CASE STUDY: Agricultural Infrastructure Relocation
IDI Services Delivers Specialist Grain Dryer Lifting for Cairnrowan Farms
Client Profile
Cairnrowan Farms, a progressive agricultural operation, required the relocation of a continuous grain dryer to optimise their grain processing infrastructure. As farming operations increasingly depend on efficient post-harvest handling systems, the client needed a lifting partner capable of managing this critical piece of equipment through dismantling, transport, and precision installation at its new location—all whilst minimising disruption to the farm’s operational schedule during the busy agricultural season.
The Challenge
The Cairnrowan Farms grain dryer relocation presented multiple complex challenges that demanded IDI Services’ specialised expertise:
Equipment Specifications
- Continuous grain dryers are substantial industrial units, measuring several metres in length and weighing multiple tonnes
- The unit’s construction includes sensitive internal components requiring careful handling throughout the move
- Structural integrity had to be maintained during lifting to ensure operational functionality post-installation
- External panels and access points required protection from damage during the relocation process
Site and Access Constraints
- Rural farm location with limited hardstanding areas for crane positioning and equipment staging
- Restricted access routes through agricultural land require careful ground protection measures
- Proximity to existing farm buildings necessitated precise crane positioning and load path planning
- New installation location required exact positioning to integrate with the existing grain handling infrastructure
- Soft ground conditions typical of rural sites demanded specialised outrigger protection and load spreading
Operational Requirements
- Agricultural operations are highly seasonal, requiring the grain dryer to be operational for harvest periods
- Project timeline needed to minimise downtime of this critical processing equipment
- Coordination with farm activities to ensure safe working conditions and operational continuity
- Weather-dependent operations requiring flexible scheduling and contingency planning
Transport and Logistics
- Abnormal load transportation is required for moving the substantial grain dryer unit
- Escort vehicles are necessary to ensure safe passage along rural roads
- Route planning to accommodate the unit’s dimensions and weight
- Coordination with local authorities for any required permits or traffic management
The Solution
IDI Services designed a comprehensive contract lifting solution leveraging our 45+ years of industry experience:
Phase 1: Site Assessment and Planning
Our team conducted thorough surveys of both the existing and new installation locations:
- Detailed measurement of the grain dryer unit, including weight distribution and lifting points
- Assessment of access routes for crane positioning at both removal and installation sites
- Ground condition surveys to determine appropriate load-spreading requirements
- Engineering calculations for lift plans ensuring safe working loads and crane stability
- Development of method statements and risk assessments specific to agricultural environments
- Coordination with Cairnrowan Farms management to minimise operational disruption
Phase 2: Equipment and Resource Mobilisation
IDI Services deployed specialised equipment suited to rural agricultural operations:
Lifting Equipment:
- Mobile telescopic crane with appropriate capacity rating and reach for the grain dryer dimensions
- Specialised rigging equipment designed for the unit’s specific lifting points and load characteristics
- Load monitoring systems to ensure safe working parameters throughout all lifting operations
Ground Protection Systems:
- Heavy-duty crane mats to distribute loads across soft agricultural ground
- Additional ground reinforcement materials for outrigger positioning
- Protective measures to prevent damage to farm infrastructure and surrounding areas
Transport and Logistics:
- Specialist abnormal load transport vehicle configured for the grain dryer’s dimensions
- Professional escort vehicles to ensure safe passage along rural routes
- Securing systems designed specifically for the unit’s geometry and centre of gravity
Safety and Personnel:
- Experienced lift supervisors with agricultural sector expertise
- Qualified slingers and banksmen coordinating ground operations
- Comprehensive communication systems for all team members
Phase 3: Dismantling and Removal
The initial phase involved careful removal of the grain dryer from its existing position:
Preparation and Disconnection:
- Coordination with farm personnel to safely isolate and disconnect the unit from grain handling systems
- Assessment of the unit’s condition and identification of any components requiring special handling
- Installation of lifting equipment and rigging configurations
- Final safety checks and load calculations before commencing lifting operations
Precision Lifting:
- Controlled lift of the grain dryer unit using specialised rigging points
- Careful manoeuvring to clear existing structures and infrastructure
- Continuous monitoring of load conditions and crane stability throughout the operation
- Protection of the unit’s external surfaces and internal components during handling
Load Transfer:
- Precise positioning of the grain dryer onto the specialist transport vehicle
- Comprehensive securing procedures ensuring stability during transport
- Final inspections before commencing the road journey
Phase 4: Transport Operations
IDI Services managed all aspects of the transportation phase:
- Route execution with escort vehicles ensuring safe passage through rural areas
- Real-time monitoring of load security throughout the journey
- Coordination with local traffic to minimise disruption
- Weather monitoring to ensure safe transport conditions
- Preparation of the new installation site during transport operations
Phase 5: Installation and Positioning
The final phase involved precision placement at the new location:
Site Preparation:
- Crane positioning on prepared ground with appropriate load-spreading measures
- Final verification of foundation readiness for the grain dryer
