ABERDEEN-based Hyundai forklift distributor Bear Handling has struck a deal with oil and gas specialist WellGear UK, which has resulted in the delivery of an 18-tonne load capacity Hyundai 180D-9 diesel forktruck – the first to be delivered into the region.
The machine is powered by a Mercedes Benz 6R1000 209.7 kW engine and boasts a maximum lifting height of 4,020mm.
WellGear Group was established by CEO Sigo Tjeerdsma in the Netherlands in 2015. UK MD Murdo MacLeod set up the UK division in Aberdeen the following year, with the company specialising in the oil and gas well workover, well control, casing recovery, and well abandonment operations.
WellGear has experienced rapid growth, with employee numbers rising from just four in 2015 to over 150 between its Dutch and Scottish operatios.
Murdo MacLeod explained, “We were in the market for a new forklift due to business expansion. I got word of Bear Handling via a friend of mine who had worked with the company. I went to see John Maclaren at Bear and was impressed by his pragmatic approach and knowledge of the equipment.
“In the yard, John had a 16-tonne Hyundai forktruck (160D-9) which I test drove and was really impressed.”
John mentioned that Hyundai manufactured a larger 18-tonne model, which Murdo decided would be the right machine for the job. He added, “I liked the compact size of the forklift. We don’t have particularly high doors on our workshop and the size of the machine was very compact for its weight capacity – we were able to lift 18-tonnes and still get comfortably through our doors.
“Some of the competitors’ machines were quite tall in comparison to the Hyundai. I also liked the spacious cabin and its excellent visibility for the operators – it has practically a 360-degree view. The rear reversing camera is also very good.
“The machine also has air conditioning – but we don’t need that much in Scotland!”
The model was specified in company colours directly from the Hyundai factory in South Korea.
Discussing performance, Murdo said, “We accept loads in the yard almost every day, so the machine is constantly loading and shifting containers and working on the racks keeping the working areas tidy. It’s on general workshop management for around 12-hours per day. We have quite a number of heavy lifts to do each day – some up to as much as 16.5 tonnes. Our new forklift is able to lift this capacity with ease and we will use it instead of getting a crane in, which of course, saves us money. The operators who use the machine every day are really pleased with its performance.”
