Suppliers expand product portfolio - 19 July 2010
The last two months have been a busy and positive period for several leading hire industry suppliers. ArcGen Hilta has recently purchased the lighting equipment manufacturer SMC. ArcGen Chief Executive Mark Hodgkins believes, “Hirers increasingly want to deal with fewer suppliers that have larger product portfolios.”
Similarly, Belle is continuing to expand its product ranges by offering additional equipment from new parent Altrad, following its purchase of Belle last year. Wheelbarrows and modular scaffolding are the latest lines now being offered by Belle, and its MD Ray Neilson is confident that “these ranges represent a great opportunity for hirers.”
The opening of TowerLight’s new UK sales and service support operation in Milton Keynes is further evidence of the move towards ‘one stop shops.’ Following the success with its range of lighting towers, TowerLight is now adding contractors’ pumps and dust suppression equipment to its developing portfolio.
To learn more about these, and other positive developments in your industry, see the July/August issue of EHN.
|
 |
Hillhead hotspots - 25 June 2010
Besides basking in unbroken sunshine and sweltering temperatures, the Hillhead exhibition, which took place on 22-24 June near Buxton, Derbyshire, reported a record number of 455 exhibitors.
And in a year with no SED, many companies exhibiting for the first-time chose the event - claimed to be the biggest working quarry show anywhere in the world - as an ideal place to meet new customers, particularly those in the north of the country.
Many companies selected Hillhead as the launch pad for their latest products. Brand new from Cautrac, which distributes Morooka tracked carriers, is the MST-300 Access. It combines a Morooka MST300VD model with a Nifty 150T aerial platform, manufactured by Niftylift.
The low ground pressure machine has an impressive top speed of 11km/hour and is targeted at users who need to quickly reach remote off-road locations, such as personnel working in quarries and construction sites, and professionals involved in maintaining wind farms and utilities.
The 3900kg unit can negotiate slopes of up to 30°, and the Nifty platform gives a maximum lift height of 14.7m, with outreach of up to 7.55m. Basket capacity is 225kg, and fully proportional hydraulic controls are incorporated.
EHN’s July/August issue will include a full Hillhead review.
|
The 3T system |
The AGR and 3T debate - 1 June 2010
The EHN phone lines rang white hot the day after an advertisement for Turner Access’ BetaGuard aluminium tower system appeared in Construction News. Callers were reacting to the manufacturer’s claim that its BetaGuard, which has frames designed to incorporate advanced guardrail protection (AGR), “removes the risks present during usage, assembly, dismantle and alteration of traditional towers”, and that “Traditional towers using the 3T (through the trap) method present five distinct risks”.
This prompted the Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association (PASMA) Chairman, Roger Verallo, to respond, ”both the AGR and 3T methods continue to be the only methods currently approved by PASMA and the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) for assembling and dismantling towers,” and that “both methods continue to be supported by PASMA’s industry standard training scheme.”
When we contacted Gary Gallagher, MD of Turner Access, which is itself also a PASMA member, he said, “We believe that AGR protection is safer than the 3T method because it offers greater collective fall protection. If there is confusion, it is not of our making. It is caused by guidance that needs clarification.”
Turner Access’ BetaGuard
|
The 3T method involves the operative working partially through the open trap of a platform to position guardrails at appropriate distances above the platform. They then stand on the platform to continue the assembly process. The advance guardrail method involves the use of advance guardrails, which are positioned ahead of the platform. When the operative gains access to the platform, the advance guardrail is in position. They then install the permanent guardrails, and the advance unit is re-positioned ahead of the next platform.
The greater focus on these methods comes at a time when PASMA is conducting a review of its guidance on tower assembly, in consultation with all relevant stakeholders. The Association organised ‘hot topic’ debates on the merits of each system at last month’s Safety & Health Expo. PASMA is set to stage tests of both methods at a technical assessment session later this month. |
|
|
|
Latest News
Avants for hire in Norfolk 27/5/10
Avants for hire in Norfolk 27 May 2010 Having obtained an Avant mini loader for his own private use, Paul Bacon immediately saw the potential of the machine as a self-drive hire tool and two years ago he established Avant Hire Services based at his home near Attleborough in Norfolk. Since then he has grown the fleet to a total of six machines together ...
Hilti to hold more open days 17/5/10
Hilti to hold more open days 17 May 2010 Hilti to hold more open days Following the success of the open days it held in March, Hilti will be running more during June. They will take place at all 21 Hilti Centres nationwide, on 16 and 17 June, from 7am to 6pm. The events allow visitors to see and try out the manufacturer’s latest tools in all ...
Speedy extends Galliford Try agreement 13/5/10
Speedy extends Galliford Try agreement 13 May 2010 Speedy has announced the renewal of its existing arrangement, and an extension to the scope of the services it provides, to Galliford Try plc. Under a new agreement that will run until 2015, the hirer will be Galliford Try's first choice to supply tools, safety gear, lifting and survey equipment on a ...
Finning sells Hewden 6/5/10
Finning sells Hewden 6 May 2010 Finning International Inc has sold Hewden, its UK equipment hire business, for gross proceeds of £110.2m to an affiliate of Sun European Partners, LLP, the European adviser to Sun Capital Partners, Inc. The consideration comprises cash of £90.2m, an interest bearing five-year loan note receivable of ...
Volvo re-brands compact equipment division 5/5/10
Volvo re-brands compact equipment division 5 May 2010 Reflecting the group’s overall strategy to focus on specific industry segments, Volvo Construction Equipment has re-branded its compact equipment division within the UK with immediate effect. It will now be known as Volvo Utility Equipment and will include the distribution and support of ...
Belle Barrow 30/4/10
Belle Barrow 30 April 2010 Belle Group’s new Warrior is being targeted at builders, contractors and landscapers seeking a durable and cost-effective wheelbarrow for work in the most arduous conditions. It has a 100-litre capacity tray made from tough, high-density polyethylene, and the manufacturer describes it as being ideal for use in ...
inspHire translates into Russian 27/4/10
inspHire translates into Russian 27 April 2010 inspHire’s Office Edition hire management software has been translated into Russian for aKazakhstan-based customer, Denholm Zholdas, which provides services to theoilfields of Kazakhstan. The company, whose hire activities include compressor, lift and generator supply, required an application that ...
Keep cool with Scotts 26/4/10
Keep cool with Scotts 26 April 2010 Portable cooling equipment distributor, Scott Brothers Ltd, has added the new Honeywell CL60PM evaporative air cooler to its range targeted at the hire industry. The machine includes a large 60-litre water tank and provides a maximum 2,800m3/hour airflow rate, and has a low 220W energy consumption rating. The CL60PM, ...
ArcGen Hilta keeps Show pledge 22/4/10
ArcGen Hilta keeps Show pledge 22 April 2010 For the second consecutive year, ArcGen Hilta pledged to buy a tree and plant it in the National Forest for every sale generated at the Executive Hire Show, as part of its campaign to offset some of the carbon footprint used in the manufacture and subsequent use of its machines. The manufacturer’s ...
SPE surface prep guide 21/4/10
SPE surface prep guide 21 April 2010 The SPE Group has updated its pocket-size guide highlighting the various methods of surface preparation. Having the same dimensions as a credit card, the booklet outlines the suitability of equipment and the correct level of profile required for different applications relating to concrete surfaces and applied materials. ...
|
