When a major environmental and waste management facility in Anstruther, Scotland faced a critical maintenance hurdle, standard solutions were not an option. The site required urgent sump inspection and cleaning, but severe access restrictions ruled out the use of Hiab lorries or cranes. With a limited operational window of a few hours, Sykes Pumps delivered a bespoke, trailer-mounted solution to bypass these physical constraints and ensure project success.

Severe Access Restrictions and Tight Deadlines
The project site was a unique case of conflicting engineering needs. The site needed heavy-duty power, but access was impossible for heavy-duty lifting equipment.

| Zero Lift Access | The severe access restrictions made the use of a Hiab or crane impossible, creating a significant logistical barrier for deploying the necessary equipment. |
| High-Volume Requirement | Despite the access difficulties, the operation required high-capacity 6-inch pumps to achieve the flow rates needed for effective over-pumping. |
| Time-Critical Window | The team faced a strictly limited operational window of only a few hours to complete the entire job. |
| Open Environment | The work took place in an exposed working environment, demanding a secure and rapid setup. |
The challenge was to deliver the pumps without standard lifting equipment while ensuring the pumps were ready for immediate use ahead of the inspection schedule.
Delivering 6-Inch Power Without Heavy Plant
To overcome the obstacle, our engineering team devised a bespoke delivery planbased on the pumps being manually accessible. Instead of relying on a Hiab, we transported the equipment on specialised trailers. This allowed the team to access the restricted area and position the units manually without mechanical lifting support.
We deployed a specific combination of pumps to handle the volume and the cleanup:
- Primary Power: Two 6-inch Super Wispaset 150 Super Silenced Pumps were deployed to manage the primary over-pumping volume, ensuring the sump drained quickly.
- Versatile Support: A 4-inch Rapid Response pump was integrated into the system to manage residual water and support spot pumping during the cleaning phase.


Safe Inspection and Continued Value
The strategic decision to utilise trailer-mounted logistics ensured the successful delivery of the project despite the challenging site conditions. By deploying this mobile solution, the pumping system effectively lowered the sump water levels within just a few hours. This rapid action granted the client safe access to inspect the infrastructure, clean the area, and identify defects without any delay to their schedule.


By removing the need for crane support, the operation kept the entire maintenance programme strictly on track. Impressed by the equipment’s versatility during this operation, the client has chosen to retain the 4-inch Rapid Response pump for ongoing projects, effectively turning a temporary solution into a long-term asset.
Maintenance in Any Environment
This project in Anstruther demonstrates that physical constraints do not have to result in operational downtime. By combining high-capacity equipment like the Super Wispaset 150 with flexible, trailer-mounted logistics, Sykes Pumps bridged the gap between “impossible access” and “operational success”. Whether it is an open environment or a confined space, the right engineering approach ensures maintenance plans proceed safely and efficiently.


Facing a Challenge in Your Sector?
Sykes Pumps is here to support your pumping needs across all industries. We have the logistical solutions to get pumps exactly where you need them.
Call 0800 211 611 or visit andrews-sykes.com
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Download Case Study: Sykes Pumps Overcomes Logistical Barriers for Sump Maintenance in Anstruther
FAQs
What happens if I need to keep the equipment longer?
We offer flexible hire terms to suit your project’s evolving needs.
Do you handle complex environmental dewatering and water treatment projects?
Absolutely. Beyond restricted access solutions, we manage large-scale projects involving strict environmental compliance, such as pH control and silt management in conservation areas. Read our latest case study on Reliable Dewatering and Safe Water Treatment in West Sussex to see how we supported a major quarry restoration programme.
What if I need pumps immediately for an urgent situation?
We specialise in rapid mobilisation for time-critical incidents and can often meet strict response windows. For urgent, 24/7 support, call 0800 211 611.
