25 minute read
Working at Height
FM SERVICES ADD FIRST ALL ELECTRIC MANITOU TO POWERED ACCESS FLEET
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.
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 benefits of electric platforms which will help them cut their carbon footprint. 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.” 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.
working at height
Genie Adds Production of Rough-Terrain and All-Electric Scissor Lifts in Europe
Genie is now producing the popular Genie® GS™-2669 RT, GS-3369 RT and GS-4069 RT rough terrain scissor lifts, and the GS-2669 DC, GS-3369 DC and GS-4069 DC all-electric scissor lifts, in Umbertide, Italy.
Because these models are now being manufactured in Umbertide, shipping times will be reduced for the EMEARI (Europe, Middle East, Africa, Russia and India) region, providing reduced lead times for customers interested in adding these quality, reliable and rugged scissor lift models to their fleets. “Genie is committed to delivering quality throughout our customer’s experience — quality equipment, quality delivery, and quality service and support,” said Francesco Aiello, Senior Director, Terex Umbertide. “Both the rough-terrain and all-electric DC models of these scissor lifts deliver rugged performance and increased productivity on even the most demanding worksites. By localising production at the Umbertide factory, customers across our region will see improved lead times as a result of faster shipping availability.” Both the RT and DC models offer drive-atfull-height capabilities and patented fulltime oscillating axles for performance and productivity on the jobsite. The GS-2669 delivers a max working height of 9.7 m (31 ft 9 in) and provides up to 680 kg (1,500 lb) of lift capacity, while the GS-3369 can lift up to 454 kg (1,000 lb) up to a max working height of 11.75 m (38 ft 6 in). For higher-reaching jobs, the GS-4069 delivers productivity and efficiency up to 14.12 m (46 ft 3 in) and can lift up to 363 kg (800 lb). For quiet, efficient, zero-emissions operation, the all-electric GS-2669 DC, GS-3369 DC and GS-4069 DC all-electric scissor lifts are excellent options for both indoor and outdoor use. Truly versatile units, all three models are ideal for indoor work in confined spaces while rough-terrain capabilities make these scissor lifts well-suited for even rugged applications on challenging ground, sand and mud. Additionally, 35 percent gradeability allows these scissor lifts to easily get up slopes and loading ramps. The GS-2669 DC, GS-3369 DC and GS-4069 DC come equipped with standard foam-filled, non-marking rough terrain tyres.
Lynch Plant Leading the Way in Telehandler Safety with GKD Technologies
One of the latest innovations from GKD Technologies, who design, develop and produce height, slew and load safety control systems for general construction equipment, is an Advanced Height Limiter system which provides real-time height monitoring and protection to all types of telehandler.
Lynch Plant Hire is the first company in the UK to fit this system to one of its newest machines – a JCB 540-140 Loadall Telehandler, which is now working on the HS2 rail project. The system was installed by GKD official installer, Ben Welham of BW Eng Ltd. The system is a great solution for guarding against overhead danger, designed for use when telehandlers are operating in restricted or confined spaces - underneath power lines, or while lifting into buildings. Using a dedicated, integrated angle and boom extension sensor the system continually measures the angle of the boom together with the length of the extension of the telescopic section of the telehandler. This ensures height limits are not exceeded. BW Eng’s Ben Welham explains in more detail how the system works, “The idea of the system is it will functionally limit the telehandlers capabilities to go beyond any inputted height limits which have been set on the machine, therefore there can be no damage to infrastructure, personnel or other machinery in the area. The system is self-explanatory and operator-friendly and there are two different settings you can use where you can manually key in height limits or set automatically by positioning the machine at the required working height.” Ben continued, “To set a height limit the system will ask you to raise your telehandler arm to a position where it is in safe parameters to operate. For example, if your arm is raised to 3.26 metres, this is then indicated on the screen, you then adjust the control key switch to and the machine is in a ‘locked’ position and will not operate beyond the set parameter of 3.26 metres. “The system will stop the machine before the limit is reached, and to err on the side of caution, there’s a 500mm window before the exact limit is reached, so you can’t over achieve if, for example, you are travelling at speed. “You are also able to manually key in a height limit if you already are aware of your working height. The system also will also take into consideration the ‘telehandler’ part of the boom. Once the height is set for the job – the control key can be removed which then makes it tamper-proof and impossible to override the limits set.” The JCB telehandler went straight to work on the HS2 rail project with Lynch customer Buckingham Group Contracting. Matt Smith, Project Manager, Buckingham Group Contracting, commented on the system, saying, “The system was fit for purpose, restricting the telehandler from operating outside the safe working zone. This helped us to ensure that we were working safely and reducing risk for our operators.”
