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Quick Testimonials
Anonymous feedback from a seminar
Thanks for the opportunity to do this course, is fantastic, 100% guarantee and satisfaction. The program is the best way to learn about cargo handling, cranes and transport. I have recommended the course to my colleagues and I have posted it on LinkedIn.
Esteban dos SantosOperations Manager, Navemar
When working with Marco, we received his many years experience and expertise for planning and executing a job. The outcome: a job well done.
Keith AndersonChief Rigging Engineer, Bechtel Corporation
With vast experience Marco is universally recognized as one of the leading industry experts in this field; his book “The Art of Heavy Transport” is the go-to reference source.Having technical know-how alone does not make a person an effective trainer, but Marco is that too.
Robbie GougeRigging Engineer, Edwards Moving & Rigging
The ballasting program is extremely detailed and thorough, and flexible enough for most any ro-ro operation. It is very well organized and user friendly. It makes my life a lot easier and time effective.
Kevin O’Neill, P.E.Senior Project Engineer, Siefert Associates LLC
I just wanted to say that your webinar was top notch. All in the office enjoyed the presentation and the pitch, by far one of the best I have seen ! Look forward to many more.
Nick KleinSunbelt Rentals
I have attended the Heavy Lift & Transport Masterclass by Marco J. van Daal and I couldn’t recommend it more highly. Marco is a high-level expert but presents the material in such a way that anyone will benefit – regardless of your level of sophistication.
Jeff LattureVice President, Barnhart Crane & Rigging
I continue to be impressed with his efforts to become one of the thought leaders in our industry. His book, articles and speaking engagements are of very high quality.
Anonymous feedback from a seminar
Marco is adept at organizing training sessions and seminars for all level of personnel. He has earned his position as a well respected and trusted individual and I would not hesitate to recommend him.
Anonymous feedback from a seminar
A great advocate of knowledge sharing so that other benefit from his instructions and examples and the way he conducts himself in all aspects of a project.
John JacksonManaging Director, Fagioli USA
Marco is a very experienced Heavy Transport & Lift professional with a keen eye towards safety, not only in terms of welfare of personnel but in the very real aspect of security of lifts and transports.
Jeff DaceyBechtel Corporation
The application of sound engineering principles give new and experienced professionals the ability to tackle increasingly complex problems. This highly specialized information was once available to only a handful of specialists worldwide, Marco has made it accessible to all.
Bernd SchwengsbierPresident, Scheurle, Nicolas, Kamag
I’ve known Marco since 1995. The international experience that he brings to the table benefits every level in a transport and/or lift organization, starting from the pre-engineering phase, to equipment selection, to logistics and execution. Not only is he a true asset to our industry but I consider him a personal friend as well.
Anonymous participantSC&RA Crane & Rigging Workshop
Great and valuable information, in particular I loved his comparison to the World Cup, I am going to use that to motivate my own personnel.
Sergio MaderoVice President, Mamut de Colombia
Marco’s great knowledge and best practices have been a contribution to a better understanding of the highlighted techniques and enabled us to perform our activities in a better and safer way and thus provide a better service to our clients.
Kent GoodmanFluor Daniel
When I need information on transporters, I turn to Marco. His worldwide exposure and experience has led him to become one of the most knowledgable engineers on hydraulic transporters and SPMT’s in our industry.
Bill TeichgraberWire rope & rigging business, Trainer & Consultant
I had the privilege of hearing Marco present in Alberta, Canada. His knowledge, skills and experience are extremely valuable to draw from and he openly shares practical insights. You will find his Heavy Lift & Transport seminar is exceptional. I highly recommend him.
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If you have a question about any of the products or services offered on this website, or any question related to Heavy Lift & Transport in general, do not hesitate to send me an email.
marco@the-works-int.com
Services – Reference Card

Reference cards have been around forever, they are a common item in our industry. They come in various sizes and shapes and cover a wide variety of topics. From rigging applications to hand signals and from basic math to safety tips. You name it and there is a reference card for it.
Except for hydraulic platform transporters… until now.

This 16 panel Hydraulic Platform Transporter Reference Card is developed by me, Marco J. van Daal, and is applicable for every type of hydraulic platform transporter on the market today, both pull type as well as self propelled modular transporters (SPMT). It has a handy size of 12 cm x 9 cm (4.75 inch x 3.5 inch), it can be easily tucked away with your other reference cards. It is laminated and weather proof and very suitable to be used in the field. Last but not least, it is in both metric as well as imperial units.
This invaluable Hydraulic Platform Transporter Reference Card is available for only USD 19.95

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The Works international has entered into a publishing agreement with Industrial Training International or ITI. Clicking the “Buy Now” button will take you to the ITI website for further payment handling. The ITI website will open in a new window, but this window will remain open as well. Once you complete the transaction you can simply close the ITI window and return to The Works international website.

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Reference Card 1

Panel 1 gives an overview of the standard 3-point and 4-point suspension settings. It identifies every hydraulic suspension valve and hydraulic line on the transporter and an easy to understand diagram visualizes the oil flow and the effect on the operation. Furthermore, this panel offers definitions and principle working and highlights terminology. All other panels refer back to this panel 1 for terminology and abbreviations.

Reference Card 2

Panel 2 explains the difference between an axle and an axle line. It illustrates the possible movements of such axles with their respective minimum and maximum height to negotiate uneven terrain. A picture clarifies the various components of a pendulum axle assembly. This panel offers a sample calculation of the so-called “equalizing effect” that takes the guessing out of a transport operation.

