Go-to heritage access platform sees sales soar

[DISTRIBUTORS OF Hinowa spider platforms have reported record sales for the machines in the UK. The marque has become a key access platform for working at height on heritage buildings and churches.

Sales of the highly-compact and versatile platforms for the first six months of 2021 have ‘far exceeded’ those achieved in the same period last year, according to UK and Ireland distributor Access Platform Sales (APS).

APS’s managing director Steve Couling said: “Sales of Hinowa spider platforms have risen across all sectors, including access rental and industries like tree management and building maintenance.

“We put the success down to growing awareness of the special capabilities of Hinowa spider platforms, and their unique features that enhance their performance and make them easy to operate.

“At APS we also provide excellent training and after-sales care and maintenance, which helps customers to take on Hinowa spider platforms smoothly and always get the best from the machines.”

The Italian-made platforms have working heights from 13m to 33m. They are also highly compact: in travelling mode some are narrow enough to get through a standard single doorway.

Higher platforms, such as the 25.7m Hinowa Lightlift 26.14 Performance IIIS and the 32.7m Hinowa Lightlift 33.17 Performance IIIS, are most popular for working on churches, especially those with tall towers and spires.

Bi-energy and all-electric lithium battery versions allow the same platform to be used for internal and external maintenance and inspection. Hinowas can also be fitted with non-marking tracks for operation across sensitive floors.

Their articulating booms are ideal for reaching over obstacles, like shrubs and gravestones, and positioning operatives close to complex structures inside churches, cathedrals and historic buildings. q

The following companies are all specialists in Lightning Protection Systems:

Direct Strike Ltd

Lightning Protection and Earthing Solutions

• Lightning Protection • Inspection & Maintenance • BSEN 62305:2011 • Consultancy & Design Services • Supply & Installation • Earthing Systems • Height Safety & Fall Arrest Systems • Surge Protection Head Office: 01461 337951 Rep of Ireland: +353 45 913 129 E: enquiries@directstrike.co.uk W: www.directstrike.co.uk

18 Canberra Road, Gretna, Dumfriesshire, Scotland DG16 5DP

Harrison Lightning Protection & Earthing Ltd

T: 01325 464464 E: contact@harrisonlp.co.uk W: www.harrisonlp.co.uk

2 Lakeland Estate, Faverdale North, Darlington, County Durham DL3 0PX

Rafferty Lightning Protection

70 years experience in the steeplejack and lightning protection industries

• Surveys • Risk Assessments • Design and Installation to BSEN 62305 • Specialist Earthing • Annual Testing, Inspection & Maintenance • Surge Protection

T: 01782 834567 E: enquiries@rafferty1949.com W: www.rafferty-steeplejacks.com

Nash Peake Works, Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 5BT

G & S Steeplejacks Ltd

Over 30 years experience in the Design & Installation of Lightning Protection Systems.

• Annual Testing • Inspection & Maintenance

• Surge Protection • Height Safety Systems Churches, Schools, Hospitals, Universities, Colleges

T: 01761 437796 M: 07974 184449 E: graham@gnssteeplejacks.co.uk W: www.gnssteeplejacks.co.uk

Unit 3, Bath Business Park, Peasedown St John, Somerset BA2 8SF

Lightning Strike Ltd

Lightning Protection and Earthing Specialist for Churches and Historic Properties

• Earthing Systems • Surge Protection • Safe Strike ESE Systems • Lightning Conductor Testing • Earthing System Testing • Soil Resistivity Testing

T: 01158 752686 M: 07581 266493 E: info@lightningstrikeltd.co.uk W: www.lightningstrikeltd.co.uk

Wiltshire Steeplejacks

and Lightning Conductor Engineers

Trading for over 40 years, we specialise in: • Lightning protection systems • BS EN 62305 & BS 6651 • Earthing and resistivity testing • High maintenance work • Flagpoles • All rope access work • Full architectural surveys & cover meter surveys T: 01225 761330 M: 07973 397770 E: wiltssteeplejack@aol.com W: www.wiltshiresteeplejacks.co.uk

The Coach House, 5 Court Street, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 8BR

A C Wallbridge & Co Ltd

Steeplejacks and Lightning Conductor Engineers

Providing lightning protection services since 1978

Installation, maintenance and testing of lightning protection systems, utilising rope access systems for safe access. • Cathedrals • Churches • Towers • Sports Centres • High Rise Office Blocks • High Rise Residential Blocks • Schools • Hospitals T: 01722 322750 E: mail@wallbridge.co.uk W: www.wallbridge.co.uk

Unit 7, Centre One, Lysander Way, Old Sarum, Salisbury SP4 6BU

Horizon Specialist Contracting Ltd

With over 25 years experience our in-house design team are trained and certified to the current British & European Standards BS EN 62305:2011 for Lightning Protection Systems and BS 7430:2011 for Earthing.

• Lightning Protection Systems and Surge Protection Design • Testing and Inspection surveys • Steeplejack maintenance • Fall arrest safety systems

T: 0115 965 7400 E: sales@horizonsc.co.uk W: www.horizonsc.co.uk

Unit 7, Burma Road, Blidworth, Nottinghamshire NG21 0RT

Lightning Protection Services

North(Head office): 01461 800323 South: 01582 511036 N.E: 01914 661145 E: info@lightningconductor.co.uk W: www.lightningconductor.co.uk

South West Lightning Protection

T: 07807 334441 E: south@lightningconductor.org W: www.lightningconductor.org

Airport Business Centre, 10 Thornbury Road, Estover, Plymouth PL6 7PP

Cuttings

The UK’s largest independent Lightning Protection & Earthing contractor

Design, installation and maintenance

• Lightning Protection • Surge Protection

• Earthing Services • Height Safety Services

Offices in London, Manchester, Sussex, Essex and Bristol.

T: 020 8371 0001 E: info@cuttings.co.uk W: cuttings.co.uk