Rapid Response Solutions (RRS) has installed a 45-tonne transformer at the East Cowes power station on the Isle of Wight, UK on behalf of transport and logistics specialist CTS.

CTS contracted RRS to unload and skid the transformer, which was delivered from Italy, into position upon arrival at the project site. Manufactured by Tironi, the unit measured 6 m x 2.4 m x 4 m.

RRS selected its 270-tonne capacity HT300 hydraulic skidding system, manufactured by Hydra-Slide, for the project.

Paul Barber, managing director at RRS, said: “We used the HT300 because the ground conditions between the road and the final landing position 15 m away was not all concrete; some areas were just loose stone and were not load bearing. Uneven ground meant there was a 450 mm height difference from unloading position to landing spot.

“[Using the HT300] we were able to set the support stands out every 3 m to level the track in both directions. The HT300 is designed to work without the tracks being fully supported, allowing it to bridge gaps.”

A crane was considered for the project, but due to limited space onsite and the ground sloping difficulties, hydraulic skidding was the preferred option.

This was the second transformer RRS has installed at the project site in the past year.

www.rapidrs.co.uk