Utilising their 250 Tonne girder bridge, Collett & Sons Ltd deliver two 215 Tonne super grid transformers from GE Stafford to Leylodge, Kintore. Located at GE’s Stafford engineering facility, the two 5 metre high, 215 Tonne transformers measured 8 metres long by 4 metres wide and required a transport solution to Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Delivering each of the transformers on separate occasions, Collett mobilised their 250 Tonne capacity Goldhofer girder bridge in modular form, arriving in Stafford to configure the trailer and load the first of the cargoes.  Once loaded, the transformer and girder bridge combination featured a 65.8 metre overall length, with a rigid length of 41.6 metres.  This required extensive surveying and route planning ahead of the first leg of the project, transporting the cargo from Stafford to Ellesmere Port. Having undertaken route access surveys, visual route inspections and numerous swept path analysis reports, the Collett Team identified several modifications and traffic management procedures to allow the cargo to safely navigate the route from the point of origin to the port.  This included extensive street furniture removal (including electrical elements), tree trimming, parking restrictions and designated hold points to allow the continual flow of traffic.  With all this in place the Collett Team began the project.  Departing from the Stafford facility, Collett travelled 70 miles over two days, with a total of 11 hours travelling time.  Undertaking contraflow manoeuvres at several highlighted pinch points along the way, the Collett Team travelled from Stafford, via Stoke-on-Trent and Congleton, before heading west towards Chester and final onward arrival at Ellesmere Port. At the port Collett were welcomed by an awaiting Leibherr LG1550 mobile crane.  Here, working under CPA Contract Lift Conditions, the Collett Heavy Lift Team unloaded the 215 Tonne super grid transformer from the girder bridge.  Having undertaken all ship’s chartering operations, the transformer was loaded directly to a coaster vessel for onward shipment to the Port of Aberdeen.  With the cargo safely lashed and secured on board the vessel, the coaster set sail for Aberdeen whilst Collett dismantled the girder bridge trailer.  Then, travelling once again in modular form, the Collett Team transported the trailer via road to greet the incoming vessel and transformer at the Port of Aberdeen. Arriving three days later in Scotland, the 215 Tonne transformer was discharged from the vessel by a 600 Tonne strut crane directly to the girder bridge trailer for the final leg of the journey.  With the final 14 miles having also been extensively surveyed in the planning stages of the project, all street furniture and route modifications had already been completed.  This also included the relocation of a post box and the widening of site access roads to allow the 4.2 metre loaded combination to access the site.  With all this in place, the 65m long loaded girder bridge arrived on site at the 400kV substation extension site at Leylodge, Kintore. Once unloaded on site, and having undertaken detailed ground bearing and pressure calculations, the Collett Team began jacking and skidding operations to position the cargo.  Utilising their specialist hydraulic equipment, Collett were able to jack and skid the super grid transformer, accurately monitoring force and pressure during the operation, including forces on the jacks, on each skid shoe and maximum ground pressures throughout. All this combined allowed Collett to safely and successfully deliver the first of the two 215 Tonne super grid transformers, returning to GE Stafford’s facility in the coming weeks to begin the operation to deliver the second.  Following the same procedure, the Collett Team loaded, transported, shipped and positioned the second of the transformers, completing the Kintore substation extension project. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Doosan Bobcat will be showing the company’s new E19e two-tonne electric mini-excavator for the first time in the UK on Stand I40 at the Executive Hire Show (EHS) from 8-9 February 2023 at the Coventry Building Society Arena in Coventry. Alongside the E19e, the company will also be presenting the popular 7/45 portable compressor from sister company, Doosan Portable Power.   