Wacker Neuson: strong performance, sharp turns and

Telehandlers, wheel loaders, dumpers, light towers, light balloons and heating systems from Wacker Neuson and Kramer Allrad swung into action to help kick off the first race of the Red Bull Crashed Ice World Championship 2011.

(Munich) On January 15, 2011, 64 skilled skaters kitted out in heavy-duty protective gear took to the ice in Munich’s Olympic Park as they competed to win the first stage of the Red Bull Crashed Ice World Championship 2011. Wacker Neuson was part of the action. Behind the scenes, various products from the German manufacturer of light and compact equipment were hard at work to ensure that the event ran smoothly – setting up and taking down the track and surrounding site quickly and professionally.

Some 23,000 enthusiastic spectators followed this extraordinary winter sports highlight along the 353-meter ice track with its bold curves, bumps and obstacles. The track itself drew a great deal of attention. Ten days and 80 workers were required to set it up. Some 5,700 cubic meters of steel and 380 cubic meters of ice transformed Munich’s Olympic Park into a formidable ice course. 353 meters of sheer ice, an overall drop of 35 meters from start to finish, plus top speeds of 55 kilometers per hour were among the challenges faced by the world’s best ice cross downhill skaters. The event team turned to Wacker Neuson to provide the kind of high-quality equipment needed to set up and take down the track. For example, eight light towers and six light balloons were used to illuminate the entire event area during the setup and disassembly phases. Two 4009 telehandlers and a 950 wheel loader from Kramer were used to move scaffolding to higher elevations at the site. Furthermore, two Wacker Neuson all-wheel dumpers were employed to transport construction material and tools. And the company’s electric heaters made sure that skaters’ feet stayed warm behind the scenes. “To set up and dismantle such an event, we need to work with professionals. The machines from Wacker Neuson and Kramer Allrad really helped us in this project. The equipment is very reliable and, most importantly, it is easy to operate. These are key factors for us because these events run on very tight schedules” says Oliver Harms, site coordinator of the Red Bull Crashed Ice World Championship in Munich.

Flexible and powerful machines
The 4001s dumper offers high levels of safety and operator comfort thanks to its permanent hydrostatic all-wheel drive. All Wacker Neuson dumpers feature a spacious and functional cab that ensures maximum driver protection. The Kramer 950 wheel loader is a tough workhorse thanks to its robust, ergonomic design and ease of maintenance. A small footprint and outstanding maneuverability make it ideal for jobs in confined spaces.
The Kramer 4009 telehandler is very rugged and powerful, and with a lifting height of nine meters, it stood tall during the event. “At the turning point, we needed some kind of pylon for the skaters to swing around, so we suspended a heavy punching bag from the arm of the telehandler,” says Oliver Harms. “This worked out perfectly because of the 4009’s telescopic reach – and the 180° turn became one of the highlights of the track.” Wacker Neuson lighting systems are flexible and can be used at any event or construction site. The adjustable light tower can be fully extended to a height of nine meters, and rotated 360°.
Light balloons are fitted with 1000 W metal halide lamps that deliver very bright, glare-free light. A special balloon shell ensures the area in question is illuminated evenly. Electric fan heaters from Wacker Neuson keep small and medium-sized areas comfortably warm even in sub-zero temperatures. These electric heaters are sturdy and made of high-quality materials for a long service life.
“Wacker Neuson is a valuable partner for us in the event business because we can get all of the equipment we need from a single source. Which greatly increases management efficiency for us,” says Oliver Harms.