Shetland’s rugged terrain and unpredictable conditions demand exceptional precision, power, and reliability when tackling infrastructure projects. For Nicol of Skene, entrusted with laying vital utilities in this remote region, the Ditch Witch AT120, the world’s largest All-Terrain (Rock) Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) machine, proved to be an indispensable tool for success.
Facing rocky subsoil and harsh weather, Nicol of Skene needed equipment capable of withstanding these challenges while maintaining efficiency. Enter the AT120, designed specifically for demanding environments. Boasting 15,500 ft-lb of outer rotational torque, 3,000 ft-lb of inner rotational torque, and 120,000 pounds of thrust and pullback, this powerhouse also features a 258 GPM onboard mud pump and advanced control systems. These features ensured precision and consistent progress, even in Shetland’s notoriously tough conditions.
A standout feature of the AT120 is its HDD technology, which significantly reduces surface disruption. This advantage was particularly critical for Shetland, where preserving the natural environment is paramount. Traditional trenching would have caused significant ecological disturbance and restoration costs. Instead, HDD allowed Nicol of Skene to install pipelines with minimal environmental impact, delivering a solution aligned with the region’s strict conservation priorities.
Efficiency was another defining strength of the Ditch Witch AT120. Its ergonomic design and intuitive controls enabled Nicol of Skene’s operators to work with speed and accuracy, crucial for staying on schedule in a remote location. The machine’s reliability minimized downtime, while its user-friendly maintenance features ensured uninterrupted progress, a critical factor in the project’s success.
The Shetland project underscored the importance of choosing the right equipment for specialized tasks. The AT120 exceeded expectations, demonstrating unmatched versatility and dependability. Partnering with Ditch Witch enabled Nicol of Skene to meet client requirements while adhering to Shetland’s stringent environmental standards.
As infrastructure demands grow in challenging and remote regions, the Ditch Witch AT120 represents a pinnacle of innovation and resilience. For Nicol of Skene, this machine was more than just equipment, it was a trusted ally in delivering infrastructure that will benefit the Shetland community for years to come.
For more information on the Ditch Witch AT120, contact Ditch Witch UK and Ireland at 01792 895906, email
info@ditchwitch.co.uk, or visit www.ditchwitch.co.uk
