The UK’s largest renewable power station has appointed Hird Sales for the delivery of a Valla V160RC pick and carry crane.
More than 20 years after purchasing its Valla 120D, Drax has chosen to replace the trusted diesel-powered crane with a modern electric alternative.
Drax Power Station, located in North Yorkshire, has used biomass to produce power since retiring from coal in 2021. And is committed to delivering a zero-carbon, lower-cost energy future.
Around 5-6% of the United Kingdom’s electricity is supplied from the site, through the burning of compressed wood pellets. The site also provides 10-15% of the country’s renewable energy supply.
Drax has clean energy ambitions, not only in its own operations, but the United Kingdom and its energy production.
The new Valla V160RC succeeds the long-serving 12-tonne crane, bringing the benefits of fully electric, battery-powered operation while continuing with the reliability the Valla brand is known for.
Drax’s decision to invest in another Valla crane reflects its confidence in the exceptional longevity of the equipment, as well as the outstanding after-sales support provided by the Hird Sales team.
Commitment to innovation and low-emission lifting
Carl Cooper, Sales and After-Sales Manager at Hird Sales, said: “We are thrilled to have supplied such an influential British company with the Valla V160RC. And assist them in expanding their lifting solutions.
We were aware of Drax’s innovation and investment in the future, so their choice of Hird Sales and Valla Cranes was an ideal fit and proves the environmental and commercial benefits of our sales fleet.”
A pick and carry solution
The 16-tonne, all-electric crane is specially designed for heavy duty lifting in confined spaces and industrial environments.
The Valla V160RC will play an important role in supporting maintenance and day-to-day operations across the power station. Its compact dimensions and pick and carry capability enable teams to complete maintenance and facilities lifting duties.
The combination of radio remote control (“R”) with an enclosed operator cab (“C”) gives operators the flexibility to switch between operation type depending on the task and environment.
By investing in the V160RC, Drax is enhancing its lifting capabilities while supporting faster maintenance, lower operating costs and a safer, more sustainable working environment across the site.
Zero-emissions lifting
Being environmentally aware, Drax selected the Valla industrial crane for many reasons, one being due to its 100% electric operation.
Being so allows the machine to enter restricted spaces and areas of site that require zero emissions and low noise operation.
As an emissions-free crane, it not only means it can work indoors but will also work towards the company’s net zero targets which it plans to achieve by 2040.
Compact footprint
More than just an electric crane.
The Valla V160RC is a showcase of engineering ingenuity, combining a compact footprint with exceptional lifting performance to deliver an impressive size-to-power ratio.
At just 2000mm wide and 4490mm in length, this V-Series range mini crane can access through tight spaces and lift in areas where a typical 16-tonne crane could not.
Powering progress
The addition of the Valla V160RC demonstrates how the right lifting equipment can support both operational efficiency and long-term sustainability goals.
By combining zero-emission performance with powerful lifting capability in a compact design, the pick and carry crane is well suited to Drax’s forward-thinking approach to site maintenance and investment.
Hird Sales is proud to support organisations like Drax with innovative lifting solutions that help shape a safer, more sustainable future for UK industry.
Find out more
Speak to the Hird Sales team about its full range of Valla Cranes. With lifting capacities from 2.5 to up to 50t.
We can also provide CPCS A66 Compact Crane (B Mobile Industrial) training or in-house, task-specific training at either a Hird depot, or at customer sites, if the facilities are suitable.
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: +44 (0) 1482 481960.