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, 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 programs 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, according to Yanmar.
Tracked Solution for Soft Ground Performance
Gow Plant Hire selected the Yanmar C50R-5ATV (14,087 lb. operating weight) for its ability to carry meaningful loads while maintaining traction and stability on softer terrain. With a payload capacity of up to 8,377 lbs. 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-degree 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," said Alan Gow, group managing director.
For contractors operating in remote areas where weather and ground conditions can change quickly, equipment plays an important role in maintaining program certainty and keeping crews supplied with the materials they need. Power is provided by a Stage V-compliant Yanmar diesel engine, delivering 302 lb. ft. of torque at 1700rpm.
Dealer Support Rooted in Local Understanding
The C50R-5ATV units were supplied by authorised Yanmar dealer Field and Forest Ltd, based in Broxburn, West Lothian. The relationship between the two businesses developed through long-standing local connections within the regional contracting community.
"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."
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.
For more information, visit yanmar.com.
