The use of pile-driven foundations as basis for the catenary pole has proven itself. It makes it possible to set a catenary mast straight away and the mast can take up loads immediately. Generally, the pile-driven foundation is produced by road-rail pile-driving vehicles that operate hydraulically.
The first mast setting unit made by Plasser & Theurer, an OBW 100.043 with heavy railway loading crane with crane cabin and counterweights, went into service for Europten in 1995. For technical and economic reasons, Europten decided to buy a new mast setting unit, namely the MAGE 75.
After setting about 17,000 masts, the old vehicle was taken out of service with a celebration commemorating the last mast to be set. The new machine was delivered in May 2012 and went into operation immediately.
