Mecalac 15MC proves itself as ultra-compact foundation crane

CivielTech deploys versatile tool carrier for installation of steel sheet piles

With the delivery of a very special Mecalac 15MC to CivielTech, Ahlmann Netherlands once again shows itself to be a specialist in customization. The machine is used by the customer with a vibrating block, to install sheet piling in places that are difficult to reach.

After the official handover in November, the versatile tool carrier will get to prove itself right away on the new construction project Vechtvoorde in Breukelen, where a mix of villas, warehouses, lofts and penthouses is rising. To add to the allure, a canal with jetties will be created via a branch of the river De Vecht. For the realization of this arm of water, CivielTech was asked to construct approximately 140 meters of sheet piling using 5.5 meters long steel sheet piles. A piece of cake for the Mecalac 15MC, which was equipped with an ICE vibratory block with 395 kN impact force for this purpose.

Machinist and co-owner Dirk-Willem Hop is a big fan of the French brand, which is distributed by Ahlmann Netherlands. Having previously commissioned a Mecalac 10MCR, this time the choice fell on the slightly larger 15MC. "We were looking for a very compact machine to install steel sheet piles up to 8 meters long," Dirk-Willem explains the choice. "Then you quickly think of a special, while this Mecalac has all the necessary specifications ex-factory. This is not only by far the most compact foundation machine in its class in the Netherlands, but even in the whole of Europe. So truly unique."

Thoughtful and high quality

According to Dirk-Willem, the Mecalac causes surprised faces on construction sites. "This vibrating block often hangs from a 30-ton crane, so when we arrive with a machine that weighs only half as much, the first reaction is: this can't be! But once we get going, it turns out to work perfectly." The French manufacturer therefore stands out with a clear vision of innovation, compactness and multifunctionality. The idiosyncrasy of this manufacturer is expressed in machines that are often just that little bit "different," but which at the same time are very well thought out and of high quality.

For example, Mecalac has surprised the equipment industry in recent years by equipping the MCR series with the undercarriage of a skid-steer loader, while in the MWR tire range, the superstructure was lowered and the fuel tank moved to the undercarriage for a lower center of gravity, thus optimal stability. The Mecalac excavator arm has also become a household name. CivielTech prefers the special boom design with offset function to the regular two-piece digging arm. "This is ideal for us, because otherwise the boom has to be specially adapted to raise it straight. The Mecalac arm offers a lot of added value."

Numerous interesting factory options

Another plus is that the 15MC's rich standard equipment (including air conditioning and sliding door) is expandable with numerous interesting factory options. For example, CivielTech's 15-tonner is equipped with 500 mm wide Bridgestone Geogrip rubber tracks instead of steel tracks. This increases deployability and productivity, as it eliminates the need to lay driving plates every time. Furthermore, an S60 quick coupler was chosen and the machine was equipped with a 450 kg heavier counterweight. In combination with the low height (2.9 meters) and width (2.5 meters), this guarantees excellent stability.

To control the equipment, Ahlmann Netherlands has fitted a vibrating block function. Thanks to this preferred valve, the high-frequency ICE 428B is continuously supplied with 160 l/min of oil flow and the operator does not experience any hindrance when simultaneously operating the joystick when lifting the boom. Despite its small size, the 15MC is a strong, productive and durable machine. With 100 kW/139 hp, the Deutz four-cylinder diesel engine is the most powerful in its class and meets the most stringent emission requirements (Stage V). The hydraulic system delivers a flow rate of up to 270 l/min and up to 350 bar working pressure.

Standing out in a niche market

With this new acquisition, CivielTech once again manages to distinguish itself in a niche market.

Dirk-Willem previously worked at a large piling company in the Eemland region and experienced that the focus is on large works, which means that smaller and more complex jobs are often neglected. So when he started for himself in 2016, he decided to specialize in ground or water retaining structures in the most awkward places, such as in parking basements or in the heart of Amsterdam. "The 15MC can handle just a little bit more than the Mecalac 10MCR, which is equipped with an ICE 328B vibrating block with 28 tons of impact force. So we can hit 12 tons more with this."

CivielTech deploys the 15MC on nine of its 10 projects as an ultra-compact foundation crane with a 1.8-meter lifting jib and vibratory block. For work around it, the machine is equipped with an ACDE sorting grab or with a wide bucket. Mecalac's unique arm system here not only ensures a large working range of 9 meters, but also guarantees plenty of lifting power. Thus, the 15MC with dozer blade on the ground at 3 meters flight hoists as much as 8 tons over 360°. A load moment monitoring system is provided as standard. "This is not only the most efficient solution, but also safe and durable," Dirk-Willem reports in conclusion.