KDM HIRE INVEST IN LATEST LONG REACH MAGNI TELEHANDLER
One of our leading rental companies, award winning KDM Hire continues to reach new heights in offering customers want they want when they want it, and in doing so have invested in the first Magni 19 metre telehandler to be sold in Ireland.
The Magni TH 55.19, a fixed telescopic handler especially suitable for demanding light industrial sites, was supplied by Overseas Plant Exports who were appointed as the official dealer for Magni in Ireland earlier this year, with A J Armstrong from Maghera providing service for the north of Ireland. Powered by a Deutz 55 kW engine, it can safely operate on all terrains, rough and smooth, thanks to its 4-wheel drive and an automatic levelling system, which acts on both the wheels and stabilisers, while its hydrostatic transmission offers precision and manoeuvrability. “The Magni 5,5.19 offers not only a longer reach, despite its compact dimensions, but also a class leading 5.5 tonne lift capacity compared to other competing brands on the market,” says OPE’s Dan Daly, “and we are delighted KDM Hire have added it to its already impressive hire fleet.” KDM Hire says the Magni, which represents the longest fixed reach machine in its fleet, is already proving popular with customers. Says KDM Hire’s Ryan McIvor ‘’it perfectly complements our existing telehandler fleet which includes heavy lift and rotating machines and will appeal to customers who need a longer reach and a heavier lifting capacity. “Hire customers will find it easy to operate and will enjoy what is a spacious, well designed and comfortable cab that
AT A GLANCE
Lifting capacity: 5.500 kg Capacity at maximum height: 2,000 kg Lifting height: 18,80 m Reach: 14.1 m Engine: Deutz TCD 3,6 L4 Stage V Rated power: 55.4 kW (75.3 hp) at 2,200 rpm Number of gears: 2/2 Hydraulic system: 350 bar load sensing Length: 6,390 mm Width: 2,530 mm Ground clearance: 410 mm Unladen weight: 14,100 kg Travel speed: 35 km/h and 25km/h for 55.4 kW Automatic attachment recognition
provides good all round visibility, essential when working on busy or restricted sites. It is also a very stable machine.” Indeed, its design incorporates a lowered chassis that drops the centre of gravity, providing extra stability, but despite that there is still an outstanding level of ground clearance. The state-of-the-art cab comes with an adjustable steering column and a 7-inch touch screen which allows the operator to easily see a range of variables, including driving, lifting, outriggers and cab management, while all controls are logically positioned, easily accessible and simple to master. Other features include pivoting stabilisers, which are quick and easy to deploy, while the boom stays in shape when retracted so there are no protrusions at the front of the machine. There’s also a load sensing system, an electroproportional joystick and a control system that complies with all the relevant safety standards. The Magni’s levelling system allows the operator to adjust the inclination of the machine so the entire load diagram is available for any type of operation; even when under normal conditions the slope of the terrain could affect lifting performance. The machine’s hydraulics’ electric management system automatically selects the best engine speed for the required power, adding to its fuel efficiency. With booms that are made from high tensile steel, making them tough and flexible, while increasing load capacity, the machine is compatible with a wide range of attachments, being equipped with the R.F.ID system which allows for automatic recognition of attachments and the creation of the relative load charts.
Dan Daly, OPE (Overseas Plant Exports) and Ryan McIvor, KDM Hire.
SAFETY FIRST WITH ALMACRAWLER BIBBI 870-BL SELF-LEVELLING SCISSOR LIFT
BY CHRIS MCCULLOUGH
ALTHOUGH some of the main construction projects may have been postponed throughout the Covid19 era, work continued on private homes and their surroundings.
