CTE09/09: CSB ENVIRONMENTAL CHOOSES 26M PLATFORM FROM CTE (2 June 2009)
Issue Date: 2 June 2009
Ref: CTE09/09
CSB ENVIRONMENTAL CHOOSES 26M PLATFORM FROM CTE
Specialist cleaning contractor CSB Environmental selected a CTE ZED26E powered access platform to enhance its ability to work on the outside of buildings and other structures. The company also offers the platform for hire to other companies who need temporary high level access to complete their own projects.
“We chose the ZED26E because the sigma boom configuration is more versatile than a platform with a straight boom,” says Simon Bailey, Managing Director of CSB Environmental. “It’s very quiet to operate and the fully-fitted cab is modern-looking.”
Based near Leicester, CSB Environmental undertakes a wide range of specialist cleaning and maintenance contracts for local authorities and utility companies throughout the UK. As part of its work the company needs access to structures such as buildings, bridges and industrial plant and equipment where conventional equipment is inappropriate or ineffective. The company originally had a second hand powered access platform from a different manufacturer but this was proving to be expensive to operate and maintain so it decided to buy a new CTE ZED26E in 2008.
CSB Environmental liked the sigma (Σ) boom configuration of the ZED26E because this offered greater flexibility during normal operations. With a conventional straight-extending boom the platform can only be positioned “line-of-sight” at an increasing height. But the sigma mast allows a straight extension for maximum working height and can also fold back downwards and into other configurations so that the platform can be positioned “up and over” any obstacles between the vehicle and the working area.
“Up and over is a big plus over a stick boom,” says Simon Bailey. “And we can get close to a building without losing elevation or outreach.”
Mounted on an Iveco Eurocargo 7.5t chassis the ZED26E offers a maximum working height of 25.3m and maximum outreach of 12.5m. The maximum working load is 230kg in every working position, enough for two average sized people and up to 40kg of tools or equipment. The fully steel chassis, sub frame and platform superstructure ensure maximum strength for robust performance and reliability. Hydraulic tubing and electric cables are housed inside the boom sections to offer protection from accidental damage.
“The ZED26E has a good sized cage with a decent working area,” says Simon Bailey. “The basket is easy get into because of the steps up the side of the vehicle which many other products don’t have.”
Another advantage of the vehicle design is the compact footprint created when the stabiliser legs are deployed. This allows the vehicle to be parked close to a building without obstructing unnecessarily any nearby roads or buildings.
“You don’t lose any working height or accessible area and don’t disturb people and businesses nearby,” says Simon Bailey.
The ZED26E is often used by CSB Environmental for final finish work on contracts after any scaffolding or other access equipment has been removed. The vehicle is utilised approximately 50/50 for CSB Environmental’s own work and for hiring out to third parties who use it for site survey, inspection and maintenance work. CSB Environmental provides a skilled and trained operator which means the hirer can get on with their tasks without needing to learn how to use the platform. For these customers the cost of short term hire is much less than buying their own access equipment. The generous platform space allows the operator to accompany the customer in the basket and position it precisely using the controls mounted on the frame. In addition to the full 360o rotation of the turret and mast assembly the basket has independent powered rotation 65o to either side for highly accurate final positioning for easy and convenient working.
Beyond its day-to-day work the ZED26E has been used for some highly unusual applications. Early in 2009, for example, CSB Environmental received a call from a local resident whose pet parrot had escaped and was sitting in a tree. Using the platform it was easy to rescue and reunite the parrot with a grateful owner. The company has also used to the unit to maintain the floodlights at a local football ground where the relatively low weight of the vehicle meant there was no damage to the grass playing surface.
The ZED26E incorporates a number of safety features like other models in the CTE range. Reliable load sensors provide users with audible and visual warning if the maximum load limit is exceeded. Interlocks prevent further operation until the loading is brought back within safe working limits. 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 that are identical across the range. Proportional electro-hydraulic activation ensures all movements, including lift, outreach and rotation, are smooth and precise at all times. The platform can also be controlled from the ground, during emergencies for example, using a similar set of controls.