Dubai, October 30, 2010: Al-Futtaim Auto Machinery Company (FAMCO) announced the UAE launch of Volvo pipelayers which represent a major step forward versus conventional pipelayers, the basic design of which originated in the 1920s.

To be premiered at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) on November 1, the patented Volvo pipelayers have the boom located inside the tracks, closer to the machine's centre of gravity.

The result is greater stability, improved still further with the machines' broad based working platforms, thus maximising day-to-day productivity and safe operation in aggressive and demanding environments of the Oil & Gas industry. The Volvo pipelayers - PL4608 & PL4611 - feature a unique, state-of-the art Load Management System (LMS), enabling the operator to see what he can safely pick up.

Paul Floyd, Managing Director of FAMCO said: "We are extremely proud to introduce the award-winning Volvo pipelayers to customers in the UAE. These pipelayers are designed to increase productivity, provide cost-effective operation and maximum return on investment. In addition, the built-in safety features ensure that Volvo pipelayers meet the most exacting industry standards.

"These are multi-purpose machines unlike conventional pipelayers which are built on a heavily modified bulldozer platform. When not utilised for pipe laying a Volvo pipelayer can be converted back, in under a day, to a high production excavator or used in a wide variety of different applications where its heavy lift capability can be utilised."

Versatility, simplicity, safety and operator comfort are all built in unlike conventional pipelayers, which are inherently unstable with the boom mounted outboard on a bulldozer side frame. The asymmetric, open design of the boom provides a clear view to the work area, the load block at all heights and into the trench. The length of the boom provides for a longer reach and hook height enabling the machines to sit back from the trench.

In addition, the heavily reinforced boom, allied with the machine's excavator-style counterweight, ensures excellent weight distribution and therefore stability when working on steep slopes. Such stability allows for their best-in-class tipping capacities.

The system also features highly visible light bars mounted at either side of the boom tips - an industry first. A sequence of lights passing from green through amber to red reflects the state of the load and enables other operators on the line, especially the linesman, to see the load capacity that can be safely handled.

Unlike traditional pipelayers, the Volvo pipelayers can position the load smoothly and effortlessly by merely swinging the upper structure, just like an excavator. The result is precise, efficient load positioning that increases both productivity and safety.

The greatest benefit of the Volvo pipelayers, however, is the cost saving versatility of their design. Volvo pipelayers feature the Volvo "Care Cab", well known for its spaciousness, expansive glazed area - for excellent visibility, ergonomic controls and the best heating and ventilation system in the industry. Such factors ensure total comfort for the operator - never more important than on tough, demanding pipe line job sites, where conditions can be harsh in the extreme.

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About FAMCO
FAMCO (Al-Futtaim Auto & Machinery Co.) is a market leading supplier of products & services to a diverse range of industries & commercial undertakings covering the transportation, construction, manufacturing, warehousing, oil & gas and marine sectors. FAMCO serves these industries with world-class brands like Volvo Trucks, Volvo Buses, Volvo Construction Equipment, Merlo, Ingersoll Rand, Linde, Dexion, Yanmar, Himoinsa, Stanley Proto, Fenner, Bruynzeel, Mobel Linea, Meco, Bott, Stertil, Hart & Nassau. FAMCO has operations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain & Ras Al Khaimah. The company's development and success has been based on an in-depth understanding of customer needs and the dedication of its skilled staff. FAMCO is committed to providing outstanding second-to-none service levels to customers and to maintaining quality, safety and environmental standards at the highest possible levels. FAMCO is an ISO 9001:2008 & ISO 14001:2004 certified company.

About the Volvo PL4608
The PL4608 features a hydraulically variable undercarriage. Fully retracted, the overall machine width is 3.15m, to facilitate machine transportation, expanding to 3.65m to provide a wide working stance and excellent stability on site. With the undercarriage retracted, the machine is at an acceptable width for road transportation, and there is no need to remove the pipelayer boom. The PL4608 has an operating weight of 57,475kg and a tipping load of 80,000kg.

About the Volvo PL4611
The larger PL4611 features a huge, almost square working platform of 5.36 m total track length and 5.48m width, with 762mm shoes. Featuring four, retractable outriggers, fitted with hydraulic jacks; these are used to raise the machine from the ground. The pipelayer boom is used to support the track frame assemblies - which engage / disengage hydraulically - whilst they be removed and lowered onto a trailer. The rear counterweight, which is lowered hydraulically to the ground, can be lifted and loaded in the same way and the unit can then be transported. In doing this, machine weight is reduced to 41,785kg. Still raised from the ground, a second trailer can simply slide underneath, enabling the unit to be lowered onto to it and ready to move. With the outriggers retracted, the unit is comfortably within the required width limitations for legal road transportation. Once it arrives at the next site the same process is used for re-assembly. The disassembly / re-assembly process can be achieved in just one hour and the ease of transportation lowers the cost of ownership over the lifetime of the machine. The PL4611 has an operating weight of 68,140kg and a massive 110,000kg tipping load.

For more information, please contact:
Lejo Johnny
Senior PR Executive
GMASCO Marketing Communications
An Al-Futtaim group company
Tel: +971 4 228 2101
Cell: +971 50 453 7023
Email: lee.j@gmasco.com

© Press Release 2010