Terex CTL430-24 Relocated in One Lift Using Select’s Bespoke Frame
30-Second Takeaway
Select Plant Hire has used a bespoke lifting frame to relocate a complete Terex CTL430-24 tower crane weighing 140 tonnes at Hinkley Point C. Developed with Terex and Europa Engineering, the frame enabled Big Carl to move the assembled crane approximately 165 metres across the construction site. Bolted connections beneath the slew ring replace traditional welded lifting arrangements, with installation typically taking less than two hours. Interchangeable adapter plates accommodate five crane models in Select’s fleet, providing a repeatable method for future full-crane relocations.
Terex CTL430-24
Select has completed the relocation of a Terex CTL430-24 at Hinkley Point C using a lifting frame designed to handle an entire tower crane as a single unit. The assembled crane weighed approximately 140 tonnes and was moved around 165 metres to support the next phase of construction.
The operation used Big Carl, Sarens’ SGC-250 heavy lift ring crane, to lift and reposition the tower crane. The SGC-250 has been deployed at Hinkley Point C for major lifting operations throughout the project. The 140 tonne figure describes the weight of the crane assembly being moved. The CTL430-24 itself is a luffing jib tower crane with a maximum lifting capacity of 24 tonnes.
Bolted Frame Connects Beneath the Slew Ring
Select’s engineering team developed the bespoke lifting frame in collaboration with Terex and Europa Engineering. The frame connects directly beneath the tower crane’s slew ring through bolted connections. This removes the need for the traditional welded lifting arrangements described by Select.
The connection method is central to the design: it provides a defined interface between the crane assembly and the lifting equipment, while eliminating on-site welding during frame installation.
Installation Typically Takes Less Than Two Hours
According to Select, the frame can typically be installed in under two hours. Installation can also be carried out using the tower crane that will subsequently be lifted, avoiding the need to bring in additional lifting equipment specifically to fit the frame.The company identifies the shorter installation process and removal of welding as important benefits when preparing a crane for relocation. The frame has already been used in several complete tower crane lifting operations, with the Hinkley Point C move demonstrating its use on a 140 tonne assembly.
Adapter Plates Cover Five Crane Models
Interchangeable adapter plates allow the frame to accommodate five different tower crane models within Select’s fleet. This gives the company a common lifting system that can be adapted to different crane interfaces, creating a repeatable approach across multiple projects. The frame has been engineered to handle complete tower crane assemblies weighing up to 140 tonnes. Select says the development provides a safer and more standardised approach to complex crane relocations, alongside reduced installation time and the elimination of on-site welding.
Moving the Crane as a Complete Assembly
The Hinkley Point C operation moved the tower crane as a single unit, allowing it to be repositioned without breaking it down into the separate components normally transported during a conventional relocation. That approach relied on the availability of a suitable heavy lift crane and a purpose-designed connection system. For Select, the frame provides a reusable method for projects where moving an assembled tower crane can support the construction sequence. Its application across five fleet models extends its usefulness beyond the CTL430-24 involved in this operation.
About Select Plant Hire
Select Plant Hire is a specialist plant and equipment business within the Laing O’Rourke group, serving construction customers in the United Kingdom and Australia. Its offering includes cranes, hoists, site accommodation and associated services. The business combines equipment supply with engineering and logistics support, working with customers to develop solutions around project requirements, site conditions and construction sequencing.
Laing O’Rourke identifies Select as a business with more than 30 years of experience and offices in Dartford, Kent, and North Sydney, Australia. Its engineering-led approach is reflected in the development of the lifting frame used at Hinkley Point C.
Official website: www.selectplanthire.com
About Terex Tower Cranes
Terex Tower Cranes supplies tower crane equipment for construction applications, including luffing jib models used where working radius and surrounding structures influence crane selection.
The CTL430-24 has a maximum capacity of 24 tonnes, a maximum jib length of 60 metres and a stated jib-tip capacity of 5.5 tonnes. These specifications describe the model’s lifting capability, rather than the weight of the assembled crane relocated at Hinkley Point C.
Terex collaborated with Select and Europa Engineering on the bespoke lifting frame, contributing to a system that accommodates multiple crane models within Select’s fleet.
Official website: www.terex.com/tower-cranes
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tower crane was relocated?
Select moved a Terex CTL430-24, with the complete assembly weighing approximately 140 tonnes.
What lifted the tower crane?
Big Carl, Sarens’ SGC-250 heavy lift ring crane, carried out the lift.
How far was the crane moved?
The crane was relocated approximately 165 metres across the Hinkley Point C site.
How does the lifting frame attach?
It uses bolted connections directly beneath the tower crane’s slew ring, removing the need for traditional welded lifting arrangements.
Can the frame be used with other tower cranes?
Yes. Interchangeable adapter plates allow it to accommodate five models within Select’s fleet, with a stated maximum assembly weight of 140 tonnes.
