Al Futtaim Auto Machinery Company has announced the UAE launch of Volvo pipelayers which is aimed at meeting the tough demands of the oil and gas industry.

Famco said that the launch represents 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 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 maximizing day to day productivity and safe operation in aggressive and demanding environments of the oil and gas industry.

The Volvo pipelayers, PL4608 & PL4611 feature a unique, state of the art Load Management System enabling the operator to see what he can safely pick up.

Mr Paul Floyd MD of Famco said that 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.

According to him, 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. These are multi purpose machines unlike conventional pipelayers which are built on a heavily modified bulldozer platform. When not utilized 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 utilized.

He said that 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.

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 system also features highly visible light arcs mounted at either side of the boom tips an industry first.

Mr Floyd said that 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.

He said that 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.

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