TPT November 2009

I ndustry N ews

Four-way forklift for safe handling of long loads

SCHOELLER Bleckmann Darron Ltd (SBDL), Scotland, provides a manufacturing, repair and maintenance facility for drilling products used in the oil and gas sectors. The company is benefitting from the versatile capabilities of an eight-ton Combilift four- way forklift, to ensure safe and space-saving handling of long loads around its site. Many of the products handled in the offshore sector, such as down hole drilling tools and pipes, are exceptionally long and heavy, and therefore awkward to handle with conventional forklifts such as counterbalance trucks or sideloaders. Even when a combination of the two are used, safe operations are compromised by having to swap loads around, and large areas of potentially valuable space need to be set aside for manoeuvring. By changing from a conventional sideloader to a Combilift, SBDL has been able to exploit the truck’s manoeuvrability and four-way capabilities to make the most of restricted yard space, while ensuring efficient handling of its 10m long loads. Local material handling specialist Groundwater Lift Trucks Ltd advised on the current range of Combilifts and the available customisation and attachments, and SBDL’s production manager, Sandy Stephen, chose the C8000 model as the most suitable: “Although most of our loads weigh in at around four tons, this gives us that added flexibility to handle larger products, and it is more than powerful enough to cope very well with the steep gradient in the yard.” The Combilift’s robust design incorporates a minimum of sensitive components together with super elastic tyres that enable it to work inside and out, in all weathers. As SBDL’s truck spends approximately 70% of its time outside, it is well equipped to withstand the Scottish winter with no risk of operational downtime.

The diesel powered Combilift offloads incoming materials from HGVs, transports them around the facilities, works in racking to a height of 4.6m, and reloads refurbished parts back onto trucks for dispatch to customers. Four heavy-duty forks ensure the stable handling of even the longest pieces of equipment that SBDL handles, and health and safety procedures have also been enhanced. For operators, making the switch from the sideloaders was straightforward. Combilift’s ergonomic cab design and joystick controls are simple to operate, and its quick changeover to sideways travel speeds up operations. Hydrostatic

drive for driving and braking also keeps maintenance to a minimum. The current Combilift range encompasses fifteen base models with capacities ranging from 2.5 to 14 tons, with LPG, diesel or AC electric power. Combilift Ltd – Ireland Fax: +353 47 80501 Email: info@combilift.com Website: www.combilift.com Schoeller Bleckmann Darron – Scotland

Fax: +44 1224 770156 Email: sales@sbdl.co.uk Website: www.sbdl.co.uk

 SBDL’s Combilift C8000

Scots water leakage contract awarded

FARRER, the environmental asset management company, has won a two- year contract for the Scottish water leakage detection framework. The contract, which runs from May 2009 is worth around £1mn and could increase to around £7mn over the course of the frame- work as more funding becomes available. Farrer was awarded the contract due to its “excellent reputation for the successful delivery of leakage services in Scotland”.

Utilising the expertise of a 15-strong team from Farrer, the framework will ensure that with Farrer’s help, Scottish Water will achieve stringent leakage targets over the coming years. Robin Pratt, senior project manager for Farrer, said: “We’re delighted to have our outstanding record for successful leakage detection in Scotland recognised. The contract with Scottish Water has already begun and we’ll be continuing to

provide our client with the highest possible standard of service to help it meet its objectives.” Farrer serves the water and waste water, rail, airports, highways and local authority sectors and is part of Biwater Services Ltd. Farrer – UK Fax: +44 17066 26294 Email: info@farrerconsulting.com Website: www.farrerconsulting.com

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N ovember 2009

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