120|RT maintains zinc production facility in western NC

Befesa Zinc Metal utilizes a 120-ton Link-Belt 120|RT for general maintenance and operations-based lifts across its zinc production facility in western North Carolina.

Based in Mooresboro, North Carolina, the machine is on long-term rental from Link-Belt distributor Atlantic & Southern. Befesa maintenance manager and crane operator Jesse Hardin said the 120|RT is particularly impactful on-site for its ability to pick at radius. The 120|RT features a six-section 38.3–164.1-foot (11.6–50-meter) pin and latch formed boom, built at Link-Belt’s Lexington, Kentucky, USA, facility.

“The majority of our lifts are within an 80–100-foot radius because we’re lifting over existing tanks and ductwork,” Hardin said.

Befesa is one of the only zinc recyclers in the U.S., chemically converting steel ore dust into zinc ingots for plating and additional chemical treatment. The location was a greenfield build, commencing operation in 2012.

Hardin said every day is different at the plant. Such an environment demands an especially versatile crane.

“We lift everything from 48,000-pound tanks to 2,500-pound gravel bags at an extended radius,” Hardin said. “We really love the benefit of the fly, too.”

The Link-Belt SmartFly, available on the 120|RT, is a two-piece 35–58-foot (10.7–17.7-meter) on-board offsetable fly that provides greater flexibility and range, offsetable from 0, 15, 30, and 45 degrees. One-person fly erection technology minimizes work at height with ground controls for fly assist and boom hoist cylinders, and two available 16-foot (4.9-meter) lattice insert extensions provide a maximum tip height of 261.7 feet (79.8 meters).

With over 2,000 hours on the machine, the 120|RT lives up to its workhorse reputation.

“This is the second 120|RT we’ve put over 2,000 hours on as a long-term rental from Atlantic & Southern,” Hardin said. “We like to keep it busy, and it keeps us working.”