Felbermayr and Goldhofer Deliver 140-Tonne Transformers to Kühtai 2 Power Plant
The Felbermayr Group is a leading specialist in construction, transport and lifting technology. With more than 3,300 employees across 81 locations in 17 countries, the family-run company is renowned for its reliability and uncompromising safety standards. The Kühtai 2 pumped-storage power plant, developed by TIWAG, is a cornerstone of Austria’s energy transition strategy. With a generating capacity of around 190 MW and a new reservoir situated more than 2,100 m above sea level, the facility will provide flexible grid stabilisation and reduce CO₂ emissions by over 120,000 tonnes annually. Transporting massive transformers to this high-alpine site required a solution combining exceptional flexibility with enormous tractive power.
The 140-ton transformer was transported by rail to Zirl, where it was transferred onto a heavy-duty modular combination. Felbermayr deployed a 15-axle configuration, consisting of a 6-axle self-propelled ADDRIVE and a 2-axle FT Series module (THP/FT-L) at the front, with a 3+4 axle FT Series combination at the rear. The transformer, mounted on a turntable, was supported by a scissor-lift bridge between the modules. A tractor unit and a pusher truck were used to negotiate the steep gradients of the mountain road.
A key factor in the success of the operation was the Goldhofer FT Series, which offers outstanding flexibility and universal configuration options. “With projects of this complexity, the ability to configure modules with maximum flexibility and even combine them with self-propelled transporters such as the ADDRIVE is a decisive advantage,” explains Erwin Uebel, Goldhofer Service Engineer who accompanied the transport. “Differences in height between the modules are no problem — the FT Series is designed for maximum adaptability.”
The final stretch of the journey presented additional challenges, with narrow tunnels and confined access to the cavern requiring millimetre-level precision to position the heavy load safely.
The ADDRIVE proved particularly valuable in the high-alpine environment. As a hybrid solution, it can be operated either as a towed module or as a self-propelled unit. On the last kilometres to the site, at altitudes exceeding 2,000 m, the 55-metre-long transport combination had to overcome gradients of more than 16%. “On the steep sections, the extra power provided by the ADDRIVE was worth its weight in gold,” says Uebel. “The combination of tractor assistance and self-propelled support makes it the ideal solution for demanding terrain.”
“We are proud that Felbermayr chose Goldhofer for this prestigious project,” says Levin Gonser, Area Sales Manager Transport Technology at Goldhofer. “Such transports highlight the importance of trust and technological partnership. Together, we can meet even the most demanding requirements.”
Felbermayr also underlines the importance of collaboration. “Without the support of Goldhofer and the performance of their equipment, this assignment would have been far more difficult,” says Ingo Müller, Technical Project Manager at Felbermayr. “The combination of our shared experience, innovative technology and excellent service made all the difference.” With its consistent focus on customer requirements and technological excellence, Goldhofer continues to ensure the success of even the most complex heavy-transport projects.
Published on:
13 January 2026
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