The EHS is firmly established as the only annual national event aimed at tool, equipment and plant hirers and the suppliers serving this dynamic industry. The EHS enables hire professionals to not only see key suppliers they already do business with, in one place, but also to get in front of new companies from around the world who are looking to serve this important market. Clean and Quiet Operations Building on the success of Bobcat’s smaller E10e, the world’s first 1 tonne electric mini-excavator, the E19e adds to Bobcat’s expanding range of electrically powered machines. As a true pioneer in the field of battery-powered equipment, Bobcat is driving an industry-wide shift towards electric excavators and other construction equipment such as the company’s unique T7X model, the world’s first electric compact track loader. The Bobcat E19e features the same profile, external dimensions and comparable performance as the popular E19 mini-excavator, more than 10,000 of which have been sold worldwide. The E19e boasts the same stability, lift capacity and breakout forces as its conventional counterpart, while its constant torque curve (a feature of electric motors) ensures dependable and powerful operations. With a width of just 98 cm, the new electric model is easy to operate in even the most confined workspaces, making it ideal for tasks such as demolition as well as outside applications that require quiet, zero-emission operations. The E19e features a 3.5-hour battery capacity and can be recharged quickly using a super-fast charger. This means that by topping up the power during work breaks, the machine can be used all day for the majority of typical applications. Thanks to the model’s ergonomic design, its battery capacity and service codes are clearly displayed, making planning simple. The E19e is also immensely versatile, with a wide array of compatible attachments available. Bobcat’s hydraulic clamp attachment, for example, is unique in the market for this size category. Doosan 7/45 Stage V Compressor Continues Success in the Market Designed with a focus on simplicity, durability, reliability and transportability, the 7/45 Stage V portable compressor provides 4.0 m³/min (140 cfm) of compressed air at 7 bar nominal pressure. Like all Doosan portable compressors, there is a wide range of options and customizations available for the 7/45 to meet customer needs. The 7/45 Stage V compressor on the EHS stand will feature a Tough Top (polymer) canopy, which is a standard feature on all the latest small compressors from Doosan Portable Power. This easy-to-open canopy creates a fantastic line with the polymer mudguards and bumpers. Integrated LED lights are also offered as standard for all the machines as well as environmentally important bunded bases. The long-standing metal canopy versions are still available to customers as an option. There are three more 7 bar Stage V compressor models in the small compressor range including the 7/20, 7/25 and 7/55, with outputs of 2.0, 2.5 and 5.0 m³/min (70, 90 and 180 cfm), respectively. The small compressor range is completed by the 14/35 higher pressure model providing 3.0 m³/min (105 cfm) of compressed air at 13.8 bar. The E19e and E10e are part of a comprehensive selection of mini-excavators from Bobcat covering models from 0.8 to 8.5 tonne, alongside a full line-up of skid-steer, compact track and all-wheel steer loaders, telehandlers, compact wheel and small articulated loaders and attachments. Also aimed at the tool and plant hire industry and the markets it serves, Doosan Portable Power offers a comprehensive range of portable compressors, generators and lighting products for the construction and rental industry. For more information about Bobcat and Bobcat products, visit www.bobcat.com For more information about Doosan Portable Power products, visit the website: www.doosanportablepower.eu Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Akela Construction has been appointed by Dawn Homes to lead a diverse package of works for the new Quarriers Gate development at Bellshill. Following approval last year, the 3.1-hectare site, sitting on land formerly occupied by Bellshill Athletic Club, will be transformed to create 74 new two-storey detached, semi-detached and terraced homes off Hattonrigg Road. “This is an extensive package of work and will allow us to showcase our skill and experience in delivering a wide range of ground engineering works. Quarriers Gate is an exciting, yet complex development at Bellshill and one which presents us with a great opportunity to put our expertise into practice. We’re committed to delivering the very best service for our clients and we’re looking forward to working with our colleagues at Dawn Homes once again when our team arrives on site in March,” said Paul Winters Operations Director of Akela Construction. With a combined value of £4.2m, Akela will deliver full development earthworks, including creation of a SuDs pond and sewers, including a diversion to a large combined sewer around the boundary of the site parallel to Hattonrigg road, floor slabs and plotwork. “We look forward to continuing our successful relationship with Akela Construction as we shortly begin work to transform this previously neglected site into a vibrant community with much needed modern, energy-efficient housing and will provide lasting benefits to the local area for years to come,” added Dawn Homes Managing Director, Martin Egan. Akela will also deliver the road and footpath network, driveways, and street lighting. Work is due to begin onsite towards the end of March. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

