UK-headquartered Collett has delivered a 128-tonne transformer from Esprit Warehousing & Docks, Salford to a National Grid substation in Rochdale, UK.
Preparation for the delivery of the 7.6 m x 4 m x 3.9 m transformer began in March 2021 with the initial feasibility of the movement assessed. Having completed route surveys and swept path analysis reports, Collett’s consulting department determined that various items of street furniture would need removing. This included requesting a temporary traffic regulation order (TTRO) along the road that led up to the substation. In addition, road widening works were completed using aluminium trackway panels to enable the trailer to make the sweep into the site.
Prior to delivery, Collett’s projects and engineering departments worked closely with Esprit Warehousing & Docks, carefully planning the cargo discharge including crane lift plans and an agreed programme of works for all discharge operations.
Navigating the busy streets of Greater Manchester provided a challenge, said Collett, but it was assisted by a Scheuerle Power Boost system attached to a 16-axle modular trailer pulled by a MAN 8 x 4 tractor unit. The Power Boost system prevented the need for a second ballast tractor unit and gave the ability to drop the prime mover off altogether and turn the trailer into a self-propelled transporter (SPT). Furthermore, utilising the SPT significantly lowered the overall train weight of the load for site access limitations later on in the journey, added Collett.
All movements were facilitated by Greater Manchester Police and Transport for Greater Manchester, ensuring prior warning and protection of all other road users.
Once the transformer was onsite, Collett’s heavy lift team was on hand to offload and position the transformer using hydraulic jacking and skidding equipment.
