Konecranes Smarton for tunnelling: precision lifting and uptime insights for engineers
Reviewed by Joe Ashwell
First reported on Roads & Infrastructure (AU)
30 Second Briefing
Konecranes is targeting tunnelling and major infrastructure works with its Smarton overhead crane platform and software-based Smart Features for precision heavy lifting and load control. The Smarton system integrates variable frequency drives, sway control and automated positioning to handle high-capacity lifts in confined shafts and portals while reducing cycle times and manual intervention. For contractors, the combination of remote diagnostics and lifecycle service support is aimed at keeping critical lifting assets available on 24/7 construction programmes with tight possession windows.
Technical Brief
- Smarton cranes are configured as overhead travelling units, suited to permanent installation in shafts and portals.
- Smart Features are software modules layered on standard hoists, enabling project-specific functional tailoring without hardware changes.
- Integrated condition monitoring feeds into Konecranes’ remote diagnostics centres, enabling predictive maintenance scheduling for critical lifts.
- Lifecycle service contracts bundle inspections, statutory compliance checks and component replacement into a single long-term support package.
- Remote support capability allows fault-finding and parameter adjustments without site visits, important for isolated tunnelling compounds.
- The same Smarton/Smart Features architecture is being marketed across tunnelling, bridge launching yards and precast segment plants.
- For heavy civil works, software-configurable lifting behaviour reduces reliance on highly specialised crane operators on 24/7 rosters.
Our Take
Konecranes is also featuring in mining logistics, with a recent order for 23 lift trucks at a major Chilean copper operation, signalling that its heavy-lift product development is being proven in harsher mine environments as well as Australian civil works.
Within our 933 Infrastructure stories, Konecranes appears relatively infrequently compared with Tier‑1 contractors, so this Roads & Infrastructure Magazine piece suggests the brand is pushing more actively into the Australian project-delivery conversation rather than staying in the background as an equipment supplier.
Roads & Infrastructure Magazine’s recent ‘Roads Review: Looking Forward’ coverage emphasised workforce and culture over mega‑projects, and pairing that editorial stance with Konecranes’ heavy-lift focus hints that equipment reliability and maintainability will be framed as people and safety issues as much as productivity levers on Australian sites.
Prepared by collating external sources, AI-assisted tools, and Geomechanics.io’s proprietary mining database, then reviewed for technical accuracy & edited by our geotechnical team.
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