Scotland has seen a new focus on onshore wind in recent years, after the country’s devolved parliament adopted a new planning framework, NPF4, in 2023. This prioritised building renewable generating, and was followed by a deal with industry to aim to complete planning decisions within a year.
The move has brought a welcome boost for local contractors. At the end of 2025, there were 18.2GW of onshore wind projects in the planning and construction pipeline, up from 14.5GW a year earlier.
One company seeing potential in the market is Gow Plant Hire. The business supplies plant to support infrastructure, utilities and renewable energy developments across both internal group projects and the wider regional supply chain.
Wind farms are predominantly built on high ground in rural landscapes, with limits on roadbuilding, making access to sites difficult. To address this challenge, the Highlands hire firm purchased its first two tracked dumpers.
The two Yanmar C50R-5ATVs will be used for materials handling. 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.
Gow Plant Hire selected the Yanmar C50R-5ATV (6,390kg 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.
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.
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. “[Managing director] Tom Brown and the team are fast, efficient and easy to deal with, and their aftersales support is reliable and helpful.”
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