Donald Rigging Marks 10 Years Since Placing Landmark Order

Angus Donald, the president of Donald Rigging Ltd, has marked a decade since he ordered the first ever 300t HT300 hydraulically powered heavy track skidding system—five years before manufacturer Hydra-Slide was even incorporated.

Beforehand, rigging crews from Donald would move a variety of loads, such as 100 ton heat transfer components, using more traditional methods utilizing steel rails and rollers. But they were constantly looking to innovate and improve best practice.

Donald personnel were among a growing faction in the heavy lift and rigging industry looking to achieve a smaller footprint for such procedures, including Don Mahnke, who later founded Ontario, Canada-based Hydra-Slide in 2011.

Having already developed a 500 ton heavy track skidding system, Mahnke designed a 300 ton system following an approach by Alberta, Canada-based Donald Rigging, which wanted a lighter version. Angus Donald was an associate of the interested party and immediately saw the benefits of the self-contained concept, eventually taking delivery of the first ever HT300 back in 2006.

Donald said: “This 300 ton capacity system has made our jobs go faster and safer. As the load is moving we have a couple of spotters monitoring the situation, while the rest of the team are getting ready for the next step. We move transformers, generators, vessels, buildings, bridges—just about anything that has to be moved.”

Donald Rigging now has three 300 ton capacity HT300 hydraulically powered heavy track skidding systems in addition to a 400 ton capacity low profile skid system that provides a cost-effective, safe, simple and reliable method for moving, loading or unloading all types of heavy loads. LP400 components are also portable by hand.

This vessel is 450,000 lbs. and 11 feet high. It was jacked up, skidded and set in one day with the HT300 system.

Janine Smith, vice president, Hydra-Slide Ltd, said: “Over 10 years, Angus has become a good friend and a very loyal customer. He has purchased numerous skidding systems, both heavy track and low profile to grow his fleet and expand his jack and slide capabilities. Donald Rigging has become one of the fastest growing and most successful companies in Alberta, Canada.”

Donald had just five employees when it was inaugurated but was on Alberta’s venture top 50 list of growing companies for three years in a row (in 2012, 2013 and 2014) and is today supported by a fleet of 23 to 45 ton capacity pickers, winch tractors, trucks and 60 ton lift trucks in addition to onsite rigging services, a truck rigging team and busy repair shop.

Skidding a transformer within a live power station.

Donald concluded: “Equipment is only good has the people selling it. I look at Don and Janine as partners in our business. They supply me with world-class equipment and back it up with the knowledge about how to use it. When I call Janine or Don they are always happy to help. I do not feel just like a customer but a friend and that goes a long way.”