These are notes I am writing to help me learn our industrial history. They are my best understanding, but that does not mean they are a correct understanding.
I wonder if it is the same process as used by the cellulosic plant in Spiritwood, ND. The railroad was the Rock Island. In 1985, it was C&NW. So that is why it is now UP.
DesmoinesRegister, paycount
DSM CEO Feike Sijbesma, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and POET Founder/Executive Chairman Jeff Broin cut a ribbon during the grand opening of POET-DSM's first commercial cellulosic ethanol plant in Emmetsburg in 2014.(Photo: Mary Willie/The Register)
Blaming the federal government for failing to support the industry, a South Dakota company said Tuesday it will stop production in northwest Iowa of an environmentally friendly ethanol that's made from corn cobs, stalks and other crop residue. [The support was not subsidies. The support was the EPA requiring ethanol to be added to gas. Since 2016, the use of ethanol in gas has been reduced by the EPA.]
Poet, the nation's largest ethanol producer, said it will continue research and development at the Emmetsburg plant it opened in 2014.
[Taxpayers paid $120m of the $275m needed to build the plant.]
Cellulosic ethanol — made from biomass, including grass, wood and, at the Poet plant, crop residue — can reduce greenhouse gas emissions up to 95% when compared with gasoline.
In 2017, DuPont closed a cellulosic ethanol plant in Nevada, Iowa, then sold it last year to Verbio North America Corp., the Michigan-based subsidiary of German-based Verbio Vereinigte BioEnergie AG. The company plans to produce renewable natural gas at the plant.
[DesmoinesRegister]
The article says the ethanol plant next door that uses corn will continue to operate. The plant by the tracks would be the corn-based plant. The plant south of that would be the crop-residue plant.
The original 31000 post is pretty big with photos of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium job in Atlanta, GA. It finally has a second job lifting the roof trusses for the new Ranger Stadium. Since it appears there may be a lot of photos and videos of the 31000 in action, I'm starting a new post for that action.
Heavy Lift Productions posted This was a fun 2 years documenting this entire build of the stadium. Now the giant red crane was the highlight. First time seem and actually being on that machine. Manitowoc 31000 is a huge machine, with is quad track set up, extending counterweight tray. Sadly I lost majority of these pictures in a hard drive incident. But I do have a bunch of content left.
Jamie Coggins commented on the above post, cropped
Jamie Coggins commented on the above post
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Terry Waits Jr. commented on the above post
This was posted as part of a discussion about how big the cab is.
Heavy Lift Productions commented on his post [I'm surprised that he wears a hard hat in the cab. Most crane operators I've watched put it on as they leave the cab.]
The above was an update. I decided to put it on top as an introduction to the build.
They will be moving the USA 31000 from the Atlanta yard to Arlington, TX, to hang roof sections for the new Ranger Stadium. (Source has four photos of the cranes already working at the stadium.) One crawler-track is already at the staging area a few blocks from the job, and it takes twelve axles to move it. So when they talk about 125 trucks to move it, some of those trucks require a lot of oversize permits, escorts, expensive trailers, etc. (The truck count for the disassembly was 134. The variable might be weather or not you count the mats.)
Jason Nlkl posted six photos with the comment: "More 31000 pics of pieces coming into the staging area."
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Jonathon Sisk posted three photos with the comment: "I’m working at Texas Rangers stadium in Arlington TX. Running a 2250 with 220’ and 80’. Getting ready to built the 31000 soon. I’ll be posting a lot of pictures and maybe live streaming some of it if I can."
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Some photos from Robert Suza's posting with the comment: "Day # 1 Of Preparation Of The Build.
" Big Red " Manitowoc's 31,000 Headed To His New Home 1st Loads Headed To The Bowl @ Ranger Stadium Arlington Texas 11/13/18
RED POWER !!!! C'MON !!!! Time To Rock !!!!
Thank You ,Jason NIklFor The Photos And The Coverage Support ....."
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[MLC650 lifting a 410k lb roof section.]
Some photos from Robert Suza's posting with the comment: "Day # 2 Of Preparation Of The Build ." Big Red " Coming To The Bowl 15 Loads Of Counterweight's And #5 Drum @ 45,000 lb's Of Red Power !!! C'MON !!"
51:43 video of adding the second pair of tracks Skip to the second one for a better view. In particular, you can see them get gobs of a lubricant out of a blue container and smear it on the inside of the pin hole. I wish he had panned to his left so that we could see the frame that they have already built.
They are bringing in the 31000 to lift the roof trusses. In the meantime, several other cranes are still building the bowl. It looks like they will have to clean out the center of the stadium to make room to build the boom after they get the "guts" assembled.
