CTE09/08: OFF-ROAD HIGH-LEVEL ACCESS FOR CLEANERS (8 May 2009)
Issue Date: 8 May 2009
Ref: CTE09/08
OFF-ROAD HIGH-LEVEL ACCESS FOR CLEANERS
One of the biggest challenges facing window and contract cleaners is how to access safely and efficiently the higher external faces of buildings and other structures when traditional equipment cannot be used. Perhaps the building is too tall for a ladder, the job too small to justify erecting scaffolding or there is no room or suitable standing area for a vehicle mounted powered access platform. In these and many other applications the answer could be the new breed of off-road powered access platforms such as the Traccess designed and manufactured by CTE.
Sometimes called “spider platforms” because of the way their stabiliser legs are arranged these platforms are ideal for situations where there is rough or uneven ground underfoot. This is because they can be driven into position using their tracks and then set with their stabilisers to stand level and create a stable platform for safe and efficient working at height. Two versions of the Traccess are available with 13.3 (CTE135) and 17m (CTE170) maximum working heights, up to 7.5m working outreach and maximum safe working load of 200kg throughout the entire operating area without restriction. This is enough for two average people and 40kg of cleaning tools and equipment.
Both models are powered by diesel engine as standard, with Honda petrol engines offered as an option. Each incorporates mains auxiliary 110v power for indoor use and this supports every function, including track drive. An innovative umbilical cord remote control unit with simple and intuitive controls allows the Traccess to be driven on and off transportation, moved across the ground and put into position while the operator always remains at a safe working distance.
The Traccess offers the most versatile boom configuration in its class with non-continuous rotation up to 330o. The articulated boom combines telescopic extension and a flyboom so that the basket can be positioned at any point within the operating envelope including “up and over” obstructions such as fences, roofs or other buildings between the base unit and the surface being cleaned. This type of boom design, together with the ingenious demountable basket, also allows the unit to fold down to a compact and class-leading closed size and carried on a conventional plant trailer or inside light commercial vehicles.
Simple controls mounted inside the basket allow the unit to be operated easily from the working position. Reliable load sensors provide a warning if the maximum load is exceeded while interlocks prevent further operation until it is brought back within safe working limits. The fully steel chassis, sub frame and boom superstructure ensure maximum strength for robust performance, reliability and stability. Hydraulic tubing and electric cables are housed inside the boom sections for protection against accidental damage caused by snagging.
Interlocks and safety cut-outs prevent operation of the platform until the outriggers are fully deployed. All hydraulic services are designed for failsafe operation with check valves on all cylinders. During normal operations the access platform is controlled from the basket using simple controls. Proportional controls ensure all movements, including lift, outreach and rotation, are smooth and precise at all times. There is full manual override at ground level for all functions.