Five 30 metre articulated Multitel SMX300 HDs with bespoke enhancements join the Nationwide Platforms’ fleet
The company has also taken delivery of a further 15 Hinowa diesel and lithium-ion powered units, taking the average age of its tracked boom fleet to just 13 months. Working with the manufacturer, Nationwide Platforms has ensured the five Multitel lifts feature substantially larger baskets (1.8m) with a sharp increase in the safe working load to 400kg, meaning they can lift three operatives in full PPE along with any associated work equipment. The platform is also large enough to incorporate Nationwide Platforms’ antenna handling device, SkyTel, which can be used for the safe removal and installation of telecoms antennas.
Peter Douglas, Nationwide Platforms Operations Director and head of the company’s Specialist Division, said: “We recognised that our customers in the construction and telecoms sectors would benefit from a tracked boom with greater cage size and enhanced safe working load capacity. Telecoms contractors, in particular, will find the Multitels very useful, allowing for two engineers to carry out mast replacements or antenna swap-outs using SkyTel from a cage large enough to carry them and their equipment safely.”
The Multitels have a working height of 30 metres and a maximum outreach of 14.7 metres as well as up and over capabilities thanks to its articulated boom. The primary power source is a Kubota V1505-T diesel engine, which is ideal for traversing rough terrain, while a 400v, 5.5kW electric motor provides a secondary power source. Additional features include: radio remote control for tracking and outrigger operations; an operator divider for arboricultural applications; and a secondary guarding device fitted as standard.
The new Hinowa Performance IIIS tracked boom lifts offer working heights of 15.4, 17, 20 and 25.7 metres, and are available with either a diesel engine or lithium-ion battery pack. The battery technology is quiet and emission-free, and provides a full day’s use from a single charge while achieving the same speeds and performance as its diesel counterpart. The battery can be fully charged in four hours and to 80% in just two hours.
Key features of the Hinowa machines include 230kg unrestricted platform capacities, compact dimensions and the ability to pass through standard single and double doorways.
Considerably lighter than conventional access platforms with similar working heights, the Hinowas have low ground-bearing pressures and non-marking tracks, making them well-suited to working inside enclosed spaces as well as on sensitive flooring such as in churches, museums and shopping centres. They are also equally equipped to traverse rough or soft terrain, making them ideal for arborist, telecoms or utility companies that might need to access remