vehicles & plant

product round-up

Scrappage Programme

A scrappage programme offers the opportunity to switch to electric and save up to £14,000 on a new zeroemission MAXUS vehicle with the added bonus of a free home or workplace charger. Vehicles within the manufacturer’s electric portfolio include the e DELIVER 9 and e DELIVER 3 LCV vans as well as the T90EV pickup.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAQ069

SHORT TAIL EXCAVATOR

A new short tail that weighs in at 3.8-tonnes offers maximum accessibility where space is limited has been introduced by Takeuchi. The TB335R is Stage V ready with 18.2kW and Eco operating mode. The larger than average track frame and optimised counterweight provides

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAQ071

ELECTRIC MINI-EXCAVATOR

The low noise, zero-emission design of the Doosan DX20ZE two tonne electric mini-excavator is combined with the features and high performance of the equivalent diesel-powered unit. With a width of just 950mm, it can pass through narrow passages and is ideal for operating indoors or in areas where low noise and/or night-time work is necessary.

3-TONNE DUMPER

An all-new, all electric 3tonne dumper has been introduced by Thwaites

Four maintenance free, long-life, lithium-ion (drycell) batteries, operating at 48V, are fitted. Each battery is rated at 5.75kWh, with two highly efficient electric motors (one for traction, one for the hydraulic services) giving the operator the control and manoeuvrability expected from a Thwaites dumper.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAQ075 their daily work routines.”

Initially a brainchild of Mike’s, he relates the principle behind Bobeka: “Of course, conversion kits have been around for years, but they tend to be permanent fixtures with no flexibility of use and a myriad of intricate components to assemble. We needed to simplify the whole process and the key to doing that is our own patented modular fixing system, with nothing fixed into the vehicle structure.

“The whole concept is built around a precision engineered and sturdy birchfaced plywood storage bench and table, which is easily transformed into a rigid platform which then provides a double sized bed. We have tried to think of everything a casual camper needs for a short stay away and provide an assortment of built in, secure storage capacity for things like portable cookers, water bottles and provisions. It is not luxury camping by any means but is perfectly adequate for short stays, either for leisure or perhaps a tradesperson working away from home for a couple of days and doesn’t want his profits eaten into by expensive hotel bills.”

Recalls Mike: “Working on a number of protoypes, and experimenting with different materials – plus a significant for every popular make of small/medium van, although we can pretty much adapt the design to suit even a non-standard shaped vehicle if required.”

He adds: “With no actual moving parts it’s the sort of product which should provide excellent service for many years and in most cases is transferable to a new vehicle when the time comes. Everything simply slots into place and, of course, there are very few components to go missing! When it’s not in use the kit can simply be stored at the back of the garage, or the garden shed. In fact, it could actually be used in the summer as a useful piece of garden furniture.”

Easy set-up

After the trials and tribulations of Covid, and with spring in the air, Richard and Mike are confident that 2023 will be a breakthrough year for Bobeka, whether its people investing around £1,000 to buy one outright or take advantage of a hire option for a very reasonable £150.

“Everything you need is delivered on one pallet and, even as a novice, we are confident it can all be put together in around 15 minutes. It certainly won’t cause the sort of family rows commonplace with some flat packs we could mention”, jokes Mike.

As Richard confirms: “Ultimately, it’s all about squeezing some extra life out of your vehicle which, let’s face it, is costing a small fortune to keep on the road these days what with skyrocketing fuel and insurance premiums.

“The fact is thousands of people would like to be able to enjoy the full camper van experience but are currently being priced out of that opportunity because of soaring demand and the high entry points of purchase and hire. With the Bobeka system we hope to be able to provide a taste of that experience at a fraction of the cost to anyone who owns a van and yearns on occasion to escape the stresses and strains of running their own small business.”

Having come this far, they clearly won’t take anything other than total success laying down!

When it comes to safety footwear, it isn’t a case of one size fits all. The type of work boot required to give you the right protection will vary greatly depending on the application, environment and hazards involved in your role.

Working outdoors? keep feet dry

Wet feet aren’t just uncomfortable – they can lead to several foot problems including athlete’s foot, blistering, infections and even tissue damage. So, if you work in a role that sees your feet frequently exposed to the rain, a waterproof boot is a must.

But it’s no good having a lining that keeps water out but leaves your foot so sweaty it ends up becoming as wet as it would have been had the rain got in. What’s needed is a boot with both waterproofness and breathability, like V12’s Lynx range. Lynx features high-performing protection and innovative designs to ensure you’re working in comfort.

Waterproof or water-resistant?

It’s just as important to know when waterproofing is a step too far. It all depends on your level of water exposure. A water-resistant boot will stop water from getting in to a certain degree, although long exposure will mean water will get in eventually. So, if your work only takes you outside every so often, we recommend a water-resistant rather than waterproof boot, because it will remove the extra lining that comes with waterproofing. And while a good waterproof lining should be breathable, if you have it inside your boot but don’t need it, you’ll be adding an unnecessary layer around your foot, which might make it hotter or sweatier especially for those working mostly indoors.

Don’t get cold feet...

It’s not just water that can be a problem when working on site; the cold can also seriously affect safety. Numb feet cause reduced sensitivity and stability, and a drop in body temperature can be a big distraction from the task at hand. And if