Project Overview
Australia’s data centre boom is driving unprecedented demand for high-capacity cable infrastructure. In response to this growth, a major facility build saw a Tier 1 contractor needing to install several kilometers of large data cables, each supplied on enormous drums weighing up to 10 tonnes.
They turned to Legend Hire for a complete, engineered winching and drum-handling solution that could keep the project moving efficiently while upholding the strict safety and quality standards required in the data-centre environment.
The Challenge
The client needed a safe, dependable system capable of handling heavy loads, long runs, and sensitive cable simultaneously. However, they faced a combination of technical and logistical hurdles:
- Oversized cable drums exceeding 3 m in diameter required compliant oversize transport and precise on-site handling.
- Handling Hazards with high-mass drums created significant inertia, meaning even small movements introduced serious safety risks without proper control systems in place.
- Long continuous cable pulls demanded high, consistent pulling forces, yet needed to be done without risking damage to extremely expensive cable assets.
- Minimal room for error in a tightly controlled data centre construction environment where delays can have high cost implications.
The Solution – Legend Hire + OMAC Italy Collaboration
To address these challenges, Legend Hire, through our partnership with OMAC Italy, Legend Hire supplied a tailored solution that combined heavy-duty cable drum trailers with a high-capacity hydraulic winch.
1. Customised Cable Drum Trailers
- Capacity: up to 12–14t and 3.2m diameter.
- Hydraulic lift and lower system to minimise manual handling.
- ADR compliant for oversize transport.
2. High-Capacity Hydraulic Winch – OMAC UP150
- Rated Pulling Capacity: 150kN (15t) continuous.
- Rope Capacity: 1,500m of high-tensile rope.
- Capstan System: Twin-groove for smooth, precise control.
- Electronic Load Cell: Real-time tension monitoring.
- Data Logging and Remote Access: Every pull recorded and viewable live.
- Remote Operation: Safer positioning around bends or congested zones.
Why This Matters
Importantly, handling a 10t drum is not simply a matter of scale. It presents a different set of physics and safety considerations. Specifically, the UP150 winch enabled:
- Smooth braking and controlled payout of massive drums.
- Precision tension control to protect expensive cable assets.
- Longer continuous runs that reduced joint bays and splice points.
- Traceable data for compliance and quality assurance.
The Outcome
As a result of Legend Hire’s engineered package:
- Oversized drums transported and installed safely.
- Reduced installation time by reducing winch repositioning.
- Crews worked safely using remote and automated systems.
- A full digital pull log for client and manufacturer records.
Legend Hire’s Approach
Ultimately, Legend Hire does more than deliver equipment. We partner with global OEMs to engineer the right solution for each project. Bystrategically integrating winching and drum handling systems into our hire fleet, we are setting new standards for efficiency and safety in large-scale infrastructure delivery.