CTE09/17: PRACTICAL ACCESS FROM THE STREET WITH PRATIKA (24 November 2009)
Issue Date: 24 November 2009
Ref: CTE09/17
PRACTICAL ACCESS FROM THE STREET WITH PRATIKA
The Pratika ladder platform lift from CTE, available for the first time in the UK, is ideal for handling items from street level to the upper floors of a building where internal access is confined or when other forms of handling equipment is unavailable or impractical. The range comprises trailer and vehicle mounted units with maximum working heights up to 33m and safe working loads up to 300kg. Depending on the model the Pratika is towed or driven into position at street level to provide easy and rapid access to external doors, windows or balconies on upper floors to support removal, renovation and building applications. The Pratika’s ease-of-use and self-drive capability also offer new opportunities for hire companies.
The ladder platform lift concept is well-established in the EU where units like the Pratika have been used for many years. Devices like these are less well-known in the UK but the continued growth in the number of flats and loft/warehouse conversions has driven demand for practical solutions for handling large or bulky items direct to point of use without using small passenger lifts or restrictive stairwells inside buildings. Instead the Pratika is parked outside the building and its ladder extended to the required height for convenient access to an external door, window or balcony. The ladder can be set at any inclination from horizontal to vertical to access the building and bridge any obstructions at street level. Outriggers on the trailer or vehicle are deployed to provide a stable and level base for safe operations.
The load is placed on the platform which rises to the opening on the building fascia. Powerful electric motors driven by the vehicle’s own supply raise and lower the platform smoothly. The load platform stays level at all times for convenient and safe handling. A range of platforms with various sizes is available to support applications such as general load handling and furniture deliveries.
The trailer mounted Pratika can be towed behind a car or commercial vehicle. Units mounted on a 3.5t commercial vehicle such as the Nissan Cabstar can be driven by anyone with an ordinary Category B (standard car) driving licence. This means that all models in the range can be operated by anyone qualified to drive a normal car or LCV which allows hire companies to offer them on a self-drive basis. Simple controls support ease of use and intuitive operation.
The compact dimensions of the Pratika units ensure they can be used in the tightest spaces and narrowest streets. All models are manufactured using aluminium and zinc-coated steel components to offer the best possible combination of light weight, durability and robustness. Safety features include overload protection and rope anti-slack device to prevent unexpected platform and load movement.