COMETTO’S NEW BLADEMAX1000 TAKES ON THE CHALLENGE OF THE ZERFER SCHNEEBERG WIND FARM IN RHINELAND-PALATINATE.
Transporting XXL wind turbine blades demands power, precision, and innovative technology. Narrow roads and dense forests posed a challenge even in this wind park project in Rhineland-Palatinate. It was here that Cometto’s new BladeMAX1000 proved its worth—a real test for Hofmann during their first deployment of this equipment.
Near the village of Zerf, the blades were ready for transfer, lying between stacks of timber and sawmill halls. The “Zerfer Schneeberg” wind park is within sight. That’s the destination. With blue skies providing the perfect backdrop, the 12-axle self-propelled Cometto MSPE combination stands ready with the mounted blade lifter. Sven Wolter powers up the SPMT’s unit, and the BladeMAX1000 is also running. “Everyone’s ready—we can get started,” says the crew. As they join the B407 road, the massive cylinder lifts the blade for the first time.
Flanked by trees, the federal road allows the 81-meter blade to pass high above the treetops with ample clearance. The convoy moves at walking speed toward a junction, then turns into the forest. Residents and drivers capture the extraordinary scene on their phones. With confident control, Sven Wolter guides the Cometto unit from asphalt to the prepared gravel path.
Several tight S- curves and a steep crest had been noted during the route inspection. This is where Cometto’s patented Stability Control System (SCS) shines. “The system automatically balances the four support groups across all 48 electronically steered wheels,” explains Joachim Kolb, Sales Manager at Cometto. This unique system gives the BladeMAX1000 unmatched stability—beyond any comparable vehicle. “The operator can focus on the essential tasks—driving and steering this imposing combo—with reduced strain.” Another benefit of SCS: the oscillation of the vehicle when the blade is tilted 60 degrees into the wind is completely eliminated. Impressive.
With a hub height of 164 meters, the first turbines already tower into the sky. Hofmann’s team now brings the next blade into the area. As they turn into the curves, the BladeMAX1000 shows its power once again, lifting the blade majestically past the spruces into the sky. After around two kilometers, the destination is reached. The 177-meter-high LR1800 crawler crane is ready to pick up and mount the blade. A second team takes over this task once the nuts on the blade root are removed. It delivers what it promises.
After delivering 15 blades and tower sections, Hofmann has helped establish a wind park in the Trier-Saarburg district consisting of five Nordex wind turbines (types N163 and N149), each with a capacity of 5.7 megawatts. In future, the park is expected to generate around 81 million kilowatt-hours of green energy annually.
The Hofmann team from Paderborn looks back with satisfaction at the first use of their BladeMAX1000. With a load capacity of 1,000 meter-tons—unmatched on the market—even the latest XXL blade generations can be transported safely. The vehicle truly delivers on its promises. “We’re pleased that everything promised beforehand was delivered exactly as expected. Our expectations were exceeded, and with this equipment, we’re looking to the future with confidence,” concludes Dieter Abt. Mission accomplished!