One of the UK’s leading recycling and waste management companies has given Finning the green light to complete the UK’s first Certified Machine Rebuild (CMR) on a 15-year-old Cat 836 landfill compactor to give it a new lease of life ensuring that it can continue operating for another 15 years.  FCC Environment owns and operates over 200 recycling, treatment, and disposal facilities across the UK, managing more than 8.5 million tonnes of waste for their customers, which include over 72 local authorities across North Yorkshire, Suffolk and Essex.  FCC’s waste processing fleet alone comprises 500 machines including landfill compactors, wheeled excavators, track type loaders and articulated dump trucks, with Cat equipment making up almost half.  One of these machines, a Cat 836 landfill compactor, was purchased from Finning in 2007 with a full repair and maintenance programme, which proved instrumental in keeping the machine operating effectively for around 15 years whilst minimising downtime.  However, when the machine’s transmission failed in late 2022 FCC Group Plant Manager, Bill Stone, began discussions with the Finning team on the best solution for a replacement machine package. This included looking at buying another new machine as well as considering the option to carry out a full CMR, which is the highest-level Cat certified rebuild available.  Adam Walker, engine and drivetrain product manager at Finning is overseeing the project. He said: “Sustainability is now at the forefront of the waste industry, so we’ve seen a shift in demand towards companies requesting remanufactured or reconditioned parts for their machines, or for the entire machine to be rebuilt. “This is the first machine rebuild that FCC has commissioned, but the company now plans for this approach to become an integral part of their fleet management succession plan because it enables them to demonstrate a clear commitment to improving the environmental impact of their operations and reducing emissions in the drive to net-zero. “Rebuilding a machine instead of buying new requires 85% less energy, uses 86% less water and generates around 61% fewer greenhouse gases. Plus, we recover and recycle over 65% of the original machine, so it’s ready to be used as a replacement part in another machine.”  “Not only that, but customers choosing a rebuild machine option will typically save around 50-60% on the cost compared with buying a new machine. While remanufactured parts, of which there are around 8000+ Cat certified ones available, can be up to 60% less than the cost of a brand new one.” Bill Stone said: “We have a commitment to run our operation in an environmentally and socially responsible way, and by choosing to rebuild and give our assets a second life rather than buy new, we are helping to meet that commitment. “Our mobile plant fleet is key to our operation, so it is essential these assets are managed effectively, and Finning plays a vital part in that.  “It is because of their record of strong aftermarket support and our collaborative relationship with the team at Finning that we have complete confidence in the effectiveness and efficiency of their rebuilds and they will play a crucial part in our succession planning moving forward.” Once complete, the Cat 836 will be ‘as new’ so will offer the same machine lifespan as a new machine.  Machine rebuilds are fast becoming a recommended approach for firms’ fleet management, providing a sustainable and commercial option alongside investment in new machines. Finning has seen their number of machines rebuilds double year on year, with their specialist rebuild engineers completing hundreds over the last three years.  