Clay Arroyave posted
Started assembly of the 31000 at rangers stadium. Making the 2250 look like a toy. Jaramy ReinoehlI hauled a piece of the stadium a hundred and ten thousand pounds from Minneapolis down there 2 weeks ago pretty impressive area. Ben Stalvey50ft 7 inch wide from crawler to crawler
Bobby Car commented on Clay's posting
I hauled a track. Lol it weighted 121,000
[I noticed that they used a truck with a lot more axles to do the interstate haul from the Maxium storage yard in Atlanta. Different states allow different axle weights, so they would have to conform to the most restrictive state.]
Clay commented on his own posting
[Note the pile of counterweights that have already been staged to the left of a "black tube thing" one the right side of the photo. I'm still trying to figure out what the "black tube thing" is. (Update: judging from a video, the "black tube thing" is staged for another crane to build falsework.)]
Stanton Jones commented on Clay's posting
I'm not in the union but ive seen a few pretty big rigs too, but i look forward to seeing the 31000 and the 13000 in person. Ray LittleBoth big monsters but different designs. The 13,000 has a turntable bearing instead of a roller path. It’s aux counterweight can be positioned at different distances but can be too much of a rearward moment for the crane to swing without a load. The 31,000 has a MUCH bigger 40’ roller path and a live variable position counterweight which never touches the ground, and does not impede the rotation of the crane even without a boom or luffer attachment while having the full 2.1M lbs of ballast back there. The 13000 has two fixed tracks compared to the 31000’s four bogie/trunnion mounted tracks. The four track square footprint design allows it to raise the max boom/luffer combination (over 700’) unassisted over the side. Even with the nominal test load of 2700 tons suspended it still had more gbp in the rear than the front. Four big tracks is a huge advantage in gbp concerns when compared to two track crawlers. The 31000 may have less capacity but has some very practical things going for it. Liebherr has the extraordinary engineering history and quality on it’s side to compliment it’s strength.
Jonathon Sisk posted eleven photos that shows that even the details such as handrails, ladders, hoists, etc. can fill several trucks. Kyle HoneycuttWhat is the radius on that ring? Brandon Storie40ft Michael Singletonhow many trucks to bring it in? Ray LittleIt took 138 yo get it out of the Falcons Stadium, mostly permitted [i.e. oversize (expensive)] loads too. Jim KratzerIs it going to make all its lifts from where you assemble it or is it gonna have to walk around some? Ray LittlePick and carry for this beast was done at the factory with 2700 US tons.
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Jon Shufelt commented on the ninth photo
[This must have been taken either in Manitowoc's test yard or the new Atlanta stadium. Look how many steps you have to climb just to get to the cab. And the "cab" is a big room.]
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James Roulston posted four photos with the comment: "31000 house on its way."
Another posting referred to this as the "power unit." The crane is so big that what would be the house on other cranes is several truck loads on this crane.
Jonathon Sisk posted
She’s running Manitowoc 31000 Brandon StorieShes got 1200hp under the hood.Mike WiegandAnyone on site know what boom configuration planned ? [no answer]
[The diesel must not be Tier IV because the exhaust is quite visible.]
Jason Nlkl posted six photos with the comment: "31000 power units arriving at the stadium today."
3 Christopher Pelszynski Only 7 axles??? Jason NIkl It had more, this was being policed escorted from lay down yard. It's very tight getting into the stadium.
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So what was wrong with the old Ranger stadium that they needed to spend, what is obviously, a lot of money on a new stadium? And how much of the expense is coming out of taxpayer's money? Those cranes are not cheap. The screenshot is a subset of the cranes showing the 31000 being assembled. See this video for other cranes on the site.
Jason Nlkl shared, screenshot detail @ -2:40 of some drone shots video
[I notice he carefully keeps the drone over a public road. That is, he does not fly over their property.]
J & H Trucking Inc. posted two photos with the comment: "Stacy White hauling a 60,000 lb. 34x13’2”x11’0” crane boom section from GA to Ranger stadium in Arlington, TX. This is the Manitowoc 31,000 they are assembling."
I assume the trailer has a lot of axles so that it can use smaller wheels to help with the vertical clearance. But it appears that 13'2"+trailer-height would still be too tall, so that must the horizontal dimension. That means the truck exceeds the 12' lane width, but does not exceed the 14' that is evidently allowed for mobile homes if they have escorts. share: Andrew ZahnSeems high... Ben StalveyNo 90 Boom insert with straps 51,200. Jay FergusonWe were told it weighed a little over 59,000 when we committed to the load. Louis DeFazio18000 main is close to same size just a wee bit smaller
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[I can't believe the progress they have made since the last photo I saw. The masts are up and the counterweight tray and "rocks" are on.]
