Colas Rail UK Welcome Back Refurbished Kirow 1200 Crane

*Pictured: The Kirow Crane installing track panels at Westbury*

In a first for the UK rail industry, Colas Rail UK’s Strategic Plant team were reunited in December 2024 with our Kirow 1200 crane following an overhaul at Techne Kirow’s workshop.

The Logistics

Starting its journey in July 2024, our crane travelled internationally from the UK to Techne Kirow’s facilities in Leipzig, Germany.

Hauled by Allelys fleet, our crane travelled from the UK via boat to the Port of Cuxhaven, Germany before arriving at its final destination of Leipzig.

The Overhaul

From July to November 2024, the crane was dismantled by Techne Kirow’s team before parts were replaced with top-of-the-line equipment and software.

This included a new stage 5 euro engine, new major cylinders, pumps, motors and all flexible hydraulic hoses. The crane also received the latest software to assist our operators while on site.

*Pictured: The Kirow undergoing upgrades at Techne Kirow’s workshop*

The Benefits

With the new hardware, our crane is now able to perform additional lifting duties to further assist our clients on site.

From a sustainability perspective, the new engine provides more fuel efficiency and reduced noise to be more considerate towards our site neighbours.

These upgrades also futureproof our crane for the next 15 years.

The Projects

Wasting no time since returning to the UK, our crane undertook works with the South Rail Systems Alliance, assisting our teams at Keyham and our month-long project programme at Westbury.

Speaking on the return of the crane, Operations Manager, David Thomas said “Since the crane come back to the UK it’s been out working on multiple sites, receiving rave reviews by site teams and also from the staff operating and maintaining it.

“The new lifting configurations has been a brilliant addition to allow to continue to deliver and maintain our gold standard service to clients.”

Prior to the crane leaving for Leipzig, our Strategic Plant team were awarded Gold in Network Rail’s Routes to Gold scheme for outstanding site delivery.

*Pictured: Some of our Kirow Crane operators with Network Rail’s Route to Gold award*

If you have any queries about the Kirow crane, please get in touch with our Marketing team.

First published: 27th February 2025

Back to all news

Recent News

SRSA Wrap Up Westbury Works

The South Rail Systems Alliance (SRSA) Bristol division have recently put the finishing touches to a 30-day long multidisciplinary blockade at Westbury, Wiltshire, one of the largest projects ever delivered by the SRSA.

SRSA Complete Major Cambridge South Blockade

The South Rail Systems Alliance’s (SRSA) Cambridge South team have recently completed their final major possession to overhaul the rail infrastructure for the new station.

SRSA Complete 2024 Old Oak Common Christmas Programme

As part of the South Rail Systems Alliance (SRSA), our Old Oak Common (OOC) division delivered a five-day multidisciplinary blockade over the Christmas period..

SRSA Finalise Foxton Blockade

During the Christmas period, the South Rail Systems Alliance Anglia division undertook a weeklong multidisciplinary blockade in the village of Foxton, Cambridgeshire.

Andrew Malpas Appointed As Colas Rail UK Chief Financial Officer

We’re delighted to share that Andrew Malpas has been appointed as Colas Rail UK’s Chief Financial Officer and newest member of our Executive Committee as of the 6th January 2025.

Colas Rail Limited Awarded HS2 Overhead Catenary Systems Contract

We are delighted to be entrusted by High Speed 2 (HS2) to bring our world leading high-speed credentials to deliver the systemwide OCS for HS2, spanning 280 miles of track capable of speeds of up to 225mph (360km/h).