Ainscough Crane Hire installs new turbines at Drumclair Wind Farm
- Meagan Wood
- Jan 7, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 27, 2025
30-Second Takeaway
Ainscough Crane Hire has successfully completed the installation of two new turbines at Scotland’s Drumclair Wind Farm, reinforcing its long-standing role in the renewable energy sector. Using its Heavy Cranes division and a Liebherr LTM 1750-9.1 mobile crane, Ainscough delivered a carefully planned, high-capacity lifting operation that overcame tight capacity margins and site constraints, demonstrating the importance of experience, precision, and collaboration in modern wind turbine installation.
Ainscough Crane Hire has maintained its longstanding collaboration with the wind energy sector by successfully installing new turbines at a wind farm in Scotland. Fairwind, a specialist in turbine installation, has engaged Ainscough Crane Hire to facilitate the installation of two Vestas V117 3MW turbines at the Drumclair Wind Farm.
This undertaking presented a distinct array of challenges that necessitated thorough planning, precise execution, and the strategic deployment of cranes from Ainscough’s Heavy Cranes division.
Ainscough's seasoned team diligently monitored project developments and adapted the lift plans as needed, ensuring a seamless workflow throughout the process. The primary construction crane, an LTM 1750-9.1, operated within stringent capacity limits.
James Storey, the Wind Technical Manager at Ainscough, collaborated closely with the client to devise a safe and efficient lifting strategy that minimized risks and maximized crane utilization. Accurate positioning of the main crane was critical, as any misalignment could have jeopardized the crane's lifting capabilities. Ainscough's proficient operators executed the crane setup with meticulous attention, ensuring optimal positioning to manage all lifting tasks effectively.
Despite the challenges encountered, Ainscough successfully completed the lift program, receiving commendations from Fairwind. The company's proficiency in executing complex wind turbine installations was clearly demonstrated through the efficient and safe management of lifting operations.
Richard Geddes, Business Development Manager at Ainscough Crane Hire, stated, “Wind turbines are a vital component of our future, and we take pride in our partnership with the renewable energy sector on a diverse range of projects in recent years.
“The Drumclair Wind Farm project showcases Ainscough Crane Hire's dedication to providing outstanding service within the renewable energy sector. Thanks to our team's expertise, we accomplished a challenging lift without compromising safety or quality.”
About Ainscough Crane Hire
Ainscough Crane Hire is the UK’s largest crane hire company, providing contract lift and crane hire services across construction, infrastructure, energy, and industrial sectors. With a nationwide network and a comprehensive fleet of mobile and heavy cranes, Ainscough supports projects ranging from routine lifts to complex, high-capacity operations.
The company has extensive experience in the renewable energy sector, particularly wind turbine installation and maintenance, where precision planning, specialist equipment, and highly trained personnel are essential. Through its Heavy Cranes division, Ainscough delivers engineered lifting solutions for some of the most technically demanding projects in the UK.
Ainscough places strong emphasis on safety, technical competence, and collaborative project delivery, working closely with clients to ensure lifts are executed efficiently and responsibly.
Learn More: https://www.ainscough.co.uk/
About Liebherr Mobile Cranes
Liebherr Mobile Cranes is a division of the Liebherr Group and a global leader in the design and manufacture of mobile crane technology. Known for engineering excellence, innovation, and reliability, Liebherr produces a wide range of all-terrain, truck-mounted, crawler, and heavy-duty mobile cranes used across construction, infrastructure, energy, and industrial markets worldwide.
Liebherr mobile cranes are widely deployed in wind energy projects, offering high lifting capacities, advanced control systems, and precise positioning capabilities required for turbine installation. Models such as the LTM 1750-9.1 are designed to operate efficiently within tight capacity margins while maintaining safety and performance on challenging sites.
Through continuous investment in engineering and technology, Liebherr continues to support complex lifting operations that enable global infrastructure and renewable energy development.
Learn More: https://www.liebherr.com/en-us/mobile-and-crawler-cranes/mobile-and-crawler-cranes-4407715
Frequently Asked Questions
What project did Ainscough Crane Hire complete at Drumclair Wind Farm?
Ainscough Crane Hire was engaged to support the installation of two Vestas V117 3MW wind turbines at the Drumclair Wind Farm in Scotland.
Who was the turbine installation specialist on the project?
Fairwind, a specialist in wind turbine installation, appointed Ainscough Crane Hire to deliver the lifting operations.
What crane was used for the turbine installation?
The primary crane used was a Liebherr LTM 1750-9.1, an 800-tonne capacity mobile crane from Ainscough’s Heavy Cranes division.
What were the key challenges of the project?
The project required precise lift planning, accurate crane positioning, and operation within strict capacity limits, where even minor misalignment could have impacted lifting performance.
How did Ainscough ensure safe execution?
Ainscough’s team closely monitored site conditions, adapted lift plans as needed, and worked collaboratively with the client to minimize risk while maximizing crane utilization.
Why are projects like Drumclair important for the industry?
Wind turbine installations play a critical role in renewable energy development, requiring specialist lifting expertise to support the transition to low-carbon power generation.
