Overcoming the Hurdles in Biomass Operations
In today’s energy and biomass industry – especially central heating – operators face increasing pressure to maintain high efficiency, reliable material flow, and safe working conditions — all while keeping operational costs under control.
Many facilities struggle with unpredictable downtime due to equipment wear and manual handling bottlenecks. Inefficient material handling leads to inconsistent fuel supply and production delays.
The result is a constant balancing act between productivity, safety, and cost efficiency — a challenge that calls for smarter, more reliable solutions.
1
High Availability
Robust mechanical construction, intelligent software, and 24/7 remote monitoring work together to deliver up to 98% documented uptime — ensuring reliable performance when it matters most.
2
Guidance for Optimal Layout
Our engineers help design facilities for efficient fuel flow and reliable operation. By optimizing crane placement and storage layout early, we prevent common bottlenecks and improve overall plant performance.
3
Fully Automated Operation
Advanced sensors, encoders, and laser measurements enable fully autonomous material handling with minimal operator input. The system continuously monitors chip levels, adapts to changing conditions, and integrates seamlessly with your plant controls.
Wood Chip Cranes – Trustworthy Automation for Your Needs
Our woodchip cranes are more than just machines — they are complete solutions designed to optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and improve safety in your plant. With years of experience in building and implementing these cranes, we combine proven technology with expert guidance to ensure every installation is perfectly suited to your facility.
From initial planning to final layout, we provide comprehensive advisory services, helping you design the most efficient material flow and adapt the crane to your building’s size and operational needs. Our team of skilled PLC engineers ensures that each crane is fully automated, running at peak performance to maximize uptime and minimize manual handling.
We also stand by our solutions with 24/7 service support and follow-up care after installation, giving you peace of mind and reliable performance at all times. With our expertise and dedication, you get more than a crane — you get a trusted partner committed to your plant’s productivity, safety, and long-term success.
Configured for Optimal Material Handling
Clamshell Grab
Designed for finer, lighter materials such as dry wood chips or sawdust. The scoop design minimizes spillage and ensures precise handling — ideal for facilities focused on clean, controlled operations and consistent fuel feed.
Polygrab
Built for tougher handling tasks and irregular materials like coarse chips or mixed biomass. Its multiple claws provide excellent penetration and grip, ensuring reliable performance even under demanding conditions.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Lifting Capacity (Grab Volume) | 1–10m3* |
| Liftin Capacity (Crane) | 25t* |
| Span | 40m* |
| Lifting Height | 20m* |
| Operation Speed | Up to 30 cycles per hour |
| Service Life | Steel structure: 20–25 years · Mechanical components: ~10 years |
| System Availability | 92% documented uptime (up to 98% with redundancy options) |
| Control System | Fully automated PLC control with laser and sensor integration |
| Remote Support | 24/7 PLC access for troubleshooting and diagnostics |
| Grab types | Clamshell or polygrab — selected based on material type |
| Material Compatibility | Wood chips, pellets, shredded wood, and other biomass types |
| Safety Features | Laser scanning for human detection and zone protection |
| Installation Options | New builds or retrofit in existing facilities |
| Warranty | 24 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 m | 4 m | 5-6 m | 7-8 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.
