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Supplying Equipment for Ground-Mounted Solar PV Farms in Bugallon

The Philippines has been actively expanding its deployment of ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants, harnessing the benefits of high solar irradiance. This approach is seen as a promising way to diversify the energy mix and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. In the Bugallon area, numerous solar farms of various sizes have been constructed in recent years, making a significant contribution to the region’s power grid. This has meant that the construction of these ground-mounted solar PV power plants demands efficient and reliable solar piling and material handling solutions. Today, we proudly highlight our achievements in supplying equipment for one of the solar farms located in Brgy. Salomague Sur, Bugallon, Pangasinan, through Cross-Link Electric & Construction Corporation, formerly known as Cross-Link Electric Corporation.

What challenge are we facing on-site?

The site primarily consists of a flat surface, with some areas showing an inclination of approximately 15 to 20 degrees, making navigation with conventional equipment difficult. The land is hard and contains many stones beneath the surface. Solar PV modules are bulky and can be heavy, requiring specialized equipment for safe and efficient handling, while purlins, though lighter, are often long and unwieldy.

What solutions do we offer?

◉　Solar Pile Driver

Our Solar Pile Driver, known as Screw Pile Machine, is revolutionizing the installation of ground-mount solar systems. This crawler hydraulic drilling rig harnesses innovative construction technology and a climbing mechanism, adjustable to accommodate slope heights of up to 45 degrees, enabling the execution of solar engineering projects on challenging terrains.

Embracing a range of photovoltaic construction technologies, the equipment excels in screw pile drilling, spiral hole drilling, rock down-the-hole (DTH) hammer operations, and ramming pile installations. With its hydraulic components featuring imported original parts, the machine achieves remarkable performance and exceptional stability.

Its compact design features a mast with a telescopic compensation function, enhancing borehole stability as it operates, while being supported firmly on the ground.

This solar piling machine stands as a testament to reliability, efficiency, and versatility, proudly recognized as the strongest mountainous solar drilling rig in the Philippines. Furthermore, its capabilities extend to various applications, including anchoring, water well construction, water conservation projects, power plant establishment, open-pit mining, road building, and various other blasting hole operations.

◉　Telehandler

Our Manitou MT-X 1840 telehandler has an impressive lifting capacity of up to 4 tons and can reach a height of 17.55 meters. This capability enables the effective handling of numerous solar photovoltaic (PV) modules or a substantial quantity of purlins, ensuring confidence in performance and reliability. Its extended reach and height enable efficient unloading from delivery trucks and precise placement of materials within the project area, even over obstacles.

With a generous ground clearance of 42 cm, short turning radius of 4.01 m, four-wheel drive, and three steering modes (four-wheel steer, two-wheel steer, and crab mode), the telehandler is easy to maneuver in the varied and sometimes challenging terrain of the solar farm. The outriggers and frame leveling system ensure that handling loads is performed safely.

Additionally, the telehandler is equipped with various attachments, such as pallet forks, jib, and platform basket, allowing for seamless transitions between loading, unloading, and hauling tasks.

The telehandler’s deployment followed a systematic workflow:

Unloading: Upon arrival of delivery trucks, the MT-X 1840 efficiently unloaded crated solar PV modules and bundles of purlins. Its precise control allowed for careful handling, minimizing the risk of damage.
Staging and Storage: Materials were then transported by the telehandler to designated staging and temporary storage areas within the project site, ensuring organized material flow and easy access for installation teams.
Hauling to Installation Points: As installation progressed, the telehandler hauled the modules and purlins from the staging areas directly to the specific rows and arrays where they were needed. This direct-to-point delivery significantly reduced manual labor and installation time.

