Heavy goes horizontal with Holmatro

Belgian company Heavy Lifting & Handling has expanded its horizontal load movement capability by adding a double-acting Holmatro skidding system to its fleet.

Holmatro, which manufactures hydraulic equipment in the Netherlands and the USA, said a core element of its approach is to handle the project management to reduce hassle for clients. The industrial division's new double-acting skidding system complements Heavy's activities, which includes the more usual vertically orientated applications of hoisting and lifting.

Antwerp-based Heavy said it has acquired the new equipment in response to a rapid increase in demand for the movement of industrial objects and installations of exceptional size and weight. The limited space where these loads, for example, generators, transformers and medical equipment, are generally placed, often precludes the economic use of a crane. Via Belgian dealer Vanas, Heavy got Holmatro to design and build the complete skidding system.

A double-acting hydraulic cylinder was built into the push/pull unit of the skidding set. The 26 tonne capacity cylinder can move a 200 tonnne load. To help the load slide on the skid beam, PTFE pads run on tracks that are laid out in advance. When a load has been pushed as far as possible from one side, the push/pull unit of the skidding set can be turned around without having to lift it off the track.

The Holmatro Group is an international company manufacturing in the Netherlands and the USA. Holmatro designs, produces and supplies hydraulic products for its three business units: Rescue equipment, Industrial equipment and Marine equipment.