Unmanned All-Terrain Crane Rolls Into Excavation in Austria
30 Second Takeaway
An unmanned five-axle All-Terrain crane from the Felbermayr rental fleet moved across a construction site in Austria early Monday and overturned into a basement excavation. The crane had been set up on its outriggers and was positioned to work, but no lifting work had started. Its outriggers pulled free from their mats as it moved down a slope, and its rear wheels entered the excavation. No one was injured. The reason the crane began moving has not been established.
Incident Overview
Construction site, Austria
A five-axle All-Terrain crane rolled into a foundation excavation at a construction site early Monday morning, overturning rearwards. The crane was unmanned and had been set up on its outriggers in preparation for work.
The crane’s boom came down partly on site cabins, while its boom nose landed on the new building. A five-axle Tadano crane and a large winch vehicle were used to recover it from the confined site.
What Happened
Based on information available at the time of publication:
A five-axle All-Terrain crane from the Felbermayr rental fleet was parked on a construction site.
The crane had its outriggers deployed and was set up ready to work.
No site work had started, and the crane was unmanned.
The crane began moving down a slope, pulling its outriggers free from their mats or cribbing.
Its rear wheels entered a basement or foundation excavation, and the crane overturned backwards.
The boom landed partly on site cabins, with the boom nose coming down on the new building.
No injuries were reported.
A five-axle Tadano crane and a large winch vehicle recovered the overturned crane.
What Is Known
Equipment involved: Five-axle All-Terrain crane
Owner: Felbermayr rental fleet
Incident type: Unmanned crane moved and overturned into an excavation
Location: Construction site in Austria
Crane status: Set up on outriggers and unmanned
Work status: Lifting work had not started
Injuries: None reported
Recovery equipment: Five-axle Tadano crane and large winch vehicle
Cause: Not established
Early Observations
The crane was reported to have been configured for work over the rear, while its superstructure was slewed over the front and its retracted main boom was almost fully elevated. The crane also appeared to have its full counterweight installed. This configuration was described as making the crane rear-heavy, but it does not establish why it began to move.
The crane’s outriggers pulled free from their mats or cribbing as it travelled down the slope. The circumstances that initiated the movement have not been confirmed.
Why This Incident Was Possible
The cause of the crane’s movement has not been determined. An unattended crane on sloping or changing ground can be exposed to movement and stability hazards, particularly near an excavation.
Investigators may examine the crane’s parking and securing arrangements, ground conditions, slope, outrigger setup, configuration and any mechanical factors. These are areas for consideration, not confirmed causes of this incident.
Industry Reminder
When a crane is left unattended on a construction site, its parking and securing arrangements should account for the ground slope, surface conditions and nearby excavations. Outrigger mats and cribbing should be suitable for the ground and the planned crane configuration.
A crane that is set up and ready to work still requires a safe unattended condition before the operator leaves it.
Editorial Note
Crane Hub Global reports on crane accidents, equipment failures and lifting-related incidents to support industry awareness and learning.
This article is based on information available at the time of publication. The reason the crane began moving has not been confirmed.
How Unattended Crane Movement Can Be Prevented
Secure the Crane When Unattended
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and site procedures for leaving the crane parked between shifts or before work begins.
Assess Ground and Slope Conditions
Consider the slope, surface stability, drainage and proximity of excavations when selecting the crane’s parking and setup position.
Check Outrigger Support
Use suitable mats or cribbing and confirm that the support remains stable for the crane’s configuration and ground conditions.
Review the Crane Configuration
Verify boom position, superstructure orientation, counterweight and other setup details against the manufacturer’s guidance for the planned operating and parked condition.
Reassess After Site Changes
Recheck the crane’s position and support if ground conditions, site activity or nearby excavation work changes.
