Soft ground, steep inclines and tight spaces presented a significant working at height challenge for the survey of an historic castle.
Stafford Castle in the West Midlands is considered one of the finest examples of Norman "motte and bailey" earthworks in the UK. As such, it sits on top of a substantial hill and in places the perimeter pathway is only a few metres wide, before falling away to a steep drop.
In order to inspect the walls for weather damage, the castle hired in a Hinowa 20.10 spider lift, as well as an experienced trained operator - Alan Howes of Alpha Powered Access Operator Services.
Alan said: "The Hinowa 20.10 came into its own and easily took the terrain in its stride. The tight space was not an issue and the working envelope ensured the job was done efficiently.
The Hinowa 20.10 Performance IIIS can lift 230kg – enough for two people with tools – without restriction throughout its working envelope of 20.1m working height and up to 9.7m of horizontal outreach. This capability meant that Alan could concentrate on operating the controls while the inspector focused on the castle's stone work.
The innovative dual pantograph boom design enables the 20.10 to work flush with walls, making it ideal for working in tight spaces such as the perimeter path - and it has a three-speed drive system which helps it reach the work area quickly.
Stafford Borough Council, which owns and manages the castle, hired in the spider lift from Traction Equipment (Stafford) Ltd, which cross-hired the Hinowa lift from local specialist Hire! Freeman in Telford and brought in Alan to provide expert operation.
Alan added: "I always undertake site visits to determine the most appropriate MEWP, taking into consideration obstacles, terrain and gradients. The Hinowa 20.10 has been the perfect machine on several occasions, particularly for tricky and difficult working at height requirements."
The Lightlift 20.10 utilises Hinowa's all-new "˜Performance IIIS' system, which is designed to make travel and set-up faster and more efficient than ever. Features such as outrigger deployment, levelling and retraction with one touch of a button, auto speed control taking into account ground conditions and track width extension status, plus wireless remote control all add up to the most advanced machine of its type on the market today.
The innovative display panel also alerts the owner when the machine is due for a service, or when a new version of the control software is available for download. And Hinowa's RAHMino system allows the owner to remotely monitor the machine's location and operation - and diagnose faults.
With a minimum travel width of less than 0.8m and stowed height of under 2m, this compact lift can pass through narrow doorways and the outriggers self-level at the touch of a button. The Lightlift 20.10 has fibreglass bushings on all pins, meaning they no longer require lubricants, reducing maintenance time.
APS (Access Platform Sales) is
the official UK distributor for Hinowa's full range of tracked access platforms,
mini-dumpers and forklifts, having represented the company in this country for
many years. APS is part of the
IAPS Group, which holds an extensive
machine and spare parts inventory; has a nationwide team of 23 experienced
mobile service technicians, three workshops and four mobile spare parts vans to
provide a level of after-sales support unrivalled in the UK access industry.