Results and Benefits

The utilization of the rented Solar Piler Driver and Telehandler MT-X 1840 yielded significant benefits for the Bugallon Solar Power Plant project:

Increased Efficiency: Solar ground screw piling works and material handling operations have been significantly optimized, leading to faster pile driving activities, unloading, and transportation, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of the project.
Reduced Labor Costs: They both minimized the need for extensive manual handling or traditional piling methods, reducing labor requirements and associated costs.
Enhanced Safety: By mechanizing heavy lifting and piling works, the risk of injuries to workers was substantially reduced, creating a safer working environment.
Minimized Material Damage: The precise control and stability of the telehandler helped prevent damage to fragile solar PV modules and valuable purlins during transport. Unlike traditional pile driving methods that might use excessive force, our solar pile driver is designed to apply a controlled and consistent driving force. This prevents overdriving, buckling, or deformation of the piles.
Improved Project Timeline Adherence: These effective equipment played a crucial role in keeping the project on schedule, helping to avoid expensive delays.

Conclusion

This example highlights the value of renting solar pile driver and telehandler for the installation and material handling challenges faced by ground-mounted solar PV farms in Bugallon. By leveraging advanced, reliable equipment specifically tailored for solar projects, the construction has been able to significantly improve operational efficiency, reduce installation timelines, and lower overall costs. MAYON’s rental services offer flexible and affordable options along with 24/7 support without the need for large capital investments, making the Philippines’ renewable energy projects more accessible and scalable nationwide.

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Safety Tips for Operating Crawler Cranes

Crawler cranes are powerful machines used in various heavy-lifting applications, but their operation comes with significant risks. Ensuring safety requires adherence to strict protocols, proper training, and regular maintenance. Below are essential safety tips for operating crawler cranes effectively and safely.

Understanding Crawler Cranes

A crawler crane consists of an upper carriage mounted on a crawler-type undercarriage, allowing 360º rotation. It features a boom (box or lattice type) and may include an optional jib. These cranes are versatile, but expose operators and nearby personnel to hazards like falling objects, crushing, and explosions.

Pre-Startup Safety Measures

1. Operator Qualifications:

The operation of cranes, particularly heavy equipment like crawler cranes, demands a high level of skill and expertise to ensure safety and efficiency. Only trained and certified personnel should undertake this responsibility, given the potential risks involved. An operator must be both physically and mentally fit, possessing good vision and quick reflexes to respond swiftly to any unexpected situations. The Heavy-Equipment Operation (Crawler Crane) NC II qualification from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) serves as a testament to an individual’s proficiency and competence in operating such machinery. This certification ensures that the operator has undergone rigorous training, mastering the necessary techniques and safety protocols to perform tasks effectively while minimizing the risk of accidents.

2. Pre-Operational Inspection:

Conduct a daily walk-around inspection. Check for structural damage, hydraulic leaks, and ensure all safety devices are functional.

3. Worksite Safety:

Verify the area is clear of obstructions and personnel. Ensure proper ventilation if operating indoors.

Safe Operating Procedures

1. Communication:

Standardized communication methods, such as hand signals or radios, should be employed to ensure a clear understanding of the operator’s instructions during the lift.

2. Load Management:

Know the weight, dimensions, and center of gravity of the load. Ensure slings and ropes are in good condition.

3. Movement Control:

Operate joysticks progressively under load and allow ample stopping time. Be mindful of wind forces.

4. Visibility:

Keep windows and mirrors clean for optimal visibility. Avoid storing tools or clutter in the cab.

Shutdown and Maintenance

1. Parking:

Lower the load to the ground and park on firm, level terrain. Never leave a load suspended.

2. Engine Shutdown:

Idle the engine for three minutes before turning it off. Secure all doors and covers.

3. Maintenance:

Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule. Use lock-out/tag-out procedures and wear PPE during repairs.

General Safety Practices

1. Training:

Lower the load to the ground and park on firm, level terrain. Never leave a load suspended.

2. Signage:

Ensure safety signs are visible and legible. Replace damaged signs immediately.

3. Housekeeping:

Keep walkways clear of trip hazards and maintain a tidy worksite.

4. Visitor Safety:

Inform visitors and vendors to stay clear of operational areas.

By following these guidelines, operators can minimize risks and ensure a safe working environment for everyone involved. Always refer to the manufacturer’s manual for specific instructions and updates or contact us today to make sure operating crawler cranes safety.

