VOSTA LMG spud carriers are designed to reduce spud handling during dredge operations and so increase production of the dredge with 10% to 20%. After completing a swing, the CSD or WSD is pushed forward by the spud carrier, so that it can start a new swing. Once at the end of its travelling range, the auxiliary spud is lowered so that the carrier can be moved to its starting position.
The spud carrier and the pontoon are of a very rigid design, so that the forces from the side wires can be absorbed. The carrier is moved by a double acting hydraulic cylinder. The cylinder has sufficient strength to continue cutting during the step forward.
The carrier pontoon can easily be fitted to the aft of your dredge and can be ballasted so that the stability of the dredge can be kept uncompromised. Optionally the spud carrier installation can be fitted with its own hydraulic power pack. VOSTA LMG can also supply specially designed spud carriers, for offshore dredging or extra rugged conditions.
Enquiries: components@vostalmg.com
- Adaptable to any dredge
- Rigid steel box construction
- Roller trucks on a machined rigid sliding track
- Hydraulic cylinder with ceramic rod coating
- Wear-resistant machined sliding track for transverse forces
- Removable doors for easy spud replacement
- Easily accessible spud hoisting
- Click here for the range of standard spud carriers
- Click here for special designs
Distance sensor
Winch with stainless steel wire, output 4-20 mA
Pipe supports
With removable pipe clamps
Cable tray
Guide for hydraulic hoses for spud hoisting
End switch
Stops travelling cylinder
Swivel bend
Click here for details
Spud
Rugged design
Power pack
Electric/hydraulic power pack on the carrier
Besides the standard spud carrier range, VOSTA LMG can also deliver custom-made spud carriers. VOSTA LMG has years of experience making spud carriers for the largest cutter suction dredges, but the construction principles can also be applied to smaller types. In addition to the standard design, two main operating principles can be designed and supplied:
Boogie frame, with heavy duty wheels for heavy duty application
Wire system, for heavy duty application suitable for waves
VOSTA LMG has designed and produced spud carrier systems for over 35 years. The systems have been supplied to and are used by all the major dredging companies in several formats. The spud carriers have been implemented on almost all sizes of dredgers, both new and as refits. VOSTA LMG's long experience and ongoing product development have helped in perfecting the designs through the years. Due to the benefits the system offers, the spud carriers have been implemented on almost all larger cutter suction dredgers built by VOSTA LMG.
VOSTA LMG spud carriers with a boogie frame operate with three large heavy load wheels on both sides of the carrier. Two wheels are mounted on a boogie frame which distributes the load equally on both wheels at all times. Because of this load distribution, this system can be used on a very large scale, while keeping the wheels to a relatively small size. The boogie also guarantees permanent contact with the rails of all wheels, even when the rail is deformed. This will prevent any permanent damage to the spud carrier due to overloads.
The carrier is also fitted with small horizontal wheels, which keep the carrier aligned on the rail and will absorb any transverse forces. The heavy load wheels are practically maintainance-free. The low profile of the carrier allows for easy access to the spud hoisting installation.
For easy spud replacement or tilting, the carrier is fitted with a door. Normally spud travelling is activated by a hydraulic cylinder, but this may also be done with a winch.
The system works by fixing the carrier upright with steel wires on the top and bottom of the carrier. The wires run on sheaves and are rigged in such a way that the carrier can still travel normally over its rail. This system offers great advantages:
- Reduction of high stresses in the ship's hull
- Light-weight system
- Greater availability of the dredge, in a wide range of weather conditions
The wire system has been implemented on some of the biggest (self-propelled) dredges in use today and has proven to be highly reliable and durable. The system can also be implemented on smaller dredges, while keeping the advantages of the design.
