Komatsu PC290NHRD goes to the races

German contractor Schaperdot Erdbau GmbH & Co KG, headquartered in Beverungen an der Weser in the North Rhine-Westphalia region, used a 41 tonne Komatsu PC290NHRD high reach supplied by local dealer Schlüter on the demolition of former military buildings at Blister Berg. The site had to be cleared to make way for a resort racing facility, the Blister Berg Drive Resort, with a 4.2 km (2.6 mile) track running through the Teutoburger Forest outside Bad Driburg. The structures that had to be demolished included old NATO ammunition buildings and quench towers.

The PC290 proved equal to the task, with its 10.7 m (35 ft) working range and 18.3 m 60 ft) reach allowing it to comfortably demolition buildings up to five storeys or 15 m (49.2 ft) tall. Schaperdot operator Carsten Haneke said of the machine: "The real plus of this machine is its flexibility. It's very easy to switch booms. Just a few bolts to undo and hose lines to reconnect and you're ready for the next job, with the same excavator."

Schaperdot is a third generation family owned company established in 1948 that grew from a quarrying background into today's operation that provides earthmoving, demolition and recycling services throughout Germany.