LONG-reach excavator specialist WM Plant Hire has revealed how its machines are helping the Scottish Government’s drive towards renewable energy and improved connectivity with continued port development in readiness of further offshore wind expansion.
The company offers a wide-ranging fleet with reach up to 32m, including zero tail up to 16m and low ground pressure options. Over the past year, however, it is WM Plant Hire’s largest heavy duty models that have been in action supporting marine contractors across Scotland.
These excavators are said to offer ‘unrivalled power and efficiency’ with machine design optimised for lifting and digging, particularly rock armour and dredging operations.
At Ardersier Port in the Moray Firth, construction has commenced on a new quay wall and deeper berthing facilities to serve future offshore wind projects.
Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) surveys identified unknown underwater obstructions extending into the approach channel over 2km out to sea.
Further investigation ahead of the main works would require a careful and planned approach.
WM Plant Hire supported Leask Marine unearthing these UXO targets using a 65-tonne long-reach excavator with 24m reach. Fitted with an underwater dig system linked to GPS, the areas could be explored and the excavated material screened and processed on board the floating barge.
Objects removed included an 11-tonne anchor, railway track and wheels. Risks of working with potential UXO were addressed with detailed safety briefings and the excavator was fitted with blast-proof window glass in the cab for increased operator safety.
Harbour developments with McLaughlin & Harvey at Stornoway and George Leslie at Lochmaddy used the expertise of WM Plant at the start of the year, while more recently a project at Ardrossan with RJ McLeod included extending the coastal defences using over 60,000m3 of rock armour. With rock weighing up to six tonnes, the plan was to place it using long-reach machines from the shore.
Supplying up to five diggers ranging from 22 to 26m reach, weighing up to 106 tonnes, the long-reach excavators helped place the rock armour on the North Shore revetment. Accuracy of placement was boosted by the fitting of GPS and use of mechanical rock grapples and hydraulic tyne grabs with 360 degree rotation.
WM Plant added that the firm is committed to providing safe methods of working for its employees and the wider team.
Additional equipment that can add value includes machine control systems, a full range of cameras including Human Form Recognition (HFR) cameras, and LED lighting systems.
The company’s fleet of ‘go-anywhere’ Spider excavators are designed to enable the most difficult of locations to be accessed – either to complement the long-reach machines or work on their own.
With independent legs, all-wheel drive and floatation tyres, the models are suitable for uneven ground, steep slopes and where a tracked machine would not access. Weighing up to 16 tonnes and capable of handling heavy attachments, these have provided solutions for geotechnical, rail, inland water and coastal defence projects. When fitted with a winch their potential is further enhanced – WM has a 15-tonne capacity to assist with safe working on steep slopes or in and around water.
To help clients achieve net zero targets, more Stage V machines have been added across the fleet with increased power, lower emission and reduced fuel burn. The largest is the monster CAT 395 long-reach machine to provide clients with reach capabilities of up to 35m for certain applications.
Flexibility on the firm’s heavy duty machines is enhanced with different boom and dipper configurations available.
