Wherever you find a large construction project that presents engineering challenges, there’s a good chance that Richard Goettle Inc. is on the case.
For more than 60 years, Cincinnati-based Goettle has been designing and building deep foundation systems, earth retention systems, ground modifications and marine construction.
The company has been involved in many high-profile projects, including major stadiums and power plants. Recent projects include foundation work for a new aircraft hangar, and two MLS soccer stadiums in Ohio.
“If it’s a difficult or complex foundation project, Goettle is called in to do it,” said Roger Reese, Goettle’s Columbus Equipment Company sales representative.
One tool found at every Goettle jobsite is Link-Belt cranes. “We have a 60-year history with Link-Belt. That’s all we own,” said Clint Studt, shop manager for Goettle. The company’s fleet of Link-Belt cranes includes six 108-B models, two 138-H2 models, a 138-H5, a 218-HSL and a 238-HSL.
The company prefers Link-Belts for many reasons. “There is a lot of flexibility in the machines. We can use them for different applications—drilling, driving pile, standard hoisting,” Studt said. “The product support from Link-Belt and Columbus Equipment Company is phenomenal. The parts support is great. The machines are simple to operate and simple to maintain.”
Link-Belt durability is unbeatable, Goettle has found. The company has owned some of its 108s since the 1950s. “The 108s are still in good working order and are used every day,” Studt said. “We probably have the best fleet of 108s in the country. They are well maintained. Some of them have been painted six or seven times. We have the same angle boom we’ve had forever and we change out engines when needed.”
The 108s are “a lot more flexible than using an RT,” headded. “We are always in the mud. The 108s are rated enough to build other cranes and drill rigs, and you don’t need two operators for one machine.”
Goettle recently bought the Link-Belt 218 and 238 from Columbus Equipment Company because the industry is requiring bigger cranes, Studt said. “Foundation piles have gotten deeper and larger in diameter. That’s where the 238 comes in. It’s a real good fit for us for augercast piles. It has an excellent chart.”
Goettle selected the 218 because it’s a 110-ton crane rather than a 100-ton. “We got a little more oomph and it has a better chart than an H or an H2,” Studt noted. “The extra 10 metric tons always helps, and it has a better reach.”
“Deep foundation work on the 238’s current project requires the placement of over 2,500 augercast piles 18-inch and 24-inch in diameter, weighing 40,000 to 50,000 pounds each,” said John Conety, Goettle’s superintendent for the project.
“Link-Belts are the best crane suitable for our work due to their durability and operator friendliness. We’re specialized and they handle what we do really well. You are able to get the correct size of crane you need for each project with different models, boom lengths and setups,” Conety said.
“I’m an operator by trade, and Link-Belts are a great crane,” he added.
At the new Columbus soccer stadium, Goettle’s Link-Belt 218 is being used to install 685 secant piles. The piles are 90 feet deep, and 62-foot-long W-section beams will be inserted vertically and concreted in place to create a cutoff wall, said Wes Campbell, field superintendent.
Campbell is a big fan of the 218. One of the crane’s first jobs at the stadium was to build two large drill rigs, lifting parts that weigh more than 46,000 pounds. “The 218 is not too big, it’s easy to move around, and it’s not so heavy that they need to be on crane mats,” he said. “Link-Belts are the workhorse in the industry.”
Product support is an important factor in Goettle’s preference for Link-Belts. “Parts availability is great,” Studt said. “We order parts through Columbus Equipment Company, and they are very good. They have topnotch mechanics and have provided excellent support for our older machines. They have excellent product knowledge on the newer machines.”
“When we commissioned the new 218 and 238, Columbus Equipment was there every step of the way,” he added. “We didn’t have any issues.”
It’s rare for any company to stick with a brand for six decades. Goettle’s history with Link-Belt is a testament to the value, durability and support offered by the manufacturer.
For more on Richard Goettle Inc.’s Link-Belt experience, visit columbusequipment.com/news/videos for video coverage.