Glenalmond Timber Invests in

• 
• 2nd April 2008
• Materials Handling
 

Glenalmond Timber of Perth in Scotland has purchased a high specification Liebherr A 934C HD Litronic long-reach materials handler to unload specialist bulk vessels in Perth Harbour. Glenalmond is the sole UK importer of UltraJoist structural timber elements for the timber frame industry and national builders' merchants, bringing in around 60,000 cubic metres of product each year from fabrication and treatment plants in Latvia, Sweden and Germany. Constructed from sustainable timber (UltraJoist timbers are Forestry Stewardship Council certified to originate exclusively from responsibly managed forestry resources) and treated with unique water repellent and preservation, elements can span up to 12 metres and can also greatly vary in shape and weight. Glenalmond required a highly reliable and productive materials handler to unload product from the bulk vessels and, from the operational safety point of view, also needed a machine which would not only provide excellent operator visibility but would also be capable of reaching over the vessels' holds and dealing with tide variances experienced at Perth Harbour. Glenalmond's Fraser Steele commented "Our Liebherr A 934C HD Litronic does exactly what it was required to do and we are very pleased with its performance".

Glenalmond Timber has been in operation for more than 60 years and their UltraJoist range of structural timber products is widely in use throughout the UK. Growing in success since being introduced here six years ago, UltraJoist is claimed to be the only super-dried, moisture protected structural timber available in Europe. A unique treatment process means that it does not swell, shrink, move or twist, thereby eliminating moisture-related problems normally encountered in new build and refurbishment.

"Our Liebherr Materials Handler is performing well" says Fraser Steele. "We are now unloading between 2,000 and 3,900 cubic metres of structural timber from small to medium sized bulk vessels in 6 to 10 hours and, because of its elevating cab and excellent reach capabilities, we can safely reduce the number of banksmen required for this task". Glenalmond Timber is looking to extend the use of their new Liebherr and will be offering the machine on hire to other stevedoring operations at Perth Harbour.

The A 934C HD has been taken with numerous features for this specialist application and (see picture) has a vivid and memorable livery in keeping with Glenalmond's corporate identity and bespoke transport fleet.

A 40 tonnes class wheeled materials handler, the A 934C HD Litronic is powered by a D 934L turbo-charged and after-cooled Liebherr engine complying with Tier3/Level3A emissions and developing 150kW at 1800RPM. The heavy-duty axles feature front oscillation lock which can be either automatically or operator controlled. The tyres are Michelin 20.5 R25 radials. Travel speed is infinitely variable and between 2.50 and 18 kmh (road speed) and four hydraulic outriggers provide optimum stability for stationary operations. Glenalmond's machine is a long-reach version and is equipped with an 8.60 metres angled monobloc industrial boom and a 7.50 metres angled industrial stick, both with load-holding valves and giving a maximum load of 4.60 tonnes at 15 metres radius using outriggers; 2.30 tonnes free-on-wheels. A 12.50 tonnes capacity load hook with suspension completes the attachment specifications. Central automatic lubrication is fitted.

For load visibility, the ergonomically designed operator's cab can be hydraulically elevated to give a line of sight raised to around 6.85 metres - vital when unloading bulk vessel holds. Inside the cab, the operator has the benefit of comfort, safety and comprehensive instrumentation. The Litronic engine and hydraulics management system provides complete operational data and safe load indication, air-conditioning is standard as is armoured glass, and the fully adjustable seat is heated and equipped with an automatic ventral safety belt. The steering wheel is adjustable and the twin joysticks are integrated into the seat armrests, providing positive and accurate control of slew and attachments. Additional front headlights, travel beacon and a radio set have been included.

For further information, please contact:                           
Liebherr-Great Britain Limited
Telephone: 01767-602100
Fax: 01767-602110