CTE10/01: MOBILE CAPABILITY FOR FOLCRETE WITH CTE ZED21J (14 January 2010)

Issue Date: 14 January 2010
Ref: CTE10/01

Folcrete Restoration Services has recently taken delivery of a CTE ZED21J vehicle mounted powered access platform to help repair and renovate concrete buildings. Image shows a ZED21J model as selected by Folcrete.

MOBILE CAPABILITY FOR FOLCRETE WITH CTE ZED21J

Folcrete Restoration Services has recently taken delivery of a CTE ZED21J vehicle mounted powered access platform to help repair and renovate concrete buildings. The ZED21J incorporates a sigma (Σ) boom with a fly-jib and is the first access platform mounted on a 3.5 tonne chassis available in the UK to offer 21m maximum working height. It was chosen by Folcrete because this combination of configuration and performance enables it to access buildings and fascias even when there is an obstruction in between the vehicle and working area.

“The sigma boom offers clearance over canopies and overhanging building structures and this was an absolute must have,” says Tony Folan, Contracts Manager at Folcrete. “The basket is supported on the front of the boom and with the fly-jib this offers terrific flexibility where close-up work is needed.”

Founded in 1994 Folcrete is the only company in the UK to offer its highly specialised range of services. It operates a large fleet of power operated cradles, suspended from fixings on the building roof, to carry out inspection and repairs. The company has used vehicle-mounted mobile access platforms for inspection work and hired products from the CTE range in the past. As the frequency and length of hires rose it recognised that purchasing its own vehicle would make good business sense.

“Having our own vehicle allows us to react quickly to customer requirements and gives the professional image that I wanted,” says Tony Folan. “Speed, efficiency and being able to offer a more accurate inspection allows to deliver a better service.”

The ZED21J has a maximum working load of 200kg in all possible configurations, enough for two average sized people and up to 40kg of tools, with 10m outreach from 1-14m above floor level in a straight vertical line. Performance includes full and continuous 360o turret rotation for all-round access with true zero tail swing. Simple controls mounted inside the basket and at ground level allow users to operate the platform very easily and this was one of the features that appealed to Folcrete. The boom and basket can be controlled and positioned with a single lever which makes inspecting the front of buildings fast and easy. The ZED21J is mounted on a 3.5t commercial vehicle chassis and this means it can be driven by any of authorised driver with a standard “Category B” driving license.
 
“Having researched the market and spoken to several manufactures I liked the fact that CTE has a UK facility with technical support, back-up and a comprehensive spares department,” says Tony Folan. “CTE machines are operated extensively by rental companies and this gave me confidence.”