Page 41 - Hub-4 Magazine Issue 80

Material Handlers
Port Application – Hugh Simpson Contractors
Starting off as a two-man operation in 1964, Hugh Simpson Contractors are now Northern Scotland’s leading lifting and crane-hire company. From harbour bases in Wick and Scrabster, the 3rd generation family business specialises in contracting lifting, crane and plant hire, heavy haulage, and ship to shore stevedoring.
As part of their port handling operation the company run a number of material handlers which includes a 2003 model Fuchs MHL 360. After deciding it was time to replace one of their existing handlers, Blue Scotland brought in an MHL 380F
on demo. David Simpson at Hugh Simpson explains “We weren’t initially looking to bring in a handler as big as the MHL 380, however, once we spent some time using the machine it soon became the obvious choice for us. With vessels getting bigger and deeper, it made sense for us to go with a larger machine that could keep up with the larger volumes that we are dealing with”.
The machine was fitted with a 3.6m3 clampshell grab which the company will use for the unloading of materials such as fertilizer and limestone. However, they have also several other attachments for the handler which will be used to handle timber and piping projects.
David went on to discuss the performance of their new handler: “We know how reliable the Fuchs handlers are as our old MHL 360 is now over 20 years old and has served us well with no major issues. However, we have been blown away with the performance of this new machine. Its power, stability and ease of use is miles ahead of any handler we have ever operated.”
www.hub-4.com May/June - Issue 80
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