Best Practice Guide for Transport and Installation of Onshore WTG Systems

Transporting and installing onshore Wind Turbine Generator (WTG) systems requires precise planning, specialised equipment, and strict safety controls. Because Cranes for You strongly believes that full compliance with legislation, standards and recognised best practice is the foundation of achieving Goal Zero, this guide is included in our Knowledge Centre to support safer and more predictable onshore wind operations.

What This Guideline Covers

This best practice guide outlines the essential engineering, logistical and operational considerations for transporting major WTG components and performing safe, efficient onshore turbine installation. It provides industry-aligned recommendations covering route assessments, lifting plans, ground preparation, crane configuration, component handling, and critical risk controls.

Practical Relevance for Heavy Lifting & Transport

For heavy lifting, hoisting and specialised transport contractors active in the onshore wind sector, this guideline is highly practical because:

• WTG components continue to grow in size and weight, creating complex lifting and transport challenges.
• Transport routes often involve terrain constraints, slope limitations, culverts, bridges and ground capacity issues.
• Crane hardstands must be engineered to handle extreme loads and installation-specific ground pressures.
• Lifting blades, nacelles and tower sections introduces unique aerodynamic and stability risks.
• Coordinating SPMTs, mobile cranes, support vehicles and rigging crews requires clear procedures and communication protocols.

Using this guide helps teams reduce uncertainty, strengthen planning, and improve execution safety across all phases of onshore wind projects.

Official Source

This guideline is based on internationally recognised best practices from the onshore wind industry and leading engineering references. Where applicable, content reflects principles also aligned with guidance published by organisations such as ESTA, ICSA, and sector-specific WTG installation standards.

Related Knowledge Articles

• Influences of Wind on Crane Operations — Training document by Liebherr on how wind affects crane stability during lifts.
• Checklist for Safe Transport of Oversized Wind Turbine Components — A practical guide to logistics, route planning and transport safety for large WTG parts.
• ICSA Guidance on Crane Ground Preparation for Wind Farms — Best practices for assessing and preparing ground support in wind farm construction.
• SPMT Best Practice Guide by ESTA — Comprehensive recommendations on transporting wind turbine components using SPMTs.

Ready to Improve Onshore Wind Safety?

Cranes for You supports wind developers, EPC contractors, OEMs and lifting specialists with independent expertise for WTG transport and installation.
If you want this best practice guide as a downloadable reference — including additional field tools for planning and execution — you can download it directly from this page.