14.11.2011

Trees and outriggers

A mobile crane went over in the small town of Arrowtown, South Island, New Zealand earlier today as it was lifting a large tree.

Lifting trees can be a challenging application at any time, but the three axle All Terrain appears to have been set up on soft ground without adequately sized outrigger mats. The outriggers on one side have either retracted, or more likely punched into the ground.
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The fallen crane

The operator was injured in the incident, but not seriously, we understand that he was taken to the hospital in nearby Frankton with a disslocated shoulder. Arrowtown is located to the west of Dunedin.
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Another view seems to show the front outrigger retracted on one side?

The crane is a 55 tonne Grove GMK3055 belonging to the Queenstown depot of Smiths Cranes.