Power Move: Transformer Lift and Staging Rises to the Occasion

In support of a power plant project in the Northeast, Deep South crews were tasked with transporting and staging four transformers, each 22’ high, 12’ wide and 14’ long and weighing 314,000 pounds.

Maintaining allowable ground bearing pressure and stability were primary concerns throughout the move. Deep South received the four transformers from ship’s gear onto 12-axle-line Goldhofer E-series trailers.

Once loaded, Deep South moved to a nearby storage location where the transformers were staged on 16 beams – custom-designed and built by Deep South – until rail cars were available for transport to the power plant.

When the rail cars were ready, Deep South reengaged the E-series trailers to move the transformers to the rail site for transport to the power plant. At the site, Deep South installed a 700-ton J&R gantry that has a maximum stroke of 39 feet. The gantry utilized Deep South-fabricated 40’ header beam. To accommodate site allowable ground bearing requirements, Deep South had to use a 20’ by 8 ’ steel mat base under each gantry leg. The gantry system was strategically placed to load out all four transformers in a timely manner.

“We needed to lift the transformers 12’ in the air in order to roll the rail cars underneath and then lower them onto individual cars,” says James Caskey, Transport Specialist at Deep South.

Deep South mobilized all equipment, transported, lifted and lowered all four transformers, and demobilized all equipment in three days. The entire job was completed on time and on budget. Most important, zero incidents!

• Equipment Used

  • Goldhofer E Series & THP Series
  • Hydraulic Gantries
  • Steel Distribution Systems/Steel Mats/Mud Boats

• Services Used

  • Custom Solutions
  • Heavy Haul

• By the Numbers

  • Transport, stage and lift four transformers
  • Transformers were 22’ high, 12’ wide and 14’ long each and weighed 314,000 pounds