Nationwide Platforms, the market-leading powered access rental company in the UK, has extended the versatility of its Specialist Vehicle division with two new Bronto Skylift S70XR truck-mounted aerial platforms.
The new XR units complement Nationwide Platform’s existing fleet of 27 Bronto Skylift truck mounts, ranging from the popular 38m S38XDT through to the flagship 90m S90HLA, and further strengthens the long-standing relationship between the two companies.
With a larger work envelope for increased productivity, the S70XR offers impressive up and over outreach capabilities – with maximum outreach of 34m at 200kg – as well as providing the ability to work at 70m height.
A key feature of the new units is a reversible cage that rotates 220º in both directions. It allows for more intricate access to work areas, such as rear roof lines and building elevations, as well as for negative below ground envelopes, such as dock walls and bridge parapets.
To increase the productivity, safety and comfort for its customers and their operators, Nationwide Platforms requested a number of key innovations to be included on the new S70XR units. These include a heated cage floor to prevent the cold from creeping in when operators are working at length in wintry conditions, and ergonomic in-built deck access steps with LED lighting to improve comfort and safety. For operators working in the dark, the units have also been fitted with a full lighting package underneath the truck to enable operators working at height to be able to see the truck below.
Mounted on the powerful and robust Euro-6 Volvo FMX 500 truck, the vehicles can easily cope with rugged terrain making them perfect for construction sites and the steep inclines often encountered at wind turbine locations. The vehicles also feature the latest safety technology to protect vulnerable road users, such as cycle sensors and in-cab alert systems, lower door glass on the passenger side, and a full panoramic camera CCTV system so the driver has enhanced vision around the vehicle.
Nationwide Platforms has ensured the Bronto units can support multiple sectors – including media, construction, telecoms, wind energy and petro-chem – with additional equipment fitted to support specific applications. For customers operating within media, the units have TV/film camera and lighting brackets, along with a memory control feature to ensure the operator can return to the exact same position; for telecoms, the units feature SkyTel, a specialist antenna handling attachment; and for construction, the Bronto CW400 hydraulic winch for holding materials.
Paul Rankin, Chief Operating Officer at Nationwide Platforms, said: “We have listened to our customers’ demand for more outreach by investing in the popular S70XRs to give them a reliable, flexible machine that offers both the reach and the height to give them maximum versatility. Bronto Skylift is always receptive to our requests for additional innovations to enhance the machines to allow our customers to work safely, efficiently, and productively.”
He added: “It was vital that the Volvo FMX 500 trucks were specified to the highest safety standards to ensure Nationwide Platforms continues to play its part in improving road safety for all drivers, riders and pedestrians, and to support our customers with meeting the latest road safety vehicle standards, such as the Direct Vision Standard.”
Ian James, Key Account Manager at Bronto Skylift, commented: “We’re delighted to continue to support and work with Nationwide Platforms to strengthen its Specialist Vehicle offering. We always strive to design, manufacture and supply best-in-class units, and with the added innovations that Nationwide Platforms requested, these new S70XR units will deliver enhanced customer and operator benefits.”
