In the UK, two companies at the forefront of these developments are PSR Turnkey Solutions Ltd, based in Rotherham in South Yorkshire and one of the country’s leading independent plant hire companies, H. E. Services (Plant Hire) Ltd.
PSR Turnkey Solutions specialises in building the infrastructure for the growing renewables market, from preparing the foundations for concrete plinths for rechargers for electric vehicles to building battery energy storage systems (BESS) to support the National Grid.
Infrastructure for Utilising Renewable Energy
Battery storage, or battery energy storage systems (BESS), are devices that enable energy from renewables, like solar and wind, to be stored and then released when the power is needed most. Battery storage technologies are therefore deemed to be essential in speeding up the replacement of fossil fuels with renewable energy, playing an increasingly pivotal role between green energy supplies and responding to electricity demands.
Paul Strutt added: “Lithium-ion batteries, which are used in mobile phones and electric cars, are currently the dominant storage technology for large scale plants to help electricity grids ensure a reliable supply of renewable energy. We’ve begun deploying this technology with heavier equipment, working with a company that makes battery storage systems for industrial, commercial and residential buildings.”
For use in this work, PSR Turnkey Solutions has purchased new Bobcat mini-excavators and a new Bobcat compact track loader for use on the company’s renewable energy projects across the UK. The new Bobcat equipment was supplied by AMS Bobcat Limited, based in Scunthorpe, the Authorised Bobcat Dealer for Lincolnshire and South and East Yorkshire. The new machines comprise a Bobcat E19 1.9 tonne and two E27z 2.7 tonne mini-excavators and a T450 compact track loader.
Paul Strutt, Managing Director of PSR Turnkey Solutions, commented:
“We moved from another brand when we bought the Bobcat machines. We were impressed by the design and the performance of the Bobcat excavators and the new loader. The presentation by AMS Bobcat and the support they will provide was also crucial in the purchase decision and we look forward to working closely with AMS and Bobcat in the future.”
The new Bobcat equipment has already been employed in contracts as far apart as Scotland and west London. In fact, one of the most recent projects for one of the new E27z mini-excavators was the installation of an environmentally friendly air source heating system to replace gas boilers at a leisure centre in Ruislip to the west of London.
One of the most attractive features of the Bobcat M-Series T450 compact track loader for PSR Turnkey Systems is its attachment capability. There is a wide choice of different types of Bobcat attachment that can be combined quickly and safely with the T450, via the quick-change Bob-Tach attachment mounting system, delivering versatility and time-saving efficiency across a huge range of different applications.
Paul Strutt continued: “The T450 is a very handy addition to our fleet. One of the first attachments we have bought is a sweeper, to provide clean up on site. I also see the T450 as a replacement for dumpers as it does not have to be filled up by other machines on site as it can do all that work itself.”
High Performance Mini-Excavators
The E19 mini-excavator delivers impressive performance in confined spaces with the need fo
r only minimal repositioning. The operator can hydraulically retract the undercarriage to a width of only 98 cm in order to travel through gates or between walls and houses, then expand it to 136 cm for a wider footprint and greater performance.
The E27z is part of Bobcat’s R-Series mini-excavators from 2-4 tonne, comprising four more models – the E26, E27, E34 and E35z. All five machines offer a best-in-class mix of high digging forces, superb stability and smooth controllability of working functions complemented by low weights for easy transportation. The new E27z with its cab and bucket has an operating weight of 2700 kg, a maximum digging depth of 2847 mm and maximum reach at ground level of 4814 mm.
E. Services Adds New Bobcat T76 Compact Track Loaders to Fleet
The collaboration between H. E. Services and Bobcat represents a strategic partnership aimed at delivering top-tier machinery and exceptional service to customers. By incorporating Bobcat’s renowned engineering and innovative solutions into its fleet, H. E. Services continues to uphold its reputation for excellence and reliability in equipment hire.
As one of the UK’s largest plant hire companies, H. E. Services boasts a fleet exceeding 3500 items of plant, which are offered for hire nationwide via 11 strategically located depots. One of the latest additions to the H. E. Services fleet is a batch of new Bobcat T76 compact track loaders.
For H. E. Services, the Bobcat T76 tracked loader is a game-changer in the construction and landscaping sectors, boasting a powerful 73 HP (54.5 kW) engine to deliver impressive power and efficiency. Its vertical lift path ensures greater lift capacity and height, making it ideal for loading, grading, and material handling tasks. The T76 has an impressive operating weight of 5051 kg and a rated operating capacity of 1426 kg, ensuring it is a powerful and efficient tool for a variety of heavy-duty tasks.
In addition to its impressive technical specifications, the T76 tracked loader features a state-of-the-art cab with enhanced visibility, ergonomic controls and superior comfort, ensuring operators can work efficiently and safely for extended periods.
“Adding the Bobcat T76 tracked loaders to our fleet underscores our commitment to providing our customers with the best equipment available,” said Malcolm Gough, National Hire Manager at H. E. Services. Malcolm continued, “Bobcat’s track record of innovation and quality aligns perfectly with our mission to offer machinery that enhances productivity and meets the rigorous demands of our clients’ projects.”
Graham Deacon, National Account Sales Manager for Doosan Bobcat, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership stating: “We are proud to support H. E. Services with the delivery of our latest T76 models. Their commitment to excellence mirrors our own, and we are confident that these machines will exceed their high standards and contribute significantly to their ongoing success.”
The Bobcat T76 Compact Track Loader: Built for Tough Terrain
Solar and wind farms are at the forefront of the renewables revolution. As such, their operations require specialised equipment that can handle the unique challenges of renewable energy projects. One of the biggest challenges faced by solar and wind companies is working on uneven and often boggy terrain. The T76, with its compact design and low ground pressure, is specifically engineered to navigate such difficult conditions. The tracked system allows the T76 to maintain stability and traction on soft, muddy grounds. This further ensures that projects remain on schedule regardless of the terrain.
Attachment Versatility for Lifting Solar Panels and Earthmoving
The versatility of the T76 is another reason it is a must-have for renewable energy companies. The machine’s ability to switch attachments, like transitioning from a bucket for earth/aggregate moving and grading to forks, makes it ideal for lifting and transporting heavy solar panels. This capability is particularly useful in ground preparation/reinstatement and when unloading panels from lorries and positioning them into place on ground-mounted solar frames. The ease of attachment changeover minimises downtime, improving overall efficiency on the job site.
Compact track loaders can play a pivotal role in the development and maintenance of solar farms. Their unique design enables them to operate in a wide range of conditions while minimising soil compaction and damage to the landscape. Here are some ways tracked loaders enhance efficiency and sustainability on solar farms:
Site Preparation: Before solar panels can be installed, the site must be carefully prepared. Track loaders can quickly clear vegetation, level the ground and create a solid foundation for panel installation. Their ability to manoeuvre in tight spaces allows for efficient land preparation without disturbing the surrounding environment.
Material Handling: During the construction of solar farms, there is a significant need to transport heavy materials such as solar panels, mounting systems and electrical equipment. Track loaders excel at moving these materials efficiently, reducing the time and labour required for such tasks.
Minimising Environmental Impact: One of the key advantages of using track loaders on solar farms is their reduced environmental footprint. Their design allows them to operate on softer ground without causing significant disturbance, thus preserving the natural landscape. This feature is particularly important in areas where protecting local flora and fauna is crucial.
Ongoing Maintenance: After the solar farm is operational, tracked loaders continue to be valuable for ongoing maintenance tasks, such as clearing debris and managing vegetation growth around the solar panels. This ensures optimal performance of the solar energy system while maintaining the integrity of the site.
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