Caithness-based Gow Plant Hire has strengthened its fleet with two Yanmar C50R-5ATV tracked carriers, supporting the delivery of renewable energy and infrastructure projects across the Scottish Highlands.
In the vast Scottish Highlands, site conditions rarely stay the same for long. Peat soils, saturated surfaces and exposed weather mean access routes can shift from firm to unstable within hours, placing pressure on site logistics and material movement. To strengthen its capability in these unpredictable environments, Gow Plant Hire invested in two Yanmar C50R-5ATV machines, marking its first move into tracked dumper technology.
Supporting renewable and infrastructure delivery across the Highlands
Founded in 2012, Gow Plant Hire forms part of the wider Gow Group, alongside Gow Aggregates, Gow Agricultural, Gow Groundworks and Gow Transport. Operating across the Highland Council area, the business supplies plant to support infrastructure, utilities and renewable energy developments across both internal group projects and the wider regional supply chain. Current projects include Wind Farm developments, ground investigations for substations, groundworks in Distillery projects and telecoms infrastructure installations.
On projects of this scale, efficient material handling underpins productivity. Crews transport fencing materials, aggregates, drilling support equipment and backfill between site compounds and active work areas – often across temporary access tracks or undeveloped terrain. In such conditions, maintaining access while limiting surface damage is essential to keeping programmes on track.
Machines such as the Yanmar C50R-5ATV help contractors maintain site logistics, allowing materials to be moved efficiently between compounds and active work areas even when access routes become difficult.
A tracked solution for soft ground performance
Gow Plant Hire selected the Yanmar C50R-5ATV (6,390 kg Operating Weight) for its ability to carry meaningful loads while maintaining traction and stability on softer terrain. With a payload capacity of up to 3,800 kg and a hydrostatic transmission delivering smooth, precise travel control, the tracked carrier allows operators to move heavy materials safely across challenging ground conditions.
Nicknamed the “Light Foot” by Yanmar, the machine’s tracked undercarriage distributes weight more evenly across the ground, helping reduce rutting and preserve temporary access routes – particularly important across peat-heavy and environmentally sensitive Highland sites.
Since entering service in October 2024, the C50R-5ATV machines have supported fencing installation works at wind farm developments and transported materials during ground investigation operations. The machine’s 180° rotating skip also allows materials to be unloaded precisely without repositioning the carrier – a useful feature when operating on narrow access tracks or confined work areas.
“We were looking for a reliable solution for soft ground conditions, and the Yanmar C50R-5ATV has performed well from day one,” says Alan Gow, Group Managing Director.
For contractors operating in remote areas where weather and ground conditions can change quickly, dependable equipment plays an important role in maintaining programme certainty and keeping crews supplied with the materials they need. Power is provided by a Stage V-compliant Yanmar diesel engine, delivering 410Nm of torque at 1700rpm.
Dealer support rooted in local understanding
The C50R-5ATV units were supplied by Broxburn, West Lothian based Yanmar dealer Field & Forest.
“We’ve worked with Field and Forest for around four years now, and the experience has been very positive,” Alan continues. “Tom Brown (Managing Director) and the team are fast, efficient and easy to deal with, and their aftersales support is reliable and helpful.” Full Yanmar product sales and support is also available from long-term Yanmar Dealer Chris Knight Plant Sales, based near Inverness and covering the entire Highland area
Positioned for continued growth
With renewable energy and infrastructure investment continuing across Scotland, demand for reliable plant support remains strong. By combining dependable machinery with strong regional partnerships, Gow Plant Hire is well placed to continue supporting essential renewable and infrastructure development across some of the UK’s most challenging working environments.
About Yanmar Compact Equipment EMEA
Yanmar Compact Equipment EMEA is a global player in the design, manufacture and distribution of state-of-the-art worksite machinery, with one production site in Europe: Saint-Dizier in France, and a strong presence in Germany through its Parts Center in Rothenburg.
Combing Japanese know-how with European manufacture, Yanmar Compact Equipment delivers a full portfolio of state-of-the-art machines that are specially designed for a wide range of applications; including infrastructure, drainage, landscaping, demolition and civil engineering.
Its philosophy is simple: To understand the challenges customers face, exceed their expectations and deliver excellence in everything it does.
For more details, please visit the official website: https://www.yanmar.com/gb/construction/about_us
About Yanmar Compact Equipment
Yanmar Compact Equipment (Yanmar CE) is a global leader in the design, manufacture and support of compact equipment for a range of segments, principally construction and other earthmoving applications.
Its products include extensive ranges of mini and midi excavators, wheel loaders, wheeled excavators, compact track loaders and tracked carriers. These are supported by a wide range of services designed to ensure customer success. A global company with proud Japanese heritage, Yanmar CE has manufacturing facilities in Asia, Europe and North America – and an extensive international dealer network.
Renowned for its innovative approach – it was the first to market with the now-benchmark mini-excavator, and is credited with popularizing the zero-tail swing concept – Yanmar CE remains a trusted brand known for its reliability, performance and commitment to customer satisfaction. These traits are demonstrated through the company’s tagline – ‘Building with you’.
For more details, please visit the official website. https://www.yanmar.com/global/construction/
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