- Coordination with farm personnel regarding connection points and access requirements
Precision Installation:
- Controlled lift and positioning of the grain dryer unit at the new location
- Millimetre-accurate placement to align with new foundation points and connection interfaces
- Careful lowering and securing of the unit onto its permanent mounting position
- Final positioning adjustments to ensure optimal integration with grain handling systems
Project Completion:
- Removal of all lifting equipment and ground protection systems
- Site reinstatement and waste removal
- Handover documentation and final inspections with farm management
- Verification that the unit was ready for reconnection to operational systems
The Results
The Cairnrowan Farms grain dryer relocation was completed with exemplary outcomes:
Safety Performance
- Zero safety incidents throughout the entire dismantling, transport, and installation operation
- Full compliance with agricultural site safety requirements and industry regulations
- Comprehensive risk management across all phases of the project
- Safe coordination with ongoing farm operations throughout the project duration
Operational Excellence
- On-time completion meeting the farm’s operational requirements and seasonal schedule
- No damage to the grain dryer unit during any phase of handling, transport, or installation
- Minimal disruption to Cairnrowan Farms’ daily operations and grain processing activities
- Successful integration of the unit at its new location is ready for commissioning
Technical Achievement
- Precision positioning at the new location within specified tolerances
- Successful navigation of rural access constraints and ground conditions
- Safe abnormal load transport with professional escort services
- Complete protection of equipment integrity throughout the relocation process
Logistical Success
- Seamless coordination between dismantling, transport, and installation phases
- Adequate ground protection prevents any damage to agricultural land or infrastructure
- Professional escort services ensure safe passage along rural routes
- Flexible scheduling, accommodating weather conditions and farm operations
Client Testimonial
“IDI Services demonstrated exceptional professionalism in relocating our continuous grain dryer. Their understanding of agricultural operations and the importance of maintaining equipment integrity throughout the move gave us complete confidence. The team managed every aspect from dismantling to final positioning with minimal disruption to our farm operations. The project was completed safely and on schedule, and the dryer is now operational in its new location.”
— Farm Manager, Cairnrowan Farms
The IDI Advantage
This successful project exemplifies IDI Services’ core strengths in agricultural and rural sector operations:
Specialist Agricultural Experience
- 45+ years of experience serving the agricultural sector across Scotland
- Understanding of farming operations and the critical nature of grain processing equipment
- Rural site expertise in managing access constraints and ground conditions
- Seasonal awareness, ensuring minimal disruption during critical farming periods
Comprehensive Service Delivery
- End-to-end project management from initial survey through final installation
- Contract lifting expertise with appropriate equipment for substantial agricultural machinery
- Abnormal load transport services, including professional escort vehicles
- Complete ground protection systems preventing site damage
Technical Capabilities
- Precision engineering, ensuring equipment integrity throughout relocation
- Specialised rigging solutions designed for agricultural processing equipment
- Mobile crane operations are suited to rural environments and access constraints
- Load monitoring systems ensure safe operations at all times
Client-Focused Approach
- Minimal operational disruption through careful scheduling and coordination
- Flexible working, accommodating weather conditions and farm activities
- Clear communicatio,n maintaining alignment with client requirements
- Reliable delivery meeting critical operational deadlines
Agricultural Sector Expertise
The agricultural industry increasingly relies on sophisticated processing and handling equipment that requires specialist lifting and relocation services. IDI Services brings unique capabilities to this sector:
Understanding Agricultural Requirements
- Seasonal pressures demanding flexible, reliable service delivery
- Operational continuity minimising downtime of critical equipment
- Rural access challenges requiring specialised equipment and planning
- Ground protection preserving agricultural land and infrastructure
Diverse Agricultural Experience
- Grain dryers, silos, and storage systems
- Processing equipment and machinery
- Farm building components and structures
- Abnormal load transport across rural Scotland
Complete Service Portfolio
- Contract lifting for agricultural equipment of all sizes
- Transport services including escort vehicles
- Plant relocation and repositioning
- Emergency response for agricultural sector clients
Why Choose IDI Services for Agricultural Lifting Projects
Agricultural operations demand lifting partners who understand the unique challenges of rural environments and the critical nature of farming equipment. IDI Services combines:
- Specialist agricultural sector experience across diverse farming operations
- Appropriate equipment for rural site conditions and access constraints
- Safety-first approach protecting personnel, equipment, and agricultural operations
- Complete logistics management, including transport and escort services
- Flexible scheduling, accommodating seasonal pressures and weather conditions
- Proven track record delivering complex relocations for agricultural clients
Whether your project involves grain processing equipment, storage systems, or any agricultural machinery requiring specialist lifting and transport, IDI Services delivers the expertise, equipment, and execution excellence that Scotland’s farming community depends on.
For more information on how IDI Services can support your agricultural lifting and transport requirements, contact our team today.