Jason Nikl posted
Had the great opportunity to go shot this today, think I found my new business card picture. Don Rhino RhinesMay I share this photo Jason NIklJust credit me in your share. Can not wait til get more.
Ben Stalvey commented on Jason's post
Here is a good size comparison between a 21000 and 31000.
Ben Stalvey commented on Jason's post
[I assume this is the other 31000. It was working in Korea.]
Randall Kyson Sirbaugh posted
31000 luffer butt. My buddy Scott Hammond is hauling it. Scott Hammond 48000
[I wonder if the hydraulic rams are just to help with the assembly.]
RandyandColleen Rosinsky commented on Kevin's post, cropped
And that is only part of the block! The complete block weighs around 120,000 pounds.
Wow, a big gap in the photo coverage.
Jason Nikl posted
getting really close now for that boom up. Check out the Manitowoc techs minivan by the crawlers. Bo PoolWhat is the boom configuration?Bill Churchill278' and 98'
Jason commented on his post Johnathon PurvisIf it weren’t for the pickup trucks, I wouldn’t be able to grasp the size of it all. Thomas CvetkovichJohnathon Purvis That monster make all of the other red's look so small. [The crane on the left looks like the MLC650.]
Jason Nikl posted
Well the 31 is getting closer couple days it will be in the air. Josh NeudorfMight have to walk into that knife up if that vpc arm goes back much further.Robert GraffJason NIkl, I see 2-2250’s. What other Cranes are there? Is that a 300 or 650?Jonathon SiskRobert Graff one mlc650, two MLC300, two 999, two liebherr 1300sx one with luffed one with fixed jib, and a demag 3800 luffed. Not including the hydros on the job.Nick ReynoldsShould be up in the air at the end of the day today [12-10-2018].
Ray Apodaca commented on Jason's post I promise just the tip!
Jason Nikl posted
Well still on the ground hopefully before Sunday it will be up. Going back for more photos. Nick ReynoldsYup having some issues. I bet it comes up tomorrow. Frank Etier50+ mph wind in forecast for Thursday night into Friday AM. Won’t get much done if you boom up. Nick ReynoldsFrank Etier it’s not planned to work till mid January if at all in January. Michael RogersOh they're gonna use it,,building the fix Truss on the ground,,,Really [Look how many wheels are needed on the tip of the luffer jib to help get the boom up.]
Nick Reynolds posted two photos with the comment: "She’s up off the ground ready to reave up." Ben StalveySweet what's the boom combo?? Tanner Hood262’main 137’luff Bill Churchill278' Main & 98' luffer According to my math. Nick ReynoldsSteven Mernit I think this is day 16-17 .... they started the day after thanksgiving. Nick Reynoldsthey were given 28 days. Nick ReynoldsDavid Chastain it takes 3 days just to erect the luffer struts... I don’t think you get how big this crane is lol Nick ReynoldsSteven Mernit for what? The 31000 took like 148 trailers I believe.... 42 were just ctwts. Josh DurfeeNick Reynolds what do they use to pull that wire rope off? Nick ReynoldsJosh Durfee there’s a rigging winch on the crane with much smaller cable and they reave it through then attach to the load line and well.. suck one winch in while letting one out. I think it’s 3/4 cable on the rigging winch. Pulling 2” cable
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Jason Nikl posted
Different angle can not wait to get some better pictures of this crane. Impressive to see in person. Scott Stanchfieldstupid but what r they picking to need a crane like that.Elias TorrezThe roof of the stadium, crane guys said there were several picks over a million pounds.[You have to dig through the comments to find it, but there is a video of it moving. Guys are carrying and placing plywood matting on top of the two layers of timber matting. At the end, it was making a lot of "creaking" noise, but I didn't see anything moving. I wonder what was happening.] Ben StalveyA interesting fact about the 31000. It is more of a tracked platform ringer. Just like the older 7000 was, 36ft and 60 ft platform ringers. The 36ft and 60ft platform ringers were unique machines. You could use the lowers as transporters.
Darin Ray Christopher McFarlain commented on Jason's post
Its beautiful in person.
Jason Nikl posted two photos with the comment: "Well it's up what a beast in person." Lynn SpriggsAnyone know what the maximum length boom in these? Reid Homes453' main boom. 374' luffer on top of 312' main. 2,126,000 lbs of cw
Randall Kyson Sirbaught commented on the first photo in a posting
[The crane in the middle is the 31000 that was used to help build the stadium in Atlanta. It will also lift the roof trusses for this stadium. The crane in the foreground with along luffer jib is a MLC300 and the crane on the right is a MLC650.]
