working at height
FM SERVICES ADD FIRST ALL ELECTRIC MANITOU TO POWERED ACCESS FLEET benefits of electric platforms which will help them cut their carbon footprint.
FM Services has added its first Manitou powered access machine to its growing fleet – the 200 ATJe is the manufacturer’s first all electric all terrain mobile elevating work platform.
Providing the same performance as a diesel-powered version, the manufacturer says the machine’s 48v battery – made up of 24 two volt cells - is capable of providing a full working day on full charge, even in adverse weather conditions, but says Fergus: “Our customers are telling us they are getting about three days from a full charge, so that is impressive.”
It is no secret that the hire fleet of powered access equipment at FM Services is of a predominantly different brand, but the company’s Fergus Minish, who established the Lisburn based business in 2005, says he was attracted to the all electric Manitou for a number of reasons. Supplied by Northern Lift Trucks, the Manitou 200 ATJe Oxygen, he says, had several appealing features over its equivalent machine. “This new electric articulating boom lift is lighter, slightly narrower, with a reduced tailswing and a longer outreach,” says Fergus, who offers an extensive range of telehandlers and powered access equipment, in addition to truck mounted platforms, excavators, dumpers and cement mixers. “We do have a number of Manitou telehandlers in the fleet, so we were well aware of the brand’s reliability. “Our customers were asking for an all electric machine with a higher working
height for indoor work; we already have 15 metre electric booms in our fleet, but this Manitou has a maximum working height of 20 metres and a 11 metre outreach – and as an added bonus, the machine is also capable of working outdoors, so its versatility is a definite advantage,” adds Fergus.
Big Potential FM Services has a diverse range of customers, not just in the construction industry, but also in the events and facilities management sectors, as well as maintenance and retail shop front installations, so the Manitou will clearly be in big demand as more and more contractors come to appreciate the
Equipped transmission bridges, this Manitou model clearly has all the features to facilitate safe work at height: galvanized spacious work platform, durable chassis design, high ground clearance, active oscillating axle, 4WD, and unique load capacity for an articulated boom, equally at home in an indoor environment or on rough, uneven or muddy ground – and it can climb at a 45° angle. With a basket capacity of 230kg, it can carry two people to work at height, while its proportional controls, combined with a fly jib, 350° turret rotation and 180° basket rotation, allow precise positioning for safe operation – and because power is delivered directly to each wheel, rather than hydraulically, there is minimal risk of an hydraulic fluid spill. And talking of wheels: the machine is fitted with non-marking tyres designed specifically to avoid leaving marks on hard indoor surfaces like concrete.
Silent Operation “With no CO2 emissions and virtually silent operation, the Manitou is ideal for operators seeking an environmentally friendly machine that can quietly work in residential areas and other places where there might be a nursing home, a hospital or schools,” adds Fergus. With a weight of 7,200kg and a length of 6m, it is also easily transportable, making it an ideal proposition for hire companies like FM Services who provide customers a delivery and collection service across Northern Ireland and as far away as Dublin. A high level of aftersales support and service is also essential when investing in equipment, and FM Services say Northern Lift Trucks don’t disappoint in that area. “Having Manitou telehandlers in our fleet, we already knew the dealer support would be first class. They also offer excellent availability of parts and great technical support,” says Fergus.
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PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
