Schmidbauer uses one of its MK 140 mobile construction cranes to convert the backdrops in the opera arena.
Today "Aida", tomorrow "Carmen": To ensure that the 2019 season runs smoothly in the famous opera arena in Verona, Schmidbauer has sent a Liebherr MK 140 mobile construction crane to Italy for operation.
In the middle of the pedestrian zone, past amazed tourists and locals, Italian police officers escort the Munich heavyweight to the Fondazione Arena di Verona, the famous amphitheater. On five axles, visible from afar through its bright yellow, the MK 140 rolls onto a narrow street behind the stage of the almost 2000 year old building. The client is Niederstätter AG, a specialist in consulting for construction companies.
The 60-ton mobile construction crane plays an extraordinary role behind the scenes. It is largely responsible for ensuring that this year's concert and opera season from June 13 to September 7 is a success. With its help, the elements of the stage sets are changed quickly. Nine tons of additional ballast ensure stability with the required load capacity and radius. It is agile and requires little space – a perfect cast for Verona!
Despite its impressive size, the MK 140 is operated by only one man. It can be assembled in just under 20 minutes at the push of a button. It can handle work in the tightest of spaces, be pulled up steeply and lifted far into the stage, and folds back down quickly. This does not disturb the visual image for the opera visitor or tourist at such historical location.
Due to the vertical tower of the special crane, the assembly can be carried out directly on the building. "The crane had to 'climb' almost 2 meters to do its job. Since we built a higher plateau on site due to the limited space available, the crane could stand safely. This is not something you do every day," explains Thomas Muswieck, our technical field service. Thanks to its Hybrid Power Concept, the mobile construction crane also operates quietly and without emissions.
During the season, up to 22,000 spectators at a time can convince themselves of the flawless work of the traditional Schmidbauer company. During its journey from Munich over the Brenner Pass, the MK 140 had already attracted the attention of many motorists. The engine of the mobile construction crane was put under enormous strain until finally the intended place in Verona was reached. Once there, the crane was operated exclusively electrically – in the interests of the environment, residents, and tourists
With a height of about 24 meters, the Opera Circle is the largest preserved ancient amphitheater after the Colosseum in Rome and the Oval of Capua. Since 1913 the famous Verdi opera "Aida" alone has been performed on more than 670 evenings – this year with a stage design based on the production of that time. The MK 140, the secret star behind the scenes, will also master this task before returning to Bavaria in autumn.
Equipment:
Location: Verona, Italy
Period: June – September 2019