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Heavy Lifting Solutions: 150T Crawler Crane Supports Mauban Jetty Port Construction

The Jetty Port construction project in Mauban, Quezon, is being carried out for ACEN (formerly AC Energy) to support their Isla Wind Farm initiative, which aims to establish a wind farm in the area. As a partner of Prime Metro BMD Corporation (PrimeBMD), the company primarily responsible for the Jetty Port construction, Mayon Machinery (MMRI) takes pride in our contribution to delivering exceptional heavy lifting solutions that support renewable energy development in the Philippines, particularly during the construction process. To ensure seamless operations and overcome various site challenges, a 150T Kobelco 7150 crawler crane was deployed to provide the necessary lifting capacity and support.

***150T Kobelco 7150 Crawler Crane Supports Mauban Jetty Port Project***

Challenges:

Difficult Transportation to Site:

Transporting the crane itself to the construction site presents a major hurdle. The narrow, mountainous terrain, steep slopes, and potentially poor road conditions significantly complicated the logistics. Specialized transport vehicles and meticulous route planning were applied to navigate these obstacles safely and efficiently.

Coastal Location and Unstable Ground:

The jetty’s coastal location introduced additional complexities. The ground near the sea was likely unstable, requiring careful consideration of soil conditions and potential ground shifting. This instability affected the crane’s positioning and the overall stability of the construction process.

To effectively manage these risks, the project team implemented several strategies:

Robust Site Assessments: Daily evaluations of site conditions ensured that the team was aware of any changes in terrain stability or weather patterns that could jeopardize safety.
Adherence to Safety Protocols: The use of a comprehensive safety plan, including personal protective equipment (PPE) and guidelines for safe crane operation, was paramount. Workers were trained to recognize and respond to potential hazards, particularly in unstable areas.
Collaboration with Experts: Working alongside geotechnical engineers and local authorities, the construction team ensured that all operations complied with safety regulations, focusing on protecting workers and equipment throughout the project.

The Kobelco 7150 – A Solution for Challenging Conditions:

Exceptional Lifting Capacity: The crane’s impressive lifting capacity of 150 tons allowed for the efficient handling of heavy components, accelerating the construction process.
Superior Stability: The crawler base provided unmatched stability on uneven terrain, minimizing the risk of accidents and ensuring the safety of both personnel and equipment.
Precise Control: The crane’s advanced controls allowed for the accurate placement of components, crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of the jetty.

Lifting off power pack and vibro equipment
Lifting and erection off set pile
Lifting off I-beam

Conclusion:

The successful completion of the Mauban Jetty Port’s construction will highlight the importance of choosing the right heavy-lifting equipment for challenging environments. Our 150T Kobelco 7150 crawler crane not only delivered the necessary power and precision but also played a pivotal role in mitigating the inherent risks associated with the project’s location. Trust MMRI to support your success from small to large-scale infrastructure projects throughout the Philippines.

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Bi-levelling Technology – Marks Almac’s Name in a New Era for Tracked Scissor Lifts

Although tracked scissor lifts already existed before the advent of Almac, what makes their machine unique is its bi-levelling technology, which is found only at Almac and today installed on all their lifts. In this discussion, we aim to explore the benefits of this technology applied in various indoor and outdoor applications, particularly in terms of how its design and functional superiority can overcome limitations inherent in conventional mobile scissor lifts.

WHAT IS BI-LEVELLING SYSTEM?

The bi-levelling system enables users to surmount longitudinal slopes of up to 20° and lateral slopes of up to 15°. This functionality not only significantly increases performance, safety, and comfort but also allows users to push beyond what was previously thought possible, by auto-levelling the chassis or aerial structure even in the most extreme conditions. Now, users can easily traverse inclined terrain and other multi-level surfaces with this bi-levelling functionality, resulting in a greater return on investment. This distinctive product capability offers a simple user experience, superior market adaptability, and is well-suited to professional end-users, including arborists, or construction sectors.

HOW THIS TECHNOLOGY WORKS?

Automatic levelling is completed by three independent hydraulic cylinders that are mounted in the undercarriage.