Eric Eggburn posted four photos. [I'll let you click the link rather than spend time copying them.]
Jason Kikl shared
Check out these roof trusses getting built. Couple more weeks and the 31000 will be lifting these into place.
[Note the two falsework towers. In fact, they had to delay building part of the seating to leave room for one of the towers. It appears the roof trusses will be lifted as three segments.]
Brandon Storie posted two photos with the comment: "First truss going up."
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Sometimes you need a big crane not because of the weight of the load but because of a long reach needed to set the load. It took me a while to decide that Jason was kidding about "heavy" pick. Note that the middle part of the roof truss has been lifted. That is a heavy pick. But they build the part close to where it will be lifted so that it is a short reach.
Jason Nikl posted Jason NIkl How far of a reach Andy Mcleroy Andy Mcleroy 270 ft 160,000
[Andy Mcleroy is the crane operator.] Jason NIkl Are you going to set the rest of that side with the 31 Andy Mcleroy Up to where I can finish the 1st truss we are working on. Jason NIkl Ok, guess they will move the 3rd 650 over to finish that run. Andy Mcleroy Yep Mark GoodrichLine pull is110,000#. Rope is 50mm, just a touch under 2”.
Mike Brackett posted Andy Mcleroy waking the beast!!
[I think Mike meant "walking." I was going to change it. But then it occurred to me that maybe he did mean "waking" as in the beast woke up and moved. It must be going to the right because they are removing the double layer of wood mats on the left side and adding them to the right side.]
Screenshot Unfortunately, Facebook won't give me a valid URL for the video
It is Rex Linck's "she is pretty nimble for her size" comment on Mike's post
[But it is slow. If it wasn't for that steel member in front of the counterweight stack, it would have been hard to detect motion.]
Michael Rogers posted four photos with the comment: "1.1 million pounds pick today with the 31000 Manitowoc and Andy Mcleroy is the Crane Operator..at Rangers Stadium jobsite,,Arlington Tx..." Warren LongYou ain't pick no million lbs on a jib. Sean RockwellMax capacity is 2.4 Million lbs on luffer. https://www.manitowoccranes.com/.../Three-boom...
[It looks like they are in reverse sequence.]
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Chet Smith live video
[They shut down all other activity when they do a heavy lift with the 31000. So a 2250 operator did a live video of the lift of the third, and last, part of the first roof truss. I don't like profile vidoes, but this is better than nothing.]
This photo may be the end of the lift in the above video because the apparent location and weight are consistent.
Chuck Ratcliff shared Heavy Lift Productions photo Tanner Michael Humbert This is the reinforced section that accepts the final piece of the truss, I was told that this piece actually weighs closer to 800k, the other pieces were about 660k.
[The comments indicate it cost $30m and was up for sale after the Atlanta stadium for $21m.]
I have 31000, in the title, but they are using a MLC650 for the first box truss. Michael Rogers posted a couple of videos. You can hear the crane squeak when it "walks." It sounds like the oilier needs to greese something. Then he selected a sequence of screenshots. An interesting aspect of this pick is that it walked the truss a ways along the side of the stadium. I've seen weight numbers of 188k and 154k and a 208' radius. Tomorrow they are supposed to do a bigger truss that will use 88% of the cranes capacity.
Michael Rogers posted six photos.
Screenshot from a video posted June 22, 2019 in Manitowoc Crane Enthusiasts by Brandon Storie with the comment: "Little timelapse of the big girl making a big pick yesterday!"
[He has to be sarcastic about the size of the pick. I wonder if it was too windy to use the other cranes.]
Brandon Storie commentedo on his post
Not my photo but its setting one of the end sections, think it was 1.2 or 1.4mil
Jason Nlkl shared
Here a different view of yesterday's lift of the 1.2 million lb roof truss. Dennis DeBruler I like this view because it catches the counterweight tray being shoved out to balance the load.
I haven't seen anything about this crane for a few months. Now it is done.
Brandon Storie posted Bryan Sonia Fnished yesterday afternoon actually. Coming down today [10-22-2019]. David LancasterAny word where she is going next? Bryan SoniaDavid Lancaster nope. Job it had we lost. [I wonder what they lost the job to, and why. I don't imagine there are too many other cranes that can do the jobs that this one can.]
(new window) A drone overview while the first truss was lifted.
Clay Arroyave commented on Michael's post
[This must be the back mast during assembly. Even the dolly is huge. Note the man in the yellow vest on the left side of the dolly. It looks like the tires are as tall as he is.]
