Eiffel Trading 101: Purchasing a Used Crane Access Trestle
Eiffel Trading 101: Purchasing a Used Crane Access Trestle
If you have ever had the pleasure of working on a project trying to procure a crane access trestle/work platform/temporary work bridge - this post is for you! Trying to purchase a used crane access trestle can be a very tricky process. The typical questions: How wide is it? What type of foundation? What model of crane was it designed?
How wide are used crane access trestles?
The majority of the used crane access trestle systems we come across are designed with either a 30' or 40' working surface. The decking material is typically comprised of 20', 30' or 40' crane mats. The 30' wide working surface system is wide enough for a crane to work. The 40' wide working surface system is wide enough for a crane and truck/light equipment passage.
What type of foundation?
Steel pipe pile is the most common type of foundation used on crane access trestle systems. Most frequently you see 24", 30" and 36" pipe piling used. The wall thickness and length of the pipe varies based on the piling capacity needed to support your system. Keep in mind, just because the superstructure of a trestle is rated for a 300 Ton Crane, does not mean you can use the same exact piling design as the person you are purchasing the used crane access trestle from. Soil conditions in Ohio are drastically different than Louisiana. Make sure you have your engineer figure out your pipe pile size and length based on where you are installing the trestle. Most commonly, you should be able to use the same diameter and wall thickness pipe, but your pile length may vary.
What model of crane was it designed?
Every used crane access trestle we've sold over the past several years has had a different engineer. However, one thing has remained the same - every engineer has designed a trestle for a specific crane. "The engineer designed our used trestle for a Manitowoc 2250, does that mean I can't use a Liebherr LR1300?" Not necessarily - here's why: Both cranes have a lifting capacity of 300 tons. However, their foot-print is a little different (26' for the 2250 and 26'-3" for the LR1300). Have your engineer review the crane girder spacing - they may make you move some stiffeners around and change the girder spacing. Regardless of moving stiffeners, it's much cheaper than designing and fabricating an entirely new system!
As mentioned above, buying a used crane access trestle can be very tricky. We have the experience to help guide you through procuring the crane access trestle superstructure, crane mats and piling needs. However, your engineer will need to be involved to make sure the used crane access trestle design will work for your specific application.
If you are reading this with a specific trestle need - check out our used crane access trestle inventory - as of the date of this posting we have over 3,000 LF of used access trestle for sale. For any questions please call 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.
Cheers,
Andrew
Andrew Norman is one of the co-founders of Eiffel Trading. His background is in Heavy-Civil and Marine Construction in Project Management and Procurement. While working in Project Management and Procurement he managed the design, fabrication and ultimate sale of a crane access trestle.