Transformer replacement with Hydra-Slide
Reynolds Transfer and Storage used Hydra-Slide hydraulic skidding equipment to complete the removal and replacement of a transformer at a utility company.
Image source: Cranes Today
USA, Wisconsin, Madison: Reynolds Transfer and Storage used Hydra-Slide hydraulic skidding equipment to complete the removal and replacement of a transformer at a utility company recently.
The multifaceted project involved removal of the existing 107 t (118.5 US t / 237,000 lb ) transformer, which was installed by Reynolds in 1984, and installation of a 77 t (170,000 lb) replacement, which was redundant but in working order at another site.
Integral to safe completion were a 272 t (300 US t) capacity HT 300 heavy track hydraulic skidding system and a 3 m x 3 m, 463 t (10 ft x 10 ft, 500 US t) capacity turntable, both chosen for their lightweight and suitability to the substation environment. A telehandler was used for moving equipment around the site.
Thomas Reynolds, president at Reynolds Transfer and Storage, explained that “the move occurred within a substation so that the existing pad could be removed and replaced with a design that is consistent with current standards. We then moved it to a remote site by sliding over 300 m (1,000 ft). The 6 m and 3 m (20 ft and 10 ft) Hydra-Slide track lengths were leap-frogged ahead to provide for continuous movement with less total track length.”
Reynolds continued: “When the new pad was ready, we went to Fond Du Lac, loaded the replacement unit onto our 77 t (85 US t) capacity trailer and hauled it to Madison. We needed to take the trailer apart just to get into the substation for unloading. The substation is very congested and energized so we unloaded and slid from the trailer onto the new pad.”
A four-port propane Hydra-Pac, also from Hydra-Slide, was used to power the skidding system.
Onsite, Reynolds was represented by up to six people at any one time, sourced from a heavy rigging team of 16. Inevitably, the project involved street occupancy permits and road closures.
Source: Cranes Today