CTE09/11: RAPID PLATFORMS IS QUICK TO TAKE UK’S FIRST CTE ZED21 (23 July 2009)
Issue Date: 23 July 2009
Ref: CTE09/11
RAPID PLATFORMS IS QUICK TO TAKE UK’S FIRST CTE ZED21
Rapid Platforms has taken delivery of the first CTE ZED21 vehicle mounted access platform in the UK to add to its operated and self-drive rental fleet. The CTE ZED21 is the first sigma (Σ) boom type articulated access platform available in the UK with 21m maximum working height that can be installed on a 3.5t light commercial vehicle chassis. This eliminates the need for a special driving license which is crucial for self-drive hire operations. Rapid Platforms has operated the smaller CTE ZED20 model with 20m maximum working height for many years but the ZED21 offers additional benefits.
“We’d been asking for a fly boom version of the ZED20 for some time and as soon as CTE developed the existing model to create the ZED21 we had one,” says Alistair Jordan, Managing Director of Rapid Platforms. “It has all the qualities of the ZED20 but the fly boom gives it even more flexibility.”
Based in Bishops Stortford, Rapid Platforms is a family owned business that offers a wide range of access platforms for hire to customers throughout London and the South East. The company currently has over 100 different access platforms, with up to 53m maximum working height, including a number supplied by CTE over the past five years.
“The ZED20 has been our most profitable machine for the past three years,” says Alistair Jordan. “It has proved to be very successful for the business with good rental returns on the investment and popular with customers.”
The company has a tradition of identifying and exploiting niche and emerging trends in the market and recognised the potential benefits of the ZED21. Like all models in the ZED range it has a sigma (Σ) boom configuration that provides considerable versatility during normal operations. The inclusion of the fly boom on the ZED21 allows greater flexibility when positioning the platform. 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. This also allows the platform to be positioned more precisely and is ideal for many cleaning, maintenance and roofing applications that are typical among Rapid Platforms’ customers.
All ZED models in the CTE range are based on the same design. The ZED21 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. Outriggers on the vehicle create a highly stable 3.5 x 2.8m footprint for the vehicle. Interlocks and safety cut-outs prevent operation of the access platform until the outriggers are fully deployed and the vehicle is level.
Simple controls mounted inside the basket and at ground level are identical across the range so that users can easily switch from one device to another with familiarity. A 110V power supply in the basket allows users to operate standard power tools. Reliable load sensors provide users with audible and visual warning if the maximum load is exceeded. Interlocks prevent further operation until the loading is brought back within safe working limits. Simple controls mounted inside the basket and at ground level are identical across the ZED range so that users can easily switch from one model to another with familiarity.
The fully steel chassis, sub frame and platform superstructure ensure maximum strength for robust performance and reliability with operator confidence. Hydraulic tubing and electric cables are housed inside the boom sections to offer protection from accidental damage. The basket is manufactured from composite material with structural grade aluminium handrails to provide the best combination of light weight and strength. GRP baskets can be fitted for electrical installation work.
“CTE is a well known and trusted product and we like the reliability and simplicity,” says Alistair Jordan. “CTE offers good backup with high parts availability and after sales service.”