World’s Largest Movable Technical Industrial Machines

Tuesday, 31st March 2009 by

The mining regions of Germany are home to five of the world's largest movable technical industrial machines - the Overburden Conveyor Bridge F60.

F60

Larger than the Eiffel Tower, these machines weigh 13,600 tons and are up to 502m long, 80m high and 240m wide. 760 wheels carry them along rails at a rather sedate top speed of 13 m/minute. Two excavators can move up to 29,000 cubic metres of earth an hour, exposing coal seams for mining.

There are 3 operational F60s - in Jänschwalde (first image, above), Welzow-Süd and Nochten.

F60 F60

In addition there is one being updated with newer technology in Reichwalde, though it's partially obscured by a massive paper airplane that was apparently flying over when the Google satellite was taking pictures!

F60

Finally, the last F60 built is located in Lichterfeld-Schacksdorf. It was only operational for 13 months, but is now open to tourists. The European Route of Industrial Heritage has more information and a good gallery.

F60

Thanks to Martin Zwirner.