From the industrial hall through a residential area into the countryside - three completely different scenarios that came together within a few minutes during a transformer transport in Bad Honnef, Germany. The Baumann crew and their 12-axle Cometto SPMT were unimpressed by the changing environment. Professionals who always focus on the essentials.
The 286-tonne, 11.6-metre-long and 3.75-metre-high transformer towers like a silent giant. On the southern edge of North Rhine-Westphalia, the starting signal is given for a short but challenging journey. The destination is a transformer station in Lübeck. First of all, a pontoon takes them to Rotterdam before they reach the Hanseatic city in the north-east of Schleswig-Holstein. But the first stage is in the hands of the SPMT: a 12-axle combination from the Baumann experts is ready and waiting. The operator reaches for the radio remote control and gets the Power Pack up to speed.
Real teamwork
All the colleagues around him are also highly focussed. The escort teams take up their positions and the tasks are clearly assigned. One last look at the alignment of the SPMT, then the colossus rolls onto the road. ‘The route is around 1.5 kilometres long. We're often in action here, but every time it's something special,’ says Dennis Göttelmann, who leads the way as spotter this time. He uses the radio to give the SPMT operator important information about the route profile and the conditions around the self-propelled vehicle. The operator manoeuvres the heavy transporter between the houses under the treetops with the utmost precision. Astonished looks are guaranteed at this impressive sight.
A dip challenges man and machine
After a sharp 90-degree bend, the most difficult passage follows. It goes downhill towards the water, the finish line already seems within reach. But a treacherous dip lurks before the pontoon - right at the last bend. ‘We have to get through here on the first attempt, otherwise we'll get stuck,’ says Dennis Göttelmann, his tension rising a little. The operator steers the axles with a steady hand. Thanks to the 700 millimetre stroke, the vehicle maintains its grip even on uneven ground and the stability of the heavy goods vehicle is permanently guaranteed. The combination of technical precision and the vigilant crew ensures that the situation remains under control. ‘Our operator knows exactly when to steer,’ praise the colleagues. 22 years of experience with self-propelled vehicles pay off. ‘The sideways tilt is the most dangerous part,’ explains the SPMT professional. ‘You have to drive far outwards without touching down. It's an advantage that the Cometto MSPE is so sensitive when travelling.’ With this precise approach, even this tricky stage is a success.
Unloading by lift on the pontoon
In the heavy swell, the pontoon rests firmly lashed to the mooring area. The self-propelled barge rolls up carefully with the first two axles. The balance of the barge is equalised by selectively draining and pumping water into the various chambers. The SPMT then moves on with millimetre precision and positions the transformer exactly above the prepared ‘cans’. The vehicle lowers and the colossus rests securely in place. But the work is not over yet: the MSPE drives back ashore, because the entire manoeuvre has to be carried out a second time today. ‘It's our daily bread and butter,’ says the driver, ’but every mission remains a unique balancing act between experience, technology and teamwork - and always an impressive display of heavy-duty logistics.’
Date of publication: 02/2025