The DECKHAND® Pipe Handling System

Addressing pipe handling safety is made easy by the DECKHAND Pipe Handling System, which is distributed exclusively by PipeLine Machinery International (PLM).

The DECKHAND accomplishes precise pipe handling and placement without requiring ground crew to work in the vicinity of moving pipe. In tight areas, the DECKHAND and its excavator carrier do not have to be positioned fully perpendicular to the pipe pile or landing unit because the DECKHAND can safely grasp and lift pipe even off-centre on the pipe joint. The DECKHAND can also be configured with horizontal drilling arms or utility arms for moving multiple sizes of pipe.

“We have had strong interest shown in the DECKHAND system for some time now,” says PLM Australasia Territory Manager Martin Williamson. “We’re pleased we’ve been able to bring these units in and show firsthand how they are changing the world of pipe handling.”

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New to Australia, two models of the DECKHAND system will be demonstrated throughout the autumn and winter months in the Brisbane area and at Chinchilla on the Queensland Curtis LNG Project.

Load monitoring

PLM has teamed up with Cranesmart to provide the pipeline industry with the first wireless load monitoring indicator (LMI) system for pipelayers. The Cranesmart Pipelayer system enables contractors to manage a safer and more efficient jobsite, and with precise load management details available to operators at all times, the system significantly reduces the potential for costly and dangerous overloading, tip-overs, roll-overs and other jobsite accidents. It also enhances safer working conditions for ground personnel and reduces equipment damage due to overloading and extreme slope operations.

The Cranesmart LMI offers unparalleled accuracy and reliability in the industry, with load and angle readings accurate to within +/-1 per cent. Technical specifications are flexible to meet any customer’s specific needs.

72H Pipelayer

New to the fleet in 2012 is PLM-Cat’s own purpose-built 40,823 kg pipelayer – the 72H. According to PLM, this tier-4 Interim/EU Stage IIIB-class machine is the result of listening to the industry and filling the need for a mid-range pipelayer that bridges the gap between the lifting capacity of the PL61 (18,145 kg), the heavy lifting PL83 (72,575 kg) and the PL87 (97,069 kg).

With the support of Caterpillar and the engineering expertise of Vanguard Equipment Inc., the 72H was engineered to meet the most exacting emissions requirements in the world. The 72H requires ultra-low sulphur diesel fuel, which is readily available throughout Australia, North America and selected European countries.

Hydraulic conversion package

PLM distributes the Vanguard Equipment Wetdeck package, which economically converts ageing Caterpillar pipelayers’ mechanical drawworks into state-of-the-art hydraulic units. The fully-engineered Wetdeck offers the same safe, reliable and easy-to-operate functionality and control as a modern Caterpillar pipelayer. The result is extended life on reliable 572, 583 and 594 pipelayers. The fully tested and engineered product is ergonomically designed and safety engineered to SAE/ISO and CE standards.

The drawworks come in a completely assembled modular package ready to bolt into an existing machine. Modular design allows fast replacement of parts, easy field service and testing. The 250 gallon hydraulic tank with excellent heat dissipation is equipped with the Cat 572R filter system, ecology drain and site gauge, and has an operating temperature range of -40–50˚Celsius. Optional oil cooler is available for operation in higher temperatures.

Continuous powered welding package

Utilising substantial research with industry leaders and technicians, Vanguard Equipment, Inc. has developed the CPW 125 welding package. PLM is proud to be the exclusive distributor of this state-of-the-art unit that sets the standard for quality and efficiency of on-site pipeline welding.