Strawbale Crane

Installation in Øster Hornum, Denmark

Strawbale Cranes That Keep Biomass Moving

Our straw handling cranes are purpose-built to meet the demanding needs of modern biomass and heating plants. Designed for continuous, around-the-clock operation, they deliver smooth, efficient, and precise handling of straw bales — from unloading and storage to feeding and processing.

Every crane is engineered for durability and long service life, combining robust steel structures with intelligent control systems that ensure safe and accurate operation. With minimal maintenance requirements and maximum reliability, our solutions keep your material flow running seamlessly — even under the toughest working conditions.

Whether you’re managing large-scale biomass production or smaller energy facilities, our straw handling cranes help you optimize workflow, reduce manual labor, and improve overall efficiency. Backed by years of experience and proven technology, they represent a trusted choice for operations where performance and uptime truly matter.

1

Continuous Operation

Built for 24/7 performance in demanding environments. Robust steel construction and intelligent PLC systems ensure uninterrupted handling of straw bales — from unloading and storage to feeding and processing. Designed for non-stop operation, even under harsh conditions.

2

Precision Handling

Accurate, efficient, and fully automated bale movement. Advanced sensors and control logic enable precise positioning and smooth transitions. The system adapts to varying bale sizes and coordinates seamlessly with plant automation for consistent material flow.

3

Minimal Maintenance

Reliable uptime with low service requirements. Engineered for durability and long service life, our strawbale cranes require minimal maintenance. Remote monitoring and proven components reduce downtime and keep your operation running efficiently.

Strawbale CranesEfficient Lifting for Biomass Operations

Our strawbale cranes are built for precision, uptime, and operational trust — not just lifting. They’re complete handling solutions tailored to the unique challenges of straw logistics, from seasonal variability to tight indoor layouts. With deep experience in designing and implementing these systems, we combine robust mechanical engineering with smart automation to ensure every crane fits your facility and flow.

From early planning to final integration, we offer full advisory support — helping you optimize bale movement, reduce manual handling, and adapt the crane to your building’s structure and operational rhythm. Our PLC specialists configure each system for fully automated operation, ensuring consistent performance and minimal downtime, even in demanding agricultural or biomass environments.

And we don’t stop at delivery. With 24/7 service and proactive follow-up, we stay invested in your success long after installation. You get more than a crane — you get a reliable partner dedicated to your plant’s safety, efficiency, and long-term productivity.

Find the Right Clamp for Your Operation

Strawbale Clamp

We build bale clamps that handle from 1 to 12 bales in a single lift. Standard models cover common needs, and we also deliver solutions based on specific operational requirements. We help identify the right clamp for your setup — ensuring reliable handling and efficient flow.

Technical Specifications

ParameterSpecification
Lifting Capacity (Clamp Volume)1–12 strawbales per lift*
Lifting Capacity (Crane)25t*
Span40m*
Lifting Height20m*
Operation SpeedUp to 30 cycles per hour
Service LifeSteel structure: 20–25 years · Mechanical components: ~10 years
System Availability92% documented uptime (up to 98% with redundancy options)
Control SystemFully automated PLC control with laser and sensor integration
Remote Support24/7 PLC access for troubleshooting and diagnostics
Grab typesSingle bale clamp and multi-bale clamp
Material CompatibilityCompressed strawbales
Safety FeaturesLaser scanning for human detection and zone protection
Installation OptionsNew builds or retrofit in existing facilities
Warranty24 months standard coverage*

*DCB also designs custom solutions beyond the scope presented here. We encourage you to reach out with your specific needs or inquiries

Span /
Capacity
2-3 m4 m5-6 m7-8 m
50-500kg
1000 kg
1600kg
2000 kg

Read Our Client Testimonials

“Assens Fjernvarme chose to collaborate with DCB primarily due to their technical expertise in crane systems and extensive experience in automation. Over time, DCB has professionally supported us from advice to installation and operation, ensuring our crane system—the heart of our production—runs reliably and on schedule.”

Marc Roar Hintze, CEO, Assens Fjernvarme

“Over the past 13 years, Tjæreborg Industri has completed around 30 biomass projects for Danish district heating plants. In most of these, DCB has been our trusted partner for automated crane solutions, ensuring smooth fuel handling and reliable commissioning. Together, we’ve also built a strong service setup that minimizes downtime for our customers — and we expect to continue working with DCB on future projects.”

Leif Hornbak, Sales Director, Tjæreborg Industri A/S

“In 2012, we experienced issues with our previous crane systems and lacked proper support. After contacting DCB, we were met with a constructive and professional approach that quickly got us back in operation. Following a major fire that destroyed two cranes, DCB again proved highly service-minded, flexible, and solution-oriented — providing both temporary and permanent replacements on time. Since then, DCB has been our preferred service partner, consistently delivering reliable solutions and excellent support.”

Brian Støttrup, Operations Manager, Electrical and Control Systems, Aars Fjernvarme

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Let’s Talk About a Solution for You

+45 98 35 31 33

Want to Know More?

Investing in a high-performance automated crane is a critical decision. Let our experts help you find the perfect solution for your operation. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and discover why DCB cranes are the benchmark to aim for.

Kasper Kaas Christensen

Sales Engineer

+ 4551569832kkc@dcb.dk

Alexander Mortensen

Sales Engineer

+ 4541938064abm@dcb.dk

Kristoffer Gyltner Amtoft

Sales Engineer

+ 4551569821kga@dcb.dk

Martin Hansen

Sales Engineer

+ 4551569833mah@dcb.dk