The undercarriage has two independent bi-level legs to adjust the lateral inclination of the chassis, with a hydraulic cylinder at the rear of the undercarriage to adjust the longitudinal inclination. Utilizing independent undercarriage bi-level legs allows for unique positioning on worksites up to 20 degrees inclination. It also allows the operator, in certain circumstances, to level the machine on multi-level surfaces such as a raised concrete slab or steps.

*Keep the work platform always horizontal with respect to the ground within a range of ± 0.5°*

The system will not permit lifting until the chassis is within the safety of a zero-degree level.

The safety network utilizes twin-channel inclinometers to measure the real-time inclination of the chassis, and the working height of the platform. When working, if the system detects that the elevated machine changes inclination, the alarm will sound, and further movement is restricted until the inclination is corrected.

For the EVO range, this inclination adjustment can be completed up to 6.5m working height (known as Proactive Levelling).

The platform, while it is moving, will always remain levelled and once the operating area has been reached, the machine will already be in the condition to be lifted. This function is known as Dynamic Levelling.

Not all Almac lifts come equipped with above-both levelling systems, which are optional. Please contact us for further consultation.

A major benefit of this particular technology is that the machine is designed to be safe, no matter whether it’s moving at height or stationary. As a result, the operator can concentrate on the job at hand without having to worry about manually leveling the machine, working statically, or lowering the platform for repositioning. This reduces the amount of time needed to set up the machine, leading to increased productivity for users.

Moreover, the bi-levelling technology provides increased versatility and efficiency. This technology allows the machine to be operated in areas that would typically require a more extensive setup, making it ideal for use in indoor areas with limited space or outdoor areas where the terrain can be uneven while maintaining stability, which is not present in traditional scissor lifts. The machine can be used for various purposes such as facilities maintenance, park, and tree management, council operations, building and construction, industrial and commercial plant access, tradespeople, landscapers, painters, electricians, orchardists, and primary production, including vineyards, horticulture, and agriculture.

Construction site
Park management
Landscaping
Multi-story parking lots
Power station
Tunnel
Solar panel installation
Bridge maintenance
Wall art painting

If you’re going to purchase a scissor lift, why don’t you try this unique tracked scissor lift? Do not hesitate to reach out to us at Mayon Machinery to learn more about this bi-levelling technology and how we can help you take your job versatility, efficiency, and safety.

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Top 8 Attachments You Must Have for Your Compact Loaders in Landscaping

Different work requires different tools. Pairing your compact loaders with a variety of attachments can help you improve safety and efficiency. In order to assist you in determining which attachments are best suited for landscaping tasks – planting trees, clearing land, installing underground irrigation systems, creating paths, placing landscape materials, or moving pallets, we are delighted to present the top 8 must-have attachments.

1. Bucket

Buckets may not be the most glamorous or exciting tools, but definitely, they are some of the most versatile and useful ones you can have in your arsenal. Whether you have a skid steer loader or track loader, upgrading beyond the standard bucket opens up a world of possibilities from digging into and moving large piles of dirt or heavy landscaping rock to transporting larger materials like stone and concrete pavers. On job sites like building retaining walls or creating landscaping berms, buckets do significant work, and selecting the appropriate one is crucial to meet the demands of your applications. Our tips can help guide you in choosing the right bucket for your needs, which you can find by visiting this article.

2. Pallet Fork

The pallet fork is a commonly used attachment in the landscaping business that allows you to lift and transport bulky, bagged, or palletized materials with ease and speed. This powerful tool comes in standard and medium-duty options, both designed to offer excellent strength and durability. It features side steps that make getting in and out of the cab easy, and a standard, see-through spill guard that ensures excellent visibility. With this attachment, you can now easily plan to sod the backyard, lay pavers to create a garden path, create new garden beds, and haul in bags of potting soil or specialty mulch.

