Link-Belt 348 Series 2 Crawler Crane Supports Major Water Treatment Plant Reconstruction in Raleigh

Meagan Wood
5 days ago
3 min read

30-Second Takeaway

A 300-ton Link-Belt 348 Series 2 crawler crane is supporting the reconstruction of the E.M. Johnson Water Treatment Plant in Raleigh, North Carolina. The nearly US$50 million project will increase clean water production by approximately 25 per cent, while the crane handles complex lifts within an active facility supplying most of the city’s potable water.

Link-Belt Crawler Crane Central to Water Treatment Plant Upgrade

A 300-ton (272-metric ton) crawler crane from Link-Belt Cranes is playing a key role in the reconstruction of the E.M. Johnson Water Treatment Plant in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.

The project is being led by English Construction and represents an investment of nearly US$50 million aimed at significantly increasing the city’s clean water capacity.

Project Will Increase Clean Water Production by 25 Per Cent

Once complete, the upgraded facility will increase production from 90 million gallons per day (approximately 341 million litres) to 120 million gallons per day (approximately 454 million litres), an increase of around 25 per cent.

The E.M. Johnson Water Treatment Plant supplies approximately 90 per cent of Raleigh’s potable water, requiring reconstruction work to be carried out while the facility remains fully operational.

348 Series 2 Handles Complex Lifts in Active Facility

The project involves dismantling, reconstructing, and demolishing 60-year-old sedimentation basins and associated piping while maintaining uninterrupted plant operations.

A Link-Belt 348 Series 2 lattice boom crawler crane has been configured with:

140 feet (42.7 metres) of main boom
180 feet (54.9 metres) of luffing jib
80 feet (24.4 metres) of fixed jib

The crane has handled key lifts including:

A 74-foot (22.6-metre), 19,000 lb (8.6-tonne) rake arm or bridge
A 9,000 lb (4.1-tonne) plate settler replacing original equipment

Operators Highlight Performance and Control Systems

According to English Construction operator Tim Tebbe, the crane provides the reach and lifting power required for the site’s diverse demands:

“The 348 Series 2 gives us enough capacity and reach to complete every task out here. It has the picking power you need, and it’s been performing great.”

Tebbe also noted the crane’s smooth swing and winch functions, ease of assembly and disassembly, and the benefits of Link-Belt’s HSL-1 LML control system and camera views.

Long-Term Support for Ongoing Works

Michael Collier, general superintendent for English Construction’s North Carolina Utilities Division, said the crane has proven to be a strong fit for the project and highlighted the long-standing relationship between English Construction and Link-Belt.

With approximately two and a half years remaining on the project schedule, the 348 Series 2 continues to support daily lifting operations, including pick-and-carry work when required.

“We pick and carry with the 348 Series 2 when we need to,” Tebbe said. “It mostly doesn’t even feel it.”

About Link-Belt Cranes

Link-Belt Cranes is a global manufacturer of lattice boom crawler cranes and telescopic cranes, serving construction, infrastructure, industrial, and utility markets worldwide. The company is known for engineering robust lifting solutions focused on reliability, operator control, and jobsite efficiency.

About English Construction

English Construction is a U.S.-based contractor specializing in complex infrastructure, utilities, and industrial projects. The company supports large-scale public works initiatives, including water and wastewater treatment facilities, across multiple regions.