Securing the Rhine with Atlas

A new 36-tonne Atlas excavator is working on the Rhine for WSA Cologne. Its adjustable hydraulic boom facilitates and secures the job of creating a safer waterway.

Placed in the center of a boat, the boom of the excavator dips laterally into the river with a clamshell bucket at its end. "We have equipped our new Atlas 340LC excavator with an adjustable boom so you can operate on the sides of the boat without compromising its stability," explains Rolf Nagelschmidt, Chief Hydraulic Engineer at the Wasserstraßen und Schifffahrtsamt Navigable and ships of Koln (Germany).

The new 36 t crawler excavator is installed on a barge moved by a tugboat. It is powered by a 180 kW Deutz engine with turbo charger. Modified by the Atlas dealer, Michels, in Geldern, it is able to face the difficult conditions imposed on it by the Rhine. It is responsible for the protection of embankments, dredging, removing boulders and salvage work.

Very silent, this excavator embarks a cabin at sound level of 70 dB. It offers a well-equipped working environment, a wide view of the work area and side and rear cameras for safe driving.