Link Belt 120|RT Handles Long Radius Lifts at Befesa Zinc Plant

30 Second Takeaway

Befesa Zinc Metal is using a 120 US ton Link Belt 120|RT rough terrain crane for maintenance and operational lifts at its zinc production facility in Mooresboro, North Carolina. Supplied on long term rental by Atlantic & Southern Equipment, the crane regularly handles loads across working radii of 80 to 100 feet, often reaching over existing tanks and ductwork. Its six section 164.1 foot main boom and optional SmartFly provide the reach and configuration flexibility required for the industrial site. The current machine has recorded more than 2,000 operating hours, making it the second Link Belt 120|RT used by Befesa to pass that milestone.

Rough Terrain Crane Supports Zinc Production Facility

Befesa Zinc Metal is using a Link Belt 120|RT to support general maintenance and production related lifting operations across its facility in western North Carolina. The crane is based permanently at the Mooresboro plant under a long term rental agreement with Link Belt distributor Atlantic & Southern Equipment. Unlike a crane mobilised for a single project, the 120|RT supports a changing schedule of plant work. Individual assignments range from lifting tanks and processing equipment to handling bulk materials required for maintenance and production.

The industrial layout presents a recurring challenge. Many components must be lifted over or around existing tanks, pipework and ducting before reaching their intended positions.

Jesse Hardin, maintenance manager and crane operator at Befesa, said: 

“The majority of our lifts are within an 80 to 100 foot radius because we’re lifting over existing tanks and ductwork.”

The crane’s ability to retain useful lifting capacity at extended radius was therefore an important consideration in its selection.

Lifting Tasks Range From Tanks to Gravel Bags

The 120|RT is used for a wide range of loads across the plant. These include tanks weighing up to 48,000 pounds, or approximately 21.8 tonnes, along with gravel bags weighing around 2,500 pounds, or 1.1 tonnes. The difference in load size illustrates the variety of work required at an operating industrial facility.

Hardin said: 

“We lift everything from 48,000 pound tanks to 2,500 pound gravel bags at an extended radius. We really love the benefit of the fly, too.”

While the heaviest lifts require capacity, lighter loads can still be technically demanding when they must be placed at a long radius or beyond existing structures. Crane selection must therefore consider the complete load chart rather than only the machine’s maximum rated capacity. Boom length, working radius, boom angle, outrigger configuration and attachment selection all affect the capacity available for a particular lift.

Six Section Boom Provides 164 Feet of Reach

The Link Belt 120|RT has a nominal capacity of 120 US tons at a seven foot radius, equivalent to approximately 110 tonnes at 2.1 metres. Its six section formed boom extends from 38.3 to 164.1 feet, or approximately 11.7 to 50 metres. The boom uses a pin and latch telescoping system, allowing its sections to be extended into configurations corresponding with the crane’s approved load charts.

The long main boom allows the crane to reach across process equipment while remaining positioned in a suitable operating area. This is particularly relevant at the Befesa plant, where the crane frequently works behind existing tanks, ducts and other fixed structures.

The boom is manufactured at Link Belt’s crane production facility in Lexington, Kentucky.

SmartFly Extends the Working Range

The 120|RT can be equipped with Link Belt’s two piece SmartFly lattice attachment.

The attachment extends from 35 to 58 feet, or approximately 10.7 to 17.7 metres, and can be offset to alter the crane’s lifting geometry.

Available offset positions are:

• 2 degrees

• 15 degrees

• 30 degrees

• 45 degrees

Offsetting the fly allows the hook to reach over or beyond an obstruction without positioning the main boom directly above the load. This provides additional flexibility for industrial maintenance, where tanks, buildings, pipe racks and operating equipment can restrict the available load path. The fly can remain stowed on the crane when it is not required. Link Belt states that the stowed attachment does not reduce the crane’s rated capacity.

One Person Fly Installation Reduces Work at Height

Link Belt’s fly erection system is designed to allow installation and stowing by one person from ground level. Ground controls operate the fly assist and boom hoist cylinders during the procedure, reducing the amount of manual work required at height. This can support a more controlled attachment process while reducing the need for personnel to climb onto the boom or fly during installation. The specific erection procedure, site conditions and required exclusion zones remain subject to the manufacturer’s instructions and the lift team’s approved working method. For Befesa, the onboard attachment allows the crane to be reconfigured as plant requirements change without requiring a separate fly section to be transported to the work area.

Lattice Inserts Provide Maximum Tip Height of 261.7 Feet

One or two optional 16 foot lattice inserts can be installed with the SmartFly. With both inserts and the applicable attachment configuration, the 120|RT provides a maximum tip height of approximately 261.7 feet, or 79.8 metres.

The inserts extend the crane’s available working range for lighter loads requiring additional height or reach. Available capacity depends on the complete boom and attachment configuration, working radius, fly offset and outrigger setup. The maximum tip height should not be interpreted as the crane’s maximum hook height under every operating condition. Hook block dimensions, reeving and the selected lifting arrangement also influence the usable lifting height.

V CALC Expands Outrigger Configuration Options

The 120|RT incorporates the Link Belt Pulse 2.0 rated capacity limiter and display system.

Pulse 2.0 provides information covering the crane’s operating configuration, load, boom position and rated capacity. The system is paired with V CALC, Link Belt’s variable outrigger positioning technology. Link Belt states that V CALC provides 81 different outrigger configurations.

This allows the outriggers to be set at approved intermediate positions when there is insufficient space to extend all beams fully. The system calculates the available capacity for the selected configuration and provides corresponding operating limits.

Variable outrigger positioning can be valuable at an industrial plant where buildings, tanks, pipework, roadways and production equipment restrict the crane’s setup area. It does not remove the requirement to confirm ground conditions, outrigger reactions, supporting surface capacity and clearances before lifting begins.

Four Steering Modes Support Movement Around the Plant

As a rough terrain crane, the 120|RT is designed to travel and manoeuvre within construction and industrial sites. The machine provides four steering modes, allowing its axle steering to be adapted to the available space and required travel path. These modes support conventional travel, tighter turning and lateral movement when repositioning in restricted areas.

The crane also features Link Belt’s four link suspension system, which supports site travel across uneven working surfaces. Before moving between lifting locations, the operating team must confirm the condition and capacity of the travel route, overhead clearances, machine configuration and applicable site restrictions.

Cab Provides Visibility Across the Work Area

The 120|RT is equipped with an operator cab that can tilt from zero to 20 degrees.

Tilting the cab can improve the operator’s view of the boom and hook when working at higher boom angles. The crane also features Link Belt’s Vision Package with camera views supporting visibility around the machine.

Clear visibility is especially important at an operating production facility, where the crane can be working near structures, vehicles, maintenance teams and fixed plant equipment.

Cameras and electronic displays supplement direct observation and communication with the lifting team. They do not replace the need for qualified signal personnel when the operator cannot maintain a clear view of the load or landing area.

More Than 2,000 Hours on the Current Crane

The current Link Belt 120|RT has accumulated more than 2,000 operating hours at the Befesa facility. It is the second crane of the same model supplied to the plant under a long term rental arrangement with Atlantic & Southern to exceed that figure.

Hardin said: 

“This is the second 120|RT we’ve put over 2,000 hours on as a long term rental from Atlantic & Southern. We like to keep it busy, and it keeps us working.”

The recorded hours reflect the crane’s continuing role in the plant’s maintenance and operating schedule. Keeping the same model on site can also provide continuity for operators and maintenance personnel familiar with its controls, configurations and service requirements.

Long Term Rental Supports Plant Operations

A long term rental gives Befesa continuing access to the crane without limiting its use to a particular shutdown or construction project. This approach allows the maintenance team to schedule lifts as operational requirements arise. Atlantic & Southern supports the rental as the regional Link Belt distributor, providing equipment, parts and technical service.

For an operating zinc facility, equipment availability is important because maintenance lifting can be connected to production schedules, planned shutdowns and urgent repairs.

The arrangement combines Befesa’s onsite operating knowledge with dealer support for the crane.

Zinc Produced From Recycled Materials

Befesa’s North Carolina operation processes material recovered from the steel recycling chain to produce zinc. Electric arc furnaces generate dust containing zinc and other materials during the steelmaking process. Befesa’s recycling operations recover zinc from this residue, producing an intermediate material known as Waelz oxide.