For more information about the Finning UK & Ireland rebuild service and fleet performance optimisation solutions go to https://www.finning.com/en_GB/services/response-repair-rebuild/rebuilds.html Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The handover of an L260H wheel loader from Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) to Swiss firm AG Balmholz proved unconventional – with a floating delivery needed for the machine to reach its new home. It’s early morning and the fog is still drifting across Lake Thun when the final preparations for a special machine transportation from Kander Delta in Einigen are complete. A towboat pushes a pontoon, atop which sits a Volvo L260H wheel loader, destined for the idyllically located quarry belonging to AG Balmholz, on the northern shore of Lake Thun. As the 35-ton Volvo L260H wheel loader comes into view, the hustle and bustle at the quarry increases. The delivery of this new machine is not only exciting, but also a milestone, as it is the first Volvo CE machine for AG Balmholz. Its exceptional location in the Bernese foothills of the Alps, on the steep northern shore of Lake Thun makes transportation of goods and mining materials to and from the quarry a challenge. Although accessible via the winding lake road that runs between Thun and Interlaken, the route which is popular with day trippers and motorcyclists, is limited to loads of 34 tons. So, no chance to transport the wheel loader by road. Excavating hard rock for railway infrastructure The quarry is just one of only 10 in the whole of Switzerland to provide a valuable source of a special dense, compact and high pressure-resistant hard rock. Every year, the workforce at AG Balmholz extract around 250,000 tons of hard rock, which is processed into blocks for hydraulic engineering, railway ballasts, chippings and crushed sand. Much of this material is transported to customers throughout Switzerland on ships across the water to Thun, where it is offloaded and then transported by rail. Robust and reliable The mining of hard rocks, such as those found at Lake Thun, is material intensive and requires reliable, durable machinery. Many factors played a role in the decision to choose the Volvo wheel loader. Managing Director, Christoph Künzi, explains: “When it came to the new acquisition, we were particularly impressed with the breakout force of the Volvo wheel loader.” In the initial evaluation of the machine by plant manager, Markus Wegmüller and his team, the figures on paper looked impressive. Then came the practical test. Depending on the blade used, the breakout force of the Volvo L260H is between 256 kN and 336 kN. Other qualities, such as cab comfort and simple serviceability also met their requirements, and the team were all in agreement that the Volvo wheel loader would complement the existing machine park. “Overall, the L260H came out on top, in terms of price, performance and consumption too,” concludes Künzi. This result is no surprise, as the 35-ton wheel loader offers a static tipping load at full turn of almost 24 tons A longer wheelbase than its predecessor means the L260H can be mounted with a larger bucket, which adds to the overall efficiency and productivity. AG Balmholz’s new wheel loader has a bucket capacity of 6.5m³. Old friends Although the L260H is the first Volvo machine for AG Balmholz, both Volvo CE and Robert Aebi AG are familiar to Christoph Künzi from the decade he spent working for Vigier Beton Berner Oberland prior to being appointed Managing Director at AG Balmholz in 2020. There, machines from Volvo CE have been used for many years. And so it was, that long-standing partners met again at AG Balmholz for the evaluation of this new machine. Whilst demand for railway ballast and other hard stone products remains strong, Christoph Künzi’s concerns for the future are around the recruitment of skilled workers. There is no vocational training available to prepare workers for a career in quarrying, just courses in raw material processing. So, AG Balmholz trains junior employees itself and says it is constantly on the lookout for suitable new recruits. Innovation for CO2 neutral asphalt In another example of its commitment to innovation, AG Balmholz is collaborating with Frutiger AG Thun and Marti AG Bern on a new road surfacing plant that will be virtually fossil-free. Oberland BWO in Wimmis near Spiez will be operated by AG Balmholz on behalf of the owners, and will replace two existing plants in the Bernese Oberland. Crushed sand and chippings are both by-products of hard rock mining used in road construction, making this a complementary collaboration. Instead of fossil fuels to power its production processes, the plant will use clean waste wood, reducing CO2 emissions by 1,700 tons per year compared to conventional energy sources. It also makes this the first CO2 neutral treatment plant in Switzerland. 1,000 operating hours As soon as the L260H is unloaded at the quarry it is put to work, with operator Fabian Frutiger happy to get started. AG Balmholz plans to use the wheel loader for around 1,000 operating hours per year for the next 10 years, before it will be time to replace this hard-working machine. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals