Portable Compressor Hire Case Study - Kerr & S22 Contracting 17 November 2022

Going Above & Beyond – KERR Air Compressor Hire Reaches New Heights!

Let down at short notice by their previous hire compressor supplier and with helicopter transport organised, S22 Contracting Ltd contacted us with a very urgent and important portable compressor hire requirement. Responding quickly and professionally, both our expert Hire Solutions team and our latest 230cfm – KAESER MOBILAIR M65 portable compressor hire unit went above and beyond to ensure that S22 Contracting was able to fulfil a very important Scottish telecoms infrastructure contract on the most Westerly point of mainland UK.

Working in Partnership to Deliver Vital S4GI

S22 Contracting Ltd is a specialised telecommunication groundwork and concrete work contractor that has risen to the challenge of working in some of Scotland’s remotest areas and locations that come under the protection of NatureScot (previously Scottish National Heritage - SNH). From the Isle of Skerries to Kilchoan, a volcanic ring on the most westerly tip of the Highlands of Scotland, S22 Contracting is part of a professional team of specialist contractors helping to deliver the Scottish Government’s - Scottish 4G Infill Programme (S4GI). The S4GI programme is a £28.75m initiative delivering 4G infrastructure, connectivity and potentially life-saving emergency services network coverage in rural and remote parts of Scotland that is being delivered in partnership with WHP Telecoms Ltd and the Scottish Futures Trust.

Going Above & Beyond… literally!

Having been let down at very short notice by his previous hire compressor supplier, Sandy MacDonald, Managing Director of S22 Contracting called Kerr Compressors, with his urgent requirement to hire a very particular type of air compressor for a vital three week project. Contacting our experienced and responsive hire solutions team, Sandy explained that he needed a reliable 190 cfm (5.38 m³/min) engine-driven portable compressor to work alongside a second 190 cfm unit. The two compressors were required to operate a specialist rock drilling rig with a total air demand of approx. 400 cfm (11.33 m³/min) at 10 bar operating pressure. The reason for combining two off 190 cfm diesel-driven units was that individually, the compressors needed to be under the critical payload weight of a helicopter utilised to transport equipment and materials to the remote location. Sandy MacDonald explains further; “With the remote project site being in an area of Special Scientific Interest (SSI), everything possible is done to minimise damage to the environment.” He continued; “Whilst the excavators have to be tracked up to the site, the majority of our specialist equipment, tools and materials are air-lifted and transported by helicopter, including the portable compressors that we hire for the contract.” Good quality, durable equipment providing a reliable source of compressed air is very important when working in such exposed and remote locations. To help reduce the environmental impact at the site and to avoid having to transport or use concrete in an area of outstanding natural beauty, S22 Contracting utilises a specialist compressed air-operated rock drilling rig known as a ‘Down the Hole – (DTH)’ hammer. Drilling into the natural rock to depths of 6m, the rig installs 65mm rock anchors to firmly secure the ‘grillage’ (the template base of the tower) to the natural rock. The vital new telecommunication tower is then secured to and erected on top of the ‘grillage’.   Kerr M65 Hire unit working with S22 Contracting on vital contract Pictured above (L to R) - Specialist compressed air-operated 'DTH' rock drilling rig in operation | 6m deep 65mm rock anchors firmly secure the ‘grillage’ (the template base of the mast) | Preparing the final site support area for the installation | A specialist team erecting the telecommunication tower on the ‘grillage’

KAESER MOBILAIR M65 - A reliable and efficient portable hire solution

Our Air Compressor Hire Solutions, provide an affordable, reliable and flexible compressed air equipment rental service throughout Scotland with quality equipment available at competitive rates. With its new generation of durable MOBILAIR portable compressors, KAESER KOMPRESSOREN has combined the very latest technology into its popular, versatile and adaptable range. Cameron Kerr, Director, Kerr Compressor Engineers explained how we were able to respond and help; “When Sandy called saying that he had been badly let down by his previous hire compressor supplier, we wanted to do all that we could to assist and ensure that this important contract could proceed on schedule.” He explained; “We were holding a 230cfm KAESER M65 in Glasgow following a recent exhibition and decided that, in order to help, we would purchase and transfer this versatile unit to our extensive hire fleet. Within 24 hours of calling us, S22 had collected the compressor and it was on its way to the job.” Delivering 6.6 m³/min (230 cfm) at 7 bar and 5.6 m³/min (195 cfm) at 10 bar, the innovative and flexible new generation MOBILAIR M65 portable powerhouse features efficient pV Control with adjustable pressure setting and the KAESER patented Anti-Frost Control. The powerful combination of a highly efficient KAESER rotary screw airend featuring the energy-saving SIGMA PROFILE, an environmentally friendly Kubota V2403CR-T engine – certified in accordance with EU Stage V and SIGMA Control Smart – advanced compressor controller, provides impressive fuel efficiency at the lowest possible emissions levels.

The Perfect Hire Solution & Service?

Summarising how the Kerr hire team responded and the M65 performed, Sandy MacDonald commented; “Perfect, just perfect.” He continued; “I was impressed with the quick, professional response from the Kerr team and grateful for the hire solution and valuable assistance that I was afforded. The helicopter had no issues transporting the compressor and the unit operated quietly, effectively and on demand for the duration of the works.” In conclusion, he added; “We will certainly be hiring our air compressors and equipment through Kerr in the future and I have no hesitation in recommending their helpful and expert hire team.” Kerr Air Compressor Hire Solutions

Why hire a compressor from Kerr?

Compressed air, nitrogen and fluid power specialists in Scotland for over 40 years, Kerr is the UK's no.1 Authorised Distributor of KAESER KOMPRESSOREN / HPC compressed air systems and an experienced supplier to Scottish businesses and industries. We provide a fast, professional and friendly hire service supported by experienced personnel and quality equipment meaning that you can hire quickly, safely and with confidence. An extensive range of hire equipment is available for short, medium or long-term periods. Providing expert, professional advice from years of knowledge and experience in the Scottish compressed air generation industry enables our expert hire team to accurately assess your individual requirements before discussing and agreeing on the most affordable, reliable, flexible and cost-effective air compressor hire solutions.
  • Competitive hire rates – affordable hire solutions from an award winning, trusted compressed air specialist
  • Nationwide coverage – expert local support from our four established and highly regarded regional Sales and Service Centres
  • Quick delivery – extensive stock of equipment delivered quickly and directly, when and where required
  • Quality equipment – reliable and efficient equipment for every application and demand
  • Flexibility – short, medium or long term hire options, emergency response and flexible bridging solutions available

For expert assistance or further information on our range of quality hire products and solutions, please contact our experienced and helpful hire team on 0800 008 6588 - web.enquiry@kerrcompressors.co.uk

Read more on our Air Compressor Hire Solutions page Have you read our blog about when Hire might be the right solution? Click here to read - 'To Hire or not to Hire?' Read more about the latest addition to our Hire fleet - the 230cfm MOBILAIR M65

For further information or assistance from S22 Contracting Ltd, Kinellan Cottage, Strathpeffer IV14 9ET - please contact their experienced and friendly team on 07769 602122 - s22bch@hotmail.co.uk - www.s22-contracting.co.uk

Case Study Contributor/Credit: Sandy MacDonald, Managing Director - S22 Contracting Ltd
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