This created a surge in demand for some smaller construction machines which kept hire centres, just like Bann Hire in Portadown, very busy catering for this domestic market. While all types of equipment are available at Bann Hire, one of the more demanded machines has been the company’s new AlmaCrawler Bibbi 870-BL. Basically, this is a scissor lift that has a self-levelling platform and runs on tracks which makes it very safe for operators to use around houses where space is more confined than that on a bigger building site. Bann Hire was initially established as a small tool outlet in 2007 by Shane McCrory in Banbridge. With major quarrying and civil contractors operating in the area there was strong demand for a plant hire company, therefore Bann Hire emerged to meet that need. Since then the company has further grown and now has an additional two depots with a Portadown branch opening in 2009 and a branch in Lisburn opening in 2013. The hire fleets are kept modern and well maintained offering a wide range of equipment including powered access up to heights of 80ft, excavators 0.75 tonnes to 21 tonnes and site dumpers from one tonne to 10 tonnes. The Bibi 870-BLlift is a model of tracked mini-scissor with bi-levelling technology that allows operators to carry out work up to a maximum height of 7.90 metres, while ensuring their safety. Almac says it has designed a high performance tracked mini-scissor lift, equipped with an extensible and retractable 1.2m wide and 2.35m long cabin. It is available with either a Honda petrol engine or a Hatz diesel engine. Some of its main advantages during operations at heights include a large work area with 250kgs capacity for two operators. The machine has good stability even at high altitude and excellent manoeuvrability in all space conditions. One of its main advantages is its ability to work in steep terrain or uneven surfaces up to 20 degrees longitudinally and 15 degrees laterally. Optional extras for the Bibi 870-BL include bi-levelling anti-marking tracks, a 220V-1,000W electric generator and a 220V-2.2 kW electric engine.
Huge Demand
Brendan Byrne is the manager of the Bann Hire Portadown branch and said there had been huge demand for the AlmaCrawler lift ever since the company purchased it. He said: “We bought the AlmaCrawler Bibbi 870-BLfour months ago predominantly for the domestic market as quite a lot of jobs we were pricing were from customers wanting to paint their homes or put fascia board on, those kind of requests. “Some of the jobs were at properties adjoining garages where space was very limited and where there was a gradient in that space. “We really needed a machine that offered a solution to all these requests and found the AlmaCrawler lift, with its self-levelling platform, was perfect for us. The machine is very easy to use, therefore it doesn’t take customers long to get the hang of it. “A full demo of the machine is given to customers once we deliver it. Before the lift goes up it goes through the motions of levelling itself out on the axis and won’t rise until it is level. “We knew at the start when we received a demo of the AlmaCrawler lift that it was a machine we would have good demand for and that has been proven by the customer feedback we have received to date. “We can hire this machine, and any other of other equipment, all over Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland,” said Brendan.
Inspectec
Made in Italy, the range of AlmaCrawler machines are distributed throughout the whole of Ireland by Inspectec who are based in County Kildare. Dan Daly, director of Inspectec, said: “We brought the first AlmaCrawler into Ireland in early 2020, just after the first lockdown, after having seen the machines first in 2019. “Almac, as a company, is still relatively young having only started in 2013 but are making huge strides in the manufacture of lift access machinery. “The very first machine we brought in was a 12m boom lift which was sold to a customer in Birr, County Offaly, and it has been out on full time rent since then with no problems at all. “The AlmaCrawlers are quite unique with their undercarriage being patented. They are fully automated and self-levelling. As the machine travels across a site the machine will level itself out on the vertical and the horizontal. “There are no stabilisers on the AlmaCrawlers due to the self-levelling which means operators can drive them at height, which saves the operators time in having to lower the lift and retract the stabiliser legs just to move location. “Should any of the AlmaCrawlers need any attention we have the backup in place to sort it, but we have sold 15 units so far with no problems whatsoever,” said Dan.
working at height IPAF offers new membership category for safety professionals
The International Powered Access Federation has launched a new type of membership, the Safety Professional member category, aimed at those in health & safety or related supervisory roles within powered access or wider end-use sectors.
