Manufactures of Subsea umbili­cals and cabling systems need to be aware that there is a new reel handling capability avail­able from Wheelift Systems.  Umbilical reels weighing from 200 tons to 500 tons can now enjoy an entirely new capabil­ity in reel handling.  By adding support legs to reel stands that provide 20 inch high (500 mm) “tunnel” spaces, a pair of Wheelift self-loading transporters can lower and drive under the umbilical reels and freely move them from the manufacturing building to dockside or remote storage.  Typically, one of these heavy moving system Wheelift transporters can be driven under each side of a subsea umbilical reel stand to pick them up and carry them to the next processing position. 

The precision computerized travel control can also be used as a programmable precision level-wind that moves the entire reel back and forth with the precise degree of movement needed as the umbilical or cable is wound onto reel.  That capability eliminates the need for fleet angle and allows the reel to be very close to the cable machinery pay out rollers.