Al-Futtaim Auto Machinery Company (FAMCO) announced the UAE launch of Volvo pipelayers which represent a major step forward versus conventional pipelayers, the basic design of which originated in the 1920s.
To be premiered at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) on November 1, the patented Volvo pipelayers have the boom located inside the tracks, closer to the machine's centre of gravity.
The result is greater stability, improved still further with the machines' broad based working platforms, thus maximising day-to-day productivity and safe operation in aggressive and demanding environments of the Oil & Gas industry. The Volvo pipelayers - PL4608 & PL4611 - feature a unique, state-of-the art Load Management System (LMS), enabling the operator to see what he can safely pick up.
Paul Floyd, Managing Director of FAMCO said: "We are extremely proud to introduce the award-winning Volvo pipelayers to customers in the UAE. These pipelayers are designed to increase productivity, provide cost-effective operation and maximum return on investment. In addition, the built-in safety features ensure that Volvo pipelayers meet the most exacting industry standards.
"These are multi-purpose machines unlike conventional pipelayers which are built on a heavily modified bulldozer platform. When not utilised for pipe laying a Volvo pipelayer can be converted back, in under a day, to a high production excavator or used in a wide variety of different applications where its heavy lift capability can be utilised."
Versatility, simplicity, safety and operator comfort are all built in unlike conventional pipelayers, which are inherently unstable with the boom mounted outboard on a bulldozer side frame. The asymmetric, open design of the boom provides a clear view to the work area, the load block at all heights and into the trench. The length of the boom provides for a longer reach and hook height enabling the machines to sit back from the trench.
In addition, the heavily reinforced boom, allied with the machine's excavator-style counterweight, ensures excellent weight distribution and therefore stability when working on steep slopes. Such stability allows for their best-in-class tipping capacities.
The system also features highly visible light bars mounted at either side of the boom tips – an industry first. A sequence of lights passing from green through amber to red reflects the state of the load and enables other operators on the line, especially the linesman, to see the load capacity that can be safely handled.
Unlike traditional pipelayers, the Volvo pipelayers can position the load smoothly and effortlessly by merely swinging the upper structure, just like an excavator. The result is precise, efficient load positioning that increases both productivity and safety.
The greatest benefit of the Volvo pipelayers, however, is the cost saving versatility of their design. Volvo pipelayers feature the Volvo "Care Cab", well known for its spaciousness, expansive glazed area – for excellent visibility, ergonomic controls and the best heating and ventilation system in the industry. Such factors ensure total comfort for the operator – never more important than on tough, demanding pipe line job sites, where conditions can be harsh in the extreme.