The new membership category is aimed at individuals within larger organisations, including those employed by existing IPAF Member companies, and is a cost-effective way to benefit from the Federation and its activities, bringing benefits and increasing opportunities to receive direct updates from IPAF about safety and technical guidance, join exclusive webinars and events, and to engage directly with IPAF experts and fellow members. The benefits of the new member package include free participation in exclusive safety professional events with leading speakers from the powered access industry, access to a private LinkedIn group to share knowledge and safety good practice, access to the members’ area of the IPAF website and the IPAF accident reporting portal members’ dashboard, plus a discounted subscription to a leading UK H&S publication. Brian Parker, IPAF’s Head of Safety & Technical, says: “This new category of membership is aimed at health & safety managers, supervisors or officers, indeed for anyone engaged in a safety role concerning the use of powered access and general issues concerning work at height safety. “In my previous role at a large IPAF member hire and training company, I was tasked with managing and leading on health & safety strategy and protocols, and this category of individual membership would certainly have appealed to me and been a great help in my day-to-day work, not least in conveying safety messages to colleagues and the reporting and analysis of industry accident data.” Peter Douglas, CEO & MD of IPAF, adds: “This is something quite a few people have mentioned to me since I took up post in 2019, with many industry contacts saying they would like us to create a special individual membership category tailored to health & safety professionals within larger companies or perhaps suitable for those working on a consultancy basis within powered access or work at height safety. “I’m very pleased we are now able to make the new category of membership available, and I look forward to speaking to interested parties about the opportunities and benefits it offers. “We believe that the new category is a great way for such individuals to keep up to date with the latest industry developments, safety information and guidance in the world of powered access, and to engage directly with IPAF and its members, whether that be receiving industry news, sharing advice on safety practice, assisting with the IPAF global accident reporting project or serving on an IPAF committee or working group.”
New reach truck models from Toyota
Toyota Material Handling Europe has launched the first three models in the new BT Reflex family of reach trucks. The latest models – the highperformance R-series, the E-series (which features Toyota’s iconic and unique tilting cab) and the flexible O-series for inside and outside use – are said to set new standards in safety, efficiency and ergonomics.
The trucks, which are offered with load capacities of between 1.4 and 2.5 tonnes and lift heights of up to 13 metres, feature a host of innovations - including an updated ergonomic operator compartment that optimises safety, performance levels and operator comfort. Within the operator’s cabin the steering unit with palm support has been refined for enhanced touch sensitivity and feel. Also, a new main control console positioned to the right-hand side of the driver, helps to make the new BT Reflex models highly intuitive to control - which results in improved throughput speeds and safer working. Another notable addition within the operator’s area is a new large colour touchscreen display which provides a clear view of critical information and direct access to the truck’s programmable features and functions. Like the main controls, the touchscreen has been designed with ease of operation in mind and its instinctive and interactive functionality guarantees a high level of efficiency Of course, driver comfort has not been forgotten and all the new models have the option of a high-quality air suspension seat. With environmental issues a key design consideration, every model is lithium-ion ready and comes with a choice of three intelligent energy solutions to suit every customer’s application requirements. These solutions are based on Toyota’s own modular lithium-ion battery system and deliver a high degree of operational flexibility. With good charging discipline, even the smallest option will provide the consistent power levels required to allow the trucks to work around the clock – even within the most demanding environments. All reach trucks from Toyota are connected smart trucks. Factory-fitted with integrated telematics, they are easy to connect with Toyota’s I_Site fleet management tool. I_Site allows users to measure truck safety and performance and achieve considerable savings in their fleet’s overall running costs. For the new machines the driver interface has also been improved, with the availability of I_Site features such as Smart Access - which allows only authorised operators to start a truck. In addition a Pre-Operational Check tool makes sure that an automated check is carried by the driver before the beginning of every shift or day.
working at height
Flexicon Introduce Access Platform Line
Flexicon have introduced a new line of anti-slip access platforms to reach elevated process equipment safely, eliminating the need for ladders, scissor lifts and forklift cages.
The modular system includes braced frames which can be bolted to the floor, 1220 mm square deck sections, and stairways with elevations up to 2.4 m. Upper grab rails and mid-height rails bolted to stairway stringers and deck perimeters, together with auto-closing hinged safety gates and anti-slip grating on treads and decks, maximise personnel security. Modularity allows stacking of frames to attain high elevations, and joining of decks in 1220 mm square increments to create elevated walkways and extended mezzanine areas in shapes conforming to equipment configurations and plant layouts. Control panels can be mounted to the braced frame, allowing operation of equipment at various elevations. The company also manufacture flexible screw conveyors, pneumatic conveying systems, tubular cable conveyors, bulk bag dischargers, bulk bag conditioners, bulk bag fillers, manual dumping stations, drum/box/ container tippers, weigh batching systems, and automated plant-wide systems integrated with new or existing process equipment.
