In Germany, Cometto's Blade MAX1000 was used to transport the XXL blades of a wind farm through the narrow roads and forests of the Rhineland-Palatinate region. The 12-axle Cometto MSPE self-propelled combination, equipped with the BladeMAX1000 blade lifter and a power pack, handled the 81-meter blades: a real baptism of fire!
On this first mission, Hofmann operator Sven Wolter, in charge of the convoy, quickly raised the huge blade above the treetops using the Blade MAX1000's jack. Several S-turns and a steep ridge then followed one another along the route.
This is where Cometto's patented Stability Control system came into its own. "This system provides automatic compensation between the four support groups on the 48 electronically steered wheels," explains Joachim Kolb, Cometto's Sales Manager. This unique device gives the BladeMAX1000 flawless stability. "The operator is relieved and can concentrate on his main tasks: driving and maneuvering this impressive combination." Another advantage of the SCS is that the vehicle's oscillations are completely eliminated, even with the blade tilted at 60 degrees to the wind.
15 blades
On the bends, the BladeMAX1000 once again demonstrated its power, raising the blade between the fir trees. After about two kilometers, the convoy reached its destination. A 177-metre LR1800 crawler crane was ready to receive and erect the blade. The first wind turbines to be installed have a hub height of 164 metres!
For Hofmann, this first deployment of the BladeMAX1000 is a success. With a load capacity of 1,000 tonne-metres, the new-generation XXL blades can be transported in complete safety. "All our promises have been kept, and even exceeded. We can now look to the future with confidence," emphasizes Dieter Abt, Hofmann's Operations Manager. The company transported the 15 blades and tower sections to this wind farm in the Trier-Saarburg district, comprising five Nordex turbines (N163 and N149), each rated at 5.7 MW.