3. Auger

Planting small trees and shrubs throughout your property or installing a new fence or pergola can transform your property’s curb appeal – but can also require days of backbreaking work with a shovel. An auger attachment has the power to quickly, efficiently, and accurately dig holes for things like trees, shrubs, and fencing, deeper and faster – even in hard, rocky soil. So you spend less time and effort digging by hand, and more time enjoying the result of your handiwork. Choosing an auger that is too big for your machine will put unnecessary stress on the compact loader and keep it from running efficiently. It’s about balance involving machine weight, power, system pressure/flow rates, auger diameter, digging depth, and soil classification. Make sure to pick an auger drive to match the flow and pressure of the compact loader (standard or high flow) and that will handle the diameter of the auger that you would like to use. Keep in mind that the higher the flow rate, the faster the auger will rotate. Compare how much GPM your compact loader auxiliary hydraulics produce to the ratings of the auger attachment you are planning to purchase. If the compact loader produces 16 GPM you should choose among auger attachments rated at 10-20 GPM. When working with good digging conditions, such as sand, clay, and loam soils, choose an auger for its speed to increase productivity. Choose an auger with a higher volume of torque to break up harder materials such as compacted soil, asphalt, concrete, and frozen surfaces. The tougher the conditions, the larger the hole, and the deeper the hole the more you will prefer torque over speed. Speed would be the best choice if you are digging in plain dirt or sand to allow the auger to throw the material off the auger. The depth of a dig depends directly on the length of the auger bit. They are approximately 1.2m in overall length and available for round or hex drive augers. A hex drive shaft uses six sides to drive the auger into the ground, giving it more driving surface, which ultimately results in longer wear life, and is ideal for tough digging conditions such as compacted dirt, asphalt, concrete, and frozen surfaces. Adapters are available to convert a round auger drive to a hex bit and vice versa. Two basic types of auger drives are available – chain reduction drives and planetary drives. A planetary drive will usually offer more longevity than a chain drive. It generally has a lot less maintenance. If something breaks, it will be more costly to fix. A chain drive will typically have a lower cost than a planetary drive but is more susceptible to wear and tear from outside elements like rock, dirt, and sand.

4. Landscape Rake/ Auto Rake

Landscape rake, also referred to as auto rake, is an excellent attachment for grooming and finishing soil for seeding. They are ideal for a variety of projects ranging from turf and seeding to heavy-duty landscaping. Landscape rake can rake and collect surface debris while smoothing and leveling the soil over large areas. Once it is full, collected debris can be easily dumped at a chosen location. This attachment is also used for removing roots, rocks, and other debris that may be present in the topsoil before grading. The tines of the landscape rake can cut soil, allowing it to separate and aerate the soil, making it perfect for soil conditioning. In simple words, landscape rakes are the perfect tool for ensuring your soil is in ideal condition for your landscaping needs.

5. Trencher

Trenchers are a staple piece of equipment on landscaping job sites. From digging and moving dirt to cutting through rock, contractors know that the trenchers allow them to install utilities quickly and efficiently. Designed with the power and strength to dig in hard and rocky soil, teeth and chain options give you more versatility, thereby enabling the maximization of trenching capabilities for various soil conditions. Trenchers come in different sizes, with digging depths ranging from 609mm to 1524mm and trench widths spanning between 152mm and 305mm. The manual or hydraulic side shift feature is crucial as it allows users to dig close to buildings, fences, and other obstacles on the jobsite, thereby reducing the need for manual labor and improving efficiency. Single Standard chains, equipped with cupped teeth on every other section, are recommended for light to moderate digging in loose, damp, clay, and loamy soils. Double Standard chains, featuring roughly twice the number of teeth, are recommended for harder, drier soil. Half Rock & Frost chains are the go-to option for harder, frozen, and rocky digging conditions.

6. Grapple

Do you need to move heavy and hard-to-handle materials such as brush, logs, demolition debris, and landscaping stones? Take heart in knowing that grapple attachments have got you covered, with different configurations that are perfect for managing even your toughest landscaping work.

The Brush Root Grapple, for instance, is designed to deliver maximum chomping and ripping power, making it ideal for handling awkward materials such as logs, tree stumps, brush, rocks, roots, overgrowth, debris, loose hay, or straw without driving teeth into the ground; allows dirt to fall on-site.

You can also count on the Industrial Grapple which is excellent for moving heavier, hard-to-manage materials such as odd-shaped objects and scrap materials derived from broken-up concrete and rebar, landscape timbers, or lumber from old decking and docks. The two-arm design of the larger industrial grapple grabs hold of material in two places. As a result, you get maximum contact with material and strong biting force across irregular-shaped loads. With easy-to-use hydraulic controls, any operator can securely handle bulky or uneven loads.

