New MOOG MBL 1600 for Naini Bridge / India
In September 2010 a MOOG Bucket-type inspection unit model MBL 1600 was commissioned for the Naini Bridge in Allahabad in the state of Uttar Pradesh / India. The Bridge is the biggest cable-stayed bridge in India and connects Allahabad with the NH 27 over the Yamuna River. The bridge has been in use since 2005 and as part of its maintenance contract a MOOG machine was purchased to give personnel access for their inspection and maintenance works.
The MBL 1600 was modified to over bridge the wide sidewalk of 5,3 m – the widest sidewalk ever over bridged by a mobile under-bridge unit. This machine also has a horizontal reach under the bridge of 16 m, a working height of 21,8 m and a lowering depth of 19,7 m. Thus it gives access to all vital parts above and below the bridge deck.
A main challenge was being able to erect the machine within the tightly distanced cables under the angle of 24 °. The erection process had to be simulated before the customer would make the decision to purchase the machine.
This unit has two rotation points, one on the base tower and the other one between the main and vertical boom. Telescopic stages on the main boom, vertical boom and bucket boom allow the highest flexibility for the operators. Further features of the machine are the highly developed PLC control with a failure display in the truck’s cabin as well as a 4-joystick operator panel in the basket. The machine can either be run via the truck’s PTO or the on-board diesel generator which also provides the power for the power outlets located in the basket. A working platform that can be mounted onto the bucket boom and a traffic control trailer completed the delivery.
As with all MOOG equipment, this machine is build in accordance with all international safety standards in mind including the Indian Road regulation. The unit was mounted on a 4-axle VOLVO chassis including right side drive.
