Elevator to the castle ghost
GEDA transport platform used for restoration work at Neuburg Castle
Extensive restoration work is required on the southern bell tower of the Renaissance castle in the Bavarian town of Neuburg an der Donau – the top of the little tower is leaning at a precarious angle. A transport platform from the manufacturer GEDA-Dechentreiter GmbH & Co. KG provides support for the work.
The famous landmark of Neuburg an der Donau can be seen from afar: The mighty castle, which was converted into the residence of the principality of Palatinate-Neuburg by Count Palatine Otto Henry in 1527, has stood by the Danube river for many centuries.
Today, a newly designed museum section for “The principality of Palatinate-Neuburg” on the main level of the east wing provides insights into the rich history of the principality. Around 550 works of art, including portraits and valuable tapestries, weapons, furniture and precious craft objects, are exhibited in the former residential and state rooms of the higher nobility of Palatinate-Neuburg, drawing thousands of visitors to the Renaissance town every year.
Bell tower affected by the ravages of time
The view of the bell tower in the south wing is currently spoiled by scaffolding, though. Only a very close look reveals that the belfry, where the bells are located, leans significantly towards the west. Experts assume that this was caused by the architectural design of the small structure, primarily the metal cladding above the tower clock. Over the years, condensation settled inside the structure and could not dry out due to lack of ventilation. The result: the constant moisture has rotted the wooden structure, particularly at the base of the load-bearing parts.
It is known that the small tower was added later on and is therefore much younger than the rest of the castle. As the overall condition declined rapidly in recent years, the rotten elements now have to be replaced with new parts during the restoration work.
GEDA 300 Z/ZP – state-of-the-art technology for traditional walls
To estimate the scope of the restoration work, it was first necessary to provide access to the belfry along the scaffolding. For this purpose, the scaffolding company BVA Bergmüller hired a transport platform type GEDA 300 Z/ZP from construction equipment supplier Höchtl.
The local experts appreciate the advantages of the “smallest” among the GEDA transport platforms. Narrow streets, winding access roads and limited space at the construction site are all perfect conditions for the GEDA 300 Z/ZP. Where other construction hoists cannot get through, the GEDA 300 Z/ZP with its folding working platform is completely in its element.
When retracted, the transport platform including the flat cable bin is only 0.85 m wide, allowing easy transport to and at the construction site, which proved to be an enormous advantage especially at Castle Neuburg. Using the convenient fork lift pockets, the complete device can easily be transported with a pallet truck or fork lift truck.
With two separate control units, the unit can be used either as a construction hoist for transporting materials or as a transport platform for materials and up to three people. With a lifting speed of 12 m/min, the GEDA 300 Z/ZP can lift up to 500 kg or three people up to heights of 50 m. The lifting height up to the belfry of the bell tower of Neuburg Castle is about 30 m.
GEDA also offers a complete safety package: The GEDA 300 Z/ZP features the usual safety equipment such as limit switches, speed-dependent safety gear, safety stop and overload protection. The lubrication device is included with the GEDA 300 Z/ZP as a standard, ensuring significantly lower wear on the toothed rack and pinions.
The benefits offered by the GEDA Unimast system should also not be underestimated. The proven mast system can be used with all GEDA rack and pinion hoists from 300 to 2,000 kg load capacity. That keeps investment costs as well as space and storage requirements low, which is particularly important for plant hire businesses. The GEDA 300 Z/ZP transport platform complements the rental equipment portfolio, as it offers a solution for making the workflow considerably easier even at difficult-to-access construction sites.
Soon to be revealed
With the restoration of the bell tower at Neuburg Castle, GEDA once again supports a project in its home state of Bavaria. Work on the “leaning tower of Neuburg” is scheduled to be completed in the summer. Then the Renaissance castle with its little bell tower will be able to present itself to the world again in its full glory – and without scaffolding.
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