easily work through the day. At the end of the day, depending on the work (a lot/little driving), you still have 10 to 50% capacity left. The crane is charged at night, so you can start your work the next day. That is the most efficient.”
Why did you choose Van den Heuvel as the supplier of the Sennebogen 653?
“Because we could buy and convert the crane at Van den Heuvel. So everything at 1 address.”
What differences have you experienced compared to the diesel version?
“The sound of the crane is quieter than that of the diesel version and you no longer have to take into account the own transport of the fuel. Furthermore, I can’t think of any more differences.”
Does the crane meet your expectations?
“So far so good, but we have only been running for 4 weeks.”
What work does the crane perform?
“The crane is used to lift steel and concrete elements. The steel elements weigh between 8 and 9 tons. The concrete floor elements each weigh 6.5 tons.“
Would you recommend the electric crane to others?
“Yes, definitely.”
Do you have anything else to add when it comes to working with this electric crane?
“Even though I have only been working with this crawler crane for a short time, I find it a pleasant experience that you can be directly mobile. Provided that the bearing capacity of the subsoil is sufficient.”
Arjen van Maanen indicates that MHM is aware of the increasingly stringent requirements in the field of emissions. From a strategic point of view, it was therefore decided to invest in electric equipment such as aerial platforms and the Sennebogen 653 crawler crane. In addition, the Sennebogen 653 will soon be reinforced because a Sennebogen 673 will be added to the machine park. This crawler crane is currently being converted to emission-free by Van den Heuvel.
View here the video of the electric crane of MHM Montage on location.
