Las Vegas High Roller Observation Wheel Stands Tall

The High Roller is officially the tallest in the world, measuring a massive 550 feet tall. With 28 passenger cabins, each 20 feet in diameter and weighing 25 tons, the observation wheel can accommodate up to 1,120 passengers. Each cabin is outfitted with HVAC systems and in-cabinet entertainment systems with 300 square feet of windows offering 360-degree views of Las Vegas.
HYDRAULIC ROTATING MECHANISM
Initially, working with wheel contractor and erector, American Bridge Co. and its consulting engineer Zieman Engineering, Enerpac was tasked to help erect the High Roller, which included installing the 28 passenger cabins. To do this, Enerpac developed and supplied the HRM (Hydraulic Rotating Mechanism). However, Enerpac’s role went beyond the erection of the wheel.
To ensure accurate and safe installation, Caesars Entertainment wanted a complete hydraulic drive system to turn the wheel for correct positioning and placement. The drive system would also be critical in the overall rotation of the wheel, which would serve as the permanent operating system.
Caesars Entertainment turned to Schwager Davis Inc., a specialty contractor, as the company had experience in drive systems. However, to provide a complete hydraulic drive system, Schwager Davis needed a fully involved industry expert to support them with hydraulic components and associated controls. Schwager Davis turned to Enerpac.
“We went to the top three industry players we knew of, and Enerpac was among them. They had the knowledge and technology to get the job done successfully,” says Lee Larsen, project manager, Schwager Davis, Inc.

The hydraulic drive system consists of a total of eight drive units, each of which has four large tires that provide the traction force to rotate the wheel.
WHEEL IN MOTION
Together, Enerpac and Schwager Davis provided the Mechanization System, a hydraulic drive system that provides the propulsion and normal braking force for the system in normal use, to rotate the wheel. The system consists of a total of eight drive units, each of which has four large tires that provide the traction force to rotate the wheel. One full revolution of the wheel takes approximately 30 minutes. The system is capable of rotating the wheel in both directions.
In addition to rotating the wheel, the drive system was also used for several weeks during construction to rotate the wheel in order to install the large 25-ton passenger cabins.
Enerpac and Schwager Davis designed the hydraulic drive system to ensure the observation wheel not only provides reliable performance, but also delivers maximum safety for its passengers. With complete stabilization during rotation, the Mechanization System guarantees a smooth ride for passengers. The Las Vegas High Roller opened in the spring of 2014. ■
For More Information
Enerpac is a global market leader in high pressure hydraulic tools, controlled force products, and solutions for precise positioning of heavy loads. Enerpac manufactures products, from the smallest hydraulic cylinder to complete computer-operated lifting and positioning systems, to provide innovative solutions to make work safer and easier to perform. www.enerpac.com.