18 Jan 24
Flannery Plant Hire has raised the bar with its latest fleet enhancement - an interesting 'glow up' of a 50-tonne CAT 352 excavator. This initiative, led by Dean Hargreaves of AJH Plant, is a fine example of the company's commitment to merging cutting-edge technology with a firm understanding of client needs.
The Forefront of Safety and Technology:
Central to this transformation is the integration of an advanced 3D collision avoidance system, born from the collaborative genius of Xwatch Safety Solutions and Leica Geosystems. This system, merged into the Leica MC1 machine control software, sets a new standard in safety and efficiency.
Leica Geosystems and Xwatch Safety Solutions jointly developed a new solution to safeguard construction assets and infrastructure on site. This solution is possible by combining the state-of-the-art Leica MC1 machine control software and the top-of-the-line XW5 Series from Xwatch Safety Solutions. The 3D Avoidance Zone System allows users to create or import 3D avoidance zones above and below the surface area directly within the Leica MC1 machine control software. The solution minimises downtime, reduces unforeseen costs, and provides a safer environment for machine operators and nearby workers.
Dean explains, "When approaching an avoidance zone, the system will take control of the machine’s height, depth and slew movements triggering the hydraulic functions of the excavator to stop once approaching these zones. The hydraulic control is proportional, meaning the machine’s movement will slow down before completely stopping when approaching an avoidance zone. The motion of the excavator’s tracks can also be disabled so it cannot breach environmental areas or designated no-go zones, even avoid overheard power cables or gantries."
AJH Plant's Critical Role:
AJH Plant has been instrumental in this transformation, with Dean Hargreaves leading the charge in installation and calibration. AJH's partnership with Xwatch Safety Solutions, spanning over four years, has been characterised by a keen responsiveness to customer needs. Dean Hargreaves, remarked, "This retrofit on Flannery's existing Cat machine, not only modernises its fleet but also aligns it with the stringent safety requirements of tier one contractors and major infrastructure projects. It's about taking existing machinery and elevating it to meet the future head-on."
"The feedback we've received post-installation has been overwhelmingly positive, underlining the demand for such advanced safety systems in today’s market," added Dean.
Customer-Centric Upgrades:
This fleet upgrade, driven by client feedback, showcases Flannery's dedication to customer satisfaction. The addition of the Xwatch Trackloc system, which halts track movement upon command from the Xwatch controller, is a testament to their proactive approach in embracing innovative technologies. Dan Leaney Xwatch Sales & Operations Director elaborates, "Our customers are looking for modern, safe, and efficient equipment. By retrofitting existing fleets with these advanced systems, we're not just upgrading machinery; we're ensuring our clients stay ahead in a highly competitive field."
Industry Benchmarking:
The integration of the Xwatch system marks a significant stride in Flannery Plant Hire’s strategy to redefine industry norms. The adoption of the Xwatch EOHC system, is also an example of the company's forward-thinking ethos, led by AJH Plant. The Xwatch EOHC is a modern innovation in motion control technology, representing a significant transition from traditional pilot hydraulic systems to an electric control system for the high-pressure mechanism. This shift not only enhances cost-effectiveness but also increases efficiency in motion controls. A key aspect of the EOHC system is its simplicity, which is achieved by eliminating the need for multiple hydraulic components. This results in easier, faster, and cleaner installation processes.
Dean added, "The beauty of the EOHC system lies in its simplicity and efficiency. It's a game-changer for existing fleets, significantly enhancing their operation and compliance with current safety standards.
"Flannery Plant Hire, through these strategic upgrades and partnerships, continues to be a leader hire industry. Their recent upgrade of the CAT 352 excavator, in line with customer feedback and installed with precision by AJH Plant, is a testament to their commitment to innovation and excellence. For those in the sector looking to modernise their fleet, Flannery's approach stands as an exemplary model of how to meet and surpass the evolving safety demands of major infrastructure projects." Concluded Dan