There are specialized grapple attachments for rocks and long loads, known as Skeleton Rock Grapple and Log Grapple.

The Skeleton Rock Grapple is specifically designed to scrape with loader arms against boom stops. Its see-through design allows for excellent visibility, while the tines permit dirt to fall through. Additionally, the grapple offers complete protection of the hose routing, providing an added layer of safety.

The Log Grapple is an excellent attachment for handling logs, pipes, brushes, and other bulky materials. It features 2″ (508 mm) x 8″ (3032 mm) cylinders, and will close to a log or pipe as small as 6″ (1524 mm).

The versatile Rotating Grapple 180 Degrees attachment has the ability to rotate up to 180 degrees featuring spring-centered return, lateral lock, and in-line lock positions for handling material at different angles. Designed to lift and handle heavy, awkward-sized material such as logs, culverts, water pipes, telephone poles, and more with controlled precision. Load, unload, and transport material up to 1500 lbs (680kgs). The serrated cradle of the grapple steadies material in-line for straight-on loading or transport. The grapple tines open to a maximum of 39″ (990 mm) for grappling large objects and fold together as tight as 3″ (76 mm) in diameter for holding pipe, brush, or smaller material.

The single-cylinder Utility Fork Grapple attachment has optimal holding ability for hard-to-handle light materials such as manure, loose hay, straw, sod, silage, bedding, and other bulk materials. You can quickly and easily add more teeth, allowing you to handle smaller materials with improved efficiency within a few minutes.

A Grapple Bucket is typically used on hard flat surfaces. Materials are scraped into a hard bucket, producing a clean lift and sweep. The attachment securely collects debris materials, making removal a breeze anywhere you need to! Available in Standard, Medium, and Heavy-Duty models in widths ranging from 60” (1524 mm) to 88” (2235 mm), with independently operating grapple arms that can powerfully clamp onto uneven loads.

So, don’t let heavy materials weigh you down – let our grapple attachments inspire you to tackle even the most challenging landscaping work with ease.

7. Soil Conditioner & Roto Tiller

If you’re starting a new garden bed or need to thoroughly prepare the soil, a Roto Tiller is a good choice. This is an ideal attachment for breaking up clumps and mixing compost or other materials into existing soil. Its versatile functionality enables you to operate it in a forward or reverse motion, making it ideal for optimal seedbed preparation and other landscape functions.

Soil Conditioner is gentler and won’t disrupt the soil as extensively as Roto Tiller, ideal for maintaining existing landscapes and improving soil texture. It prepares soil while leveling and filling in fewer passes. Its carbide-tipped teeth easily rip through clumps while penetrating the ground. It has an easy-to-maintain direct-drive hydraulic motor, and no chains or sprockets to worry about. 

8. Tree Spade & Transplanter

The best attachment for planting trees is the Tree Spade. Move and place trees, shrubbery, and boulders and dig holes for new trees all with the same attachment. There are three types of blade configurations on tree spades, each suited to a type of soil and each providing a different type of root ball size from 36” (914 mm) to 48” (1219 mm). Landscapers using the tree spade attachment should remember the 10-1 ratio. Multiplying the diameter of the tree trunk by 10 will give the size of the tree spade to use. For instance, a tree with a trunk diameter of 3 inches requires a 30-inch tree spade.

Tree Transplanter allows you to take advantage of the power of your compact loader to plant, transplant, and remove mature trees with up to 50” (1270 mm) diameter root balls. This heavy-duty attachment comes standard with 3, 4, or 6 semi-truncated 1/4” high alloy steel blades and additional valve port for operating rear stabilizers.

An attachment works best when it is used properly, and that’s a key aspect of Mayon Machinery‘s service. Contact us today to get more out of your compact loaders through our top-quality landscaping attachments. No matter what your landscaping needs are, whether it’s a small-scale project or a complete overhaul of your outdoor space, we are ready to assist you in getting the job done safely and efficiently.

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