WHERE & HOW TO USE MY SLINGER. Episode 7: SOLAR FARMS

So what have we covered to date? SHEETING, UNDERGROUND TANK INSTALLATION, EROSION CONTROL, LANDSCAPING, TRENCH BACKFILLING and finally STREETSCAPES. Now while we have already covered trench backfilling previously, constructing a Solar Farm is far more than just trenches and cables. This is where the Slinger machines come into their own on large scale construction sites. In particular sites that require masses amounts of imported material and where every saving counts.

These articles are part of a series explaining the where, why and how of using Slinger Machines. In each article I will have an APPLICATION as well as TARGET EQUIPMENT. The purpose of the Target Equipment is to find the more suited equipment for the application. While each CAS Slinger is capable of doing all applications, there are just some tools better suited to the task at hand. So please don't think there is only ever one way or one machine.

These articles are written for industries and personnel that have not used or seen Slingers in action. Sure, if you currently own a Slinger you may find some applications that you previously may not have thought about. If you currently run either an on-road or off-road unit and have other applications that I do not cover over the coming articles, then please leave your comments. I always love to see where and how these units are in use around the world. We also have a FaceBook Group dedicated to all things Slingers so please go and check it out at "SLINGIT.” Join the group and add as many pictures and videos of your equipment in action as you would like. If you don't own a Slinger yet, still join and follow along to see what everyone is up to.

EPISODE 7

APPLICATION: SOLAR FARMS

TARGET EQUIPMENT: AT7 & TR20

As described in the opening paragraph, there is far more application that Slingers can help with on large scale construction sites like Solar Farms. The trench and in particular, the backfilling of the trench are certainly where huge production increases and savings can be made. No doubt about it, however have you ever thought about sheeting of the roads? Or the placing of stone around the sub stations, foundation material placing for the sub stations? What about any kind of batter work when working on slopes? Does your project have any large drains around the perimeter? Does your project call for placing of stone or similar to manage the dust?

If your Solar Farm is calling for placing material, of almost any kind, then an AT7 off-road Slinger by Conveyor Application Systems will be your most versatile piece of equipment on your job site. Almost all large scale Solar Farms are built in quite remote areas. Generally due to the size and the availability of free land. I have seen some that are put on swamp land in very close proximity to towns, however very minimal. Due to the remote nature of these project, the imported material supply can make or break the project. Haulage costs can be substantial so any savings that can be made placing the material are savings straight to the back pocket of the contractor.

Increasing speed is one thing but the ability to reduce waste while removing equipment and personnel from an operation is a bonus on bonus. I see these projects being constructed all over the globe and it pains me to see waste on waste on waste. Whether your labour costs are cheap or not, waste is waste and if you can save it you will end up with more money in bank. It is that simple. While an AT7 off-road Slinger can increase cable trench backfill up to 10 times faster than traditional methods, its that waste or raw materials and personnel that is the standout factor.

Traditional backfill methods like bucketing material into a trench either from an excavator or a rubber tyre loader will not only create waste, it will also require personnel working the material in the trench. With the AT7, once loaded, is a one person operation at a rate of up to 15 meters a minute with zero waste (once loaded). With the fine tuning capabilities of the radio remote system with creep function, you are 100% in control of the material delivery. Being radio controlled you are also able to operate in the best location for visibility and material placement.

There are many underground cable pits that require backfilling; sub-station foundations, drains, batters, roads.........there is a varied and large list of areas where the fine placing capabilities of the AT7 come into their own. All with the purpose of saving material and increasing production. Hard to get to areas as well like under PV panels after they are installed was always hand work only. Well not anymore, with a Slinger you are able to place material into those hard to reach places and also get the machine into some very tight spots indeed. The AT7 has 3 way steering, independent front and rear steer, as well as a crab steering feature.

Versatility meets flexibility.......this is smart contracting, this is CAS Slingers. If you would like any further information on this equipment then we are here to help. At Oryx Consulting are purpose of being is to help our customers build quicker, safer projects while reducing project overheads. We have worked in the field for on a quarter of a century across 4 continents. We are hands on and have been part of a team that have broken many records for installation of underground services. We pride ourselves on helping our customers Build a Better Project.