Vernazza Autogru Lifts 728-Tonne Rail Bridge Using Tadano Crawler Crane Trio
- Meagan Wood
- May 8, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 29, 2025
30-Second Takeaway
Vernazza Autogru executed a highly complex lift in Soave, Italy, using three lattice boom crawler cranes to position a 728-tonne railway bridge over the Alpone River. A Tadano CC 68.1250-1 served as the primary crane, performing the initial lift, load travel, and coordinated placement with two additional crawler cranes.
Vernazza Autogru S.r.l. has completed one of its most demanding recent projects: the lifting and installation of a 728-tonne steel railroad bridge in the Italian comune of Soave, near San Bonifacio.
The operation required the coordinated use of three lattice boom crawler cranes, positioned on both banks of the Alpone River, to safely lift and precisely position the 78-metre-long steel structure.
At the centre of the operation was a Tadano CC 68.1250-1, described by the team as the project’s “main protagonist”.
Heavy Lift Across the Alpone River
The scale and geometry of the lift made it far from routine. The bridge had to be lifted to height and positioned across a river, requiring cranes to operate from both sides of the watercourse.
Two crawler cranes were positioned on the right bank, with a third crane set up on the opposite side. This configuration required perfect load sharing, boom coordination, and synchronisation throughout the lift.
CC 68.1250-1 Carries the Primary Load
Vernazza selected the Tadano CC 68.1250-1 due to its high load capacity, stability, and travel capability under load.
Configured with:
SSL configuration
72-metre main boom
Four-point rigging
The CC 68.1250-1 first lifted the bridge independently to a height of 15 metres at a 20-metre radius. Once clear, the crane travelled 45 metres under load on double-layered red ironwood crane mats, moving the structure into its final lifting position above the river.
Coordinated Three-Crane Placement
After the CC 68.1250-1 reached its final position, the remaining two cranes joined the operation:
Tadano CC 38.650-1, fitted with a 68-metre boom
A 400-tonne crawler crane equipped with a 35-metre boom
These cranes connected to the ends of the bridge, enabling the load to be manoeuvred with extreme precision. The coordinated lift allowed Vernazza’s assembly technicians to lower the bridge exactly onto its designated support points.
Engineering-Led Planning
According to Mauro Milano, the success of the lift was rooted in extensive preparation:
“Even the planning stages were challenging. After all, it was a job that involved three large lattice boom crawler cranes, so our engineers really had to go the extra mile to make sure that all the booms would be perfectly synchronized throughout.”
The project also demonstrated why the CC 68.1250-1 has become a cornerstone of Vernazza’s fleet.
“We use our CC 68.1250-1 regularly and benefit from its ease of assembly every single time. We can fully set up the crane with a five-person team in about one week, even under adverse conditions.”
The effort was underscored by the logistics involved, with the CC 68.1250-1 transported approximately 200 kilometres from Ravenna to the site.
Two Months On Site, Flawless Execution
The project required approximately 20 Vernazza employees working across all three cranes. Despite a tight schedule and two-month site duration, the operation proceeded exactly as planned.
Milano concluded:
“By using the right machine and the right people, we finished the job to the full satisfaction of our customer – and that’s ultimately what it comes down to.”
About Vernazza Autogru S.r.l.
Founded in 1946, Vernazza Autogru S.r.l. is an Italy-based lifting, access, and transport specialist with international operations. The company provides crane services, aerial work platforms, and heavy transport solutions, delivering full-service offerings from engineering studies and planning through to execution.
Vernazza operates a fleet of approximately 200 vehicles and machines, including telescopic cranes, crawler cranes, lattice boom crawler cranes, aerial platforms, trucks, semi-trailers, and special transport equipment. The company is ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and BS OHSAS 18001 certified, with branches in Italy, France, Monaco, and Switzerland.
Learn more → https://www.vernazzautogru.com
About Tadano Europe
Tadano Europe serves as the Tadano Group’s centre of excellence for the development and production of all-terrain, city, crawler, and truck-mounted cranes. Combining German engineering and innovation with Japanese manufacturing standards, Tadano produces cranes recognised worldwide for safety, quality, and efficiency.
Tadano operates two production facilities in Europe:
Tadano Faun GmbH (Lauf, Germany)
Tadano Demag GmbH (Zweibrücken, Germany)
Together, these facilities provide 240,000 m² of production, testing, and logistics space, supporting Tadano’s global distribution and service network.
Visit website → https://www.tadano.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What was lifted in Soave, Italy?
A 728-tonne steel railroad bridge measuring 78 metres in length.
How many cranes were used?
Three lattice boom crawler cranes operating simultaneously.
Which crane carried the primary load?
A Tadano CC 68.1250-1.
Why was load travel required during the lift?
The CC 68.1250-1 had to travel 45 metres under load to position the bridge above the Alpone River.
What made the lift especially complex?
The combination of load weight, river crossing, crane positioning on both banks, and the need for precise synchronisation between three crawler cranes.