Modulift add New Product to Portfolio
Due to demand in the lifting industry for more innovative products to make rigging quicker, safer and more efficient. Modulift, a technical expert and manufacturer in the lifting industry based in the UK, have added a new product to its portfolio that is compatible with their full modular spreader beam range.
The Clevis Drop Link and Delta Plate is designed to replace the standard Drop Link for certain specific rigging situations. The construction of the Clevis Drop Link and Delta Plate makes the product quite unique; the different size Delta Plates are suitable for various bottom shackles which can be installed in the same Clevis Drop Link, making the product extremely flexible and compatible with a range of shackles. The design assembly is efficient, as the product is supplied in an assembled condition making it quick and easy to assemble on-site with two smaller size shackles replacing one large lower shackle which you would see in a standard spreader configuration. The flexibility enables variable angles on the bottom slings ranging from 0-45 degree STV. Harshal Kulkarni, Engineering Manager at Modulift who is leading the development of the product said, “At Modulift, we are always challenging our capabilities and how far we can go in product innovation. Our customers are always at the forefront and this product is extremely efficient in compatibility, cost, flexibility and assembly & design. It’s tested and certified in accordance with DNV-ST-0378.” John Baker, Modulift Commercial Director said, “We are continually looking for new ideas to compliment our existing range of products and make rigging more efficient whilst maintaining safety. Feedback from site trials have confirmed that the product is really easy to use and saves time rigging up especially when doing repetitive lifts. Our in-house engineering team have been working hard to ensure this product works across all of the Modulift spreader beam range. After a testing 16 months which has been tough for the whole of the lifting industry, things are definitely on the rise for Modulift especially within our bespoke design and manfacture division and we’re excited to see what the rest of the year will bring.”
Five things to look for in an MEWP Thorough Examination
Most operators of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) are mindful of their responsibilities in arranging regular safety inspections. But far fewer are aware that many inspection providers use a generic checklist which fails to inspect components specific to MEWPs… potentially putting an employer on the wrong side of the law.
The law states that under LOLER regulations, an MEWP should undergo a Thorough Examination at east every 6 months to ensure that equipment is not faulty and doesn’t pose a risk to staff. Sounds straightforward, but many Thorough Examinations focus solely on LOLER, ignoring the PUWER component of the inspection, an omission that could lead to accidents, injuries, damage, downtime, disruption and possible prosecution. “In some ways, an incomplete inspection is worse than none at all, as it could give a false sense of security,” explains Geoff Martin Chairman of Thorough Examination accrediting body CFTS. “To help owners and operators of MEWPs meet their safety obligations and comply fully with the law, we have come up with 5 tips that will help them review their existing arrangements.”
Five-point guide
1) Does your provider employ MEWP
Thorough Examination documentation including a dedicated MEWP checklist created specifically for this kind of equipment? CFTS examiners never take a “once size fits all” approach to different types of workplace equipment. 2) Crucially, does the provider’s documentation meet the requirements of both LOLER and PUWER - i.e., does it cover important areas such as brakes and steering as well as the lifting gear (manydon’t). 3) Is your examiner both a ‘competent person’ and an experienced engineer?
Anddothey carry the kit to check your MEWP thoroughly?(Including trolley jack, A-frame ladders and dedicated chain-gauge). 4) Is your Thorough Examination fully and independently audited? Does the inspector undergo regular refresher training – so you can rest assured they are up to date with the latest legislation? 5) Is your examiner able to minimise disruption to your operations? Many
CFTS-accredited engineers are equipped to carry out repairs so, in the event of a fault, it can be fixed without delay, keeping you operational. Importantly, with more than 600 depots nationwide, it is easy to find a CFTSaccredited examiner near you. To find your nearest Thorough Examination provider visit: www.thoroughexamination. org/find-an-accredited-examiner