Reference Card 3

Panel 3 highlights the difference between pull type and self propelled transporters, in terms of steering capabilities, steering angles, tires per axle, payload per axle line, self weight and dimensions. This panel also offers a sample calculation of how to determine the minimum required number of axle lines to carry a certain load. This calculation can be easily applied to your situation.

Reference Card 4

Panel 4 offers an overview of rolling resistance of vehicles and how you can quickly determine the required truck capacity to pull a certain load. Similarly it shows how to figure out how many drive axles an SPMT would need to transport the same load and what the capacity (kW or hp) of the power pack (PPU) needs to be to handle the demand. In case the transport is climbing a gradient it is obvious that the required power increases, the panel provides this as well.

Reference Card 5

Panel 5 shows a quick and easy calculation on how to determine the hydraulic stability angle of a transport, in a 3-point as well as in a 4-point suspension configuration, with a single formula. The hydraulic stability angle is a measure of how close the combined center of gravity (CoG) is to the tipping lines of the stability area. This gives the crew a better level of comfort when changes in the field take place.

Reference Card 6

Panel 6 is similar to panel 5 but with the focus on calculating the structural stability angle of a transport, in a 3-point as well as in a 4-point suspension configuration, with a single formula. The structural stability angle is a measure of how close the transporter is to being structurally overloaded. In addition, this panel provides information on the limiting factors on 3-point and 4-point suspension and on the recommended Safe Stability Angles.

Reference Card 7

Panel 7 shows a complete hydraulic and structural stability sample calculation based on the information and formulas from the preceding panels. It also calculates the minimum number of requires axle lines given a certain load and the required pull force while going up hill. This panel gives an outline that can be easily adopted to your load.

Reference Card 8

Panel 8 is about the spine beam. The spine beam offers resistance against torsion, bending and shear forces. It is important not to exceed the maximum values of these forces. Specifically with concentrated loads there is a significant risk of spine beam overload if not correctly analyzed. This panel shows how to determine the spine beam bending moment and how many axles may extend beyond the load given the type and approximate age of the transporter model.

Reference Card 9

Panel 9 deals with ground pressure, arguably the most controversial topic in the Heavy Transport industry. This panel offers two easy methods of calculating ground pressure underneath a transporter. Both methods are an approach with acceptable outcomes and avoid that a full soil analysis by geophysicists has to be carried out. One method is a bit more conservative than the other, they both use the transporter “shadow area” as the base for the calculation.

Reference Card 10

Panel 10 handles the first of 3 types of external forces, the curve or centripetal forces. The centripetal forces cause the transporter and load to have the tendency to move away from the center of the curve. The faster the transporter moves (higher speed), the higher these centripetal forces become. Centripetal forces can get out of control rather rapidly as they quadruple when the velocity doubles.

Reference Card 11

Panel 11 handles the second type of external forces, the wind and acceleration/deceleration forces. These forces are determined in a similar way although they act differently on the load. The deceleration forces, when applying the brakes or when making an emergency stop, are the most significant and therefore have the largest impact on transport stability. Still, the other forces cannot be neglected.

Reference Card 12

Panel 12 handles the gradient forces that act on a load when traveling on an incline/decline or when negotiating a road camber without the transporter being compensated for the angle. These uncompensated situations result in a longitudinal force (in case of an incline/decline) and a transverse force (in case of a road camber) that have an influence on the axle loads and ultimately on the stability of the transport.

Reference Card 13

Panel 13 is about lashing and securing. It shows how each lashing contributes in each direction given the angle it is applied at. This panel shows how much lashing is required to secure against the external forces from the preceding panels. The dunnage placed between the load and the transporter deck increases the friction which is taken into account as well. An added benefit is that correctly and sufficiently applied lashing reduces the combined Center of Gravity.

Reference Card 14

Panel 14 shows a complete lashing calculation using the information from the preceding panels. The external forces, wind, centripetal and acceleration/deceleration forces are all taken into account as well as the friction that is provided by the plywood placed between the load and the transporter deck. An easy to understand matrix indicates how much lashing is required in each direction under the given conditions.

Reference Card 15

Panel 15 is about the application of a goose neck. Used by many, understood by few. This panel explains the difference between the two types of goose necks in existence. The goose neck transfers part of the load weight to the 5th wheel of the truck via a hydraulic hinge system, herewith eliminating the need for counterweight and resulting in a lower gross vehicle weight (GVW). This transfer of load results in a reduced axle load.

Reference Card 16

Panel 16 provides you with a Beaufort wind scale and a number of recommendation when deciding on a suspension configuration. It highlights the pros and cons of both the 3-point as well as the 4-point suspension configuration and recommends when to use which one. These recommendations are determined by the center of gravity (CoG) and the potential to overload the transporter.

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Reference cards are not meant to replace back office or home office engineering or detailed calculations. Reference cards are mainly for a relatively quick decision in the field when there is a need for such a decision. Often a deviation from the planned work sequence has taken place and a verification is required to check if the new situation is still within the norm or margin. If the reference card indicates that this is indeed the case, the work can continue without any loss of time. If the reference card indicates that the new situation is too close for comfort, the engineering department needs to get involved. In such cases the field crew has at least explored the options before any down time is experienced.

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