Van Riel Completes Precision Gantry Crane Lift in Den Bosch

In July 2025, Dutch crane service provider M.J. van Riel successfully reinstalled a 240-tonne gantry crane at the inland port of ’s-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch), following its overhaul earlier in the year.

To handle the challenging operation, Van Riel deployed four cranes, including three Tadano all terrain units: two AC 9.700-1 models and one AC 8.500-1. “The lift required enormous capacities, which is why we selected these cranes,” explained Marketing & Communication Officer Claire Van Riel.

The equipment was transported just 30 kilometers from the company’s headquarters in Tilburg, reaching the site in under an hour. Each crane was equipped with full counterweight, allowing setup to be completed in roughly 90 minutes per machine without the need for super lift configurations.

The real test came during the lift itself. Raising such a heavy structure with four cranes required flawless synchronization and precise load distribution to avoid overstressing any single unit. Clear communication between operators was essential to maintain stability and ensure the gantry remained balanced.

The gantry crane was lifted to 24 meters, shifted 10 meters sideways, and then set down with millimetric accuracy onto its rails. Thanks to meticulous preparation, skilled coordination, and the power of Tadano technology, Van Riel’s team completed the entire operation within a single day—delivering another showcase of expertise in complex heavy lifting.