Delft University of Technology
Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
Transport Technology



B. Steuten De lemniscaatkraan, voorontwerp hydraulische aangedreven topwerk.
Masters thesis, Report 93.3.TT.4213, Transport Engineering and Logistics.


One of the products of Figee, manufacturer of cranes and crane installations in Haarlem, is the floating grabcrane. This Lemniscate-type double-jib crane, with a capacity of up to 36 tons at 43 metres outreach, is used for board-to-board and ship-to-shore transhipments. A crank-connecting rod mechanism is used for luffing.

After a profound analysis of the luffing-drive several disadvantages showed: a strongly fluctuating luffing-speed, a high cost-price caused by the huge construction with many moving elements and, in spite of the cost-price, regularly occurring failure.

Therefore a better solution for the luffing-drive is desirable. A new concept has been found in a luffing-drive powered by hydraulic cylinders. The concept is worked out to a level which makes application possible.

The new design consists of two double-working hydraulic cylinders fitted in between the rear-boom and the tower and a power-pack, in a way that minimal changes to the existing crane are required. All design considerations en calculations are described in this report.

The result is a profit-making hydraulic drive, with few moving parts and easy to fit in. Since the cylinders are the only moving elements the reliability of the drive is dependent on the quality of the hydraulic components.


Reports on Transport Engineering and Logistics (in Dutch)
Modified: 2006.01.29; logistics@3mE.tudelft.nl , TU Delft / 3mE / TT / LT.