An electric forklift capable of handling cable drums weighing almost 17 tonnes has been ordered for an offshore wind manufacturing site near the Port of Nigg.
Aprolis Equipment Distribution, an authorised UK distributor for Carer electric forklifts, has secured the order for a bespoke Carer A180X.
The high-capacity truck will support the expansion of offshore wind power generation on Scotland’s east coast.
It has been engineered to transport cable drums and reels weighing up to 16.68 tonnes. The loads can measure 3.2 metres in diameter and 1,760mm in width, with an 880mm load centre.
The vehicle will initially move empty reels into the manufacturing facility.
It will then carry fully loaded cable drums through the production process and position them around the site.
Designed for heavy-duty industrial and outdoor work, the A180X is powered by two AC drive motors intended to provide the speed, torque and power required for demanding operations.
A high-capacity battery will allow the truck to operate for extended periods between charges.
The vehicle also has increased ground clearance and pneumatic tyres to improve stability when travelling over uneven surfaces.
A lateral battery extraction system has been included to make battery changes and maintenance easier, particularly during periods of high demand.
Safety features include a rear-view camera, an automatic parking brake and technology that reduces the truck’s speed when cornering.
Aprolis worked with a regional support partner to develop a turnkey package based on the customer’s operating requirements.
The team conducted site surveys and assessed how the truck would fit into the manufacturing process, including the challenges involved in moving large undersea cable drums.
Several adaptations were made following the assessment.
A 45-degree section was removed from each fork tip to enable the reels to be handled more safely and efficiently.
The forks were also reinforced to accommodate the unusual load profile and maintain stability while the drums are transported and positioned.
Operator familiarisation and driver training will be provided as part of the package.
Carer has specialised in purpose-built electric heavy forklifts since the company was established in 1976.
Aprolis said this experience contributed to the selection of the A180X, as the customer required a fully electric alternative to an internal combustion truck.
Andy Armitage, sales manager at Aprolis Equipment Distribution, said: “From the outset, this project was all about collaboration.”
He added: “Working closely with our local support partner and the customer, we carried out detailed site visits and assessed the exact specification of the cable reels and operational requirements to ensure we supplied the right solution for the application.”
Armitage said the requirement for an electric and cost-effective vehicle made Carer a suitable choice for the project.
“The requirement for a fully electric, cost-effective truck from day one made Carer the ideal fit,” he said.
“Their experience in designing purpose-built heavy electric forklifts, combined with our ability to tailor the specification to the customer’s exact requirements, enabled us to deliver a solution that met both their operational needs and sustainability objectives.”