The Mooresboro refining facility uses solvent extraction technology to process Waelz oxide into special high grade zinc. The resulting zinc can be used in galvanising and other industrial applications where it helps protect steel against corrosion. Befesa describes the facility as producing zinc entirely from recycled raw materials. The process supports the reuse of zinc contained in steelmaking residues while reducing the amount of material requiring disposal.

Mooresboro Facility Began Operating in 2012

The Mooresboro facility was developed as a greenfield project and began operating in 2012.

Befesa subsequently acquired full ownership of the operation as part of the expansion of its North American zinc recycling and refining activities. The company has listed the plant’s installed annual production capacity at approximately 140,000 tonnes of special high grade zinc.

Its North Carolina location places the refinery between Befesa’s zinc recycling operations in the United States, creating a connection between steel dust processing and finished zinc production. Maintaining the plant requires regular handling of processing equipment, tanks, materials and replacement components, creating the varied lifting programme supported by the Link Belt 120|RT.

About Befesa Zinc Metal

Befesa Zinc Metal operates the zinc refining facility in Mooresboro, North Carolina.

The operation processes zinc bearing recycled material into special high grade zinc for industrial applications. The company forms part of Befesa, an international provider of environmental recycling services to the steel and aluminium industries.

Befesa recycles industrial residues generated during steel and aluminium production, recovering materials that can be returned to commercial use. Its operations include steel dust recycling, zinc refining and aluminium salt slag recycling across Europe, Asia and North America.

Company website: www.befesa.com

About Link Belt Cranes

Link Belt Cranes manufactures telescopic and lattice boom cranes at its facility in Lexington, Kentucky.

Its product portfolio covers:

• Rough terrain cranes

• All terrain cranes

• Telescopic truck cranes

• Truck terrain cranes

• Telescopic crawler cranes

• Lattice boom crawler cranes

Link Belt’s crane manufacturing history developed from the Link Belt Machinery Company and subsequent crane operations in the United States. The company designs, manufactures and supports cranes for construction, infrastructure, energy, industrial, utility and material handling applications. Link Belt Cranes is headquartered at 2651 Palumbo Drive in Lexington, Kentucky.

Company website: www.linkbelt.com

120|RT product page: Link Belt 120|RT

About Atlantic & Southern Equipment

Atlantic & Southern Equipment is a construction and agricultural equipment dealer serving customers across the southeastern United States. Established in 2001, the company provides new and used equipment, rentals, parts, maintenance and technical support.

Atlantic & Southern is a Link Belt crane distributor and also represents other construction and agricultural equipment manufacturers.

Its construction equipment locations include operations in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and North Carolina. The company’s Charlotte location supports customers in the North Carolina market.

Company website: www.atlanticandsouthern.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What crane is Befesa using in North Carolina?

Befesa is using a Link Belt 120|RT rough terrain crane at its zinc production facility in Mooresboro.

Who supplied the crane?

The crane is on long term rental from Link Belt distributor Atlantic & Southern Equipment.

What is the capacity of the Link Belt 120|RT?

The crane has a nominal maximum capacity of 120 US tons at a seven foot radius, equivalent to approximately 110 tonnes at 2.1 metres.

How long is the main boom?

The six section boom extends from 38.3 to 164.1 feet, or approximately 11.7 to 50 metres.

What is the Link Belt SmartFly?

SmartFly is an onboard, two piece lattice attachment extending from 35 to 58 feet. It can be offset to 2, 15, 30 or 45 degrees.

What is the crane’s maximum tip height?

With the applicable SmartFly and lattice insert configuration, the 120|RT provides a maximum tip height of approximately 261.7 feet, or 79.8 metres.

What type of lifts does the crane perform?

The crane handles general maintenance and production related work, including loads ranging from 48,000 pound tanks to 2,500 pound gravel bags.

Why is capacity at radius important at the facility?

Many lifts must be completed across radii of 80 to 100 feet because the crane is required to reach over tanks, ductwork and other existing plant equipment.

How many hours has the crane completed?

The current 120|RT has recorded more than 2,000 operating hours. It is the second crane of the same model used by Befesa to pass that milestone.

What does the Mooresboro facility produce?

The facility processes recycled zinc bearing material into special high grade zinc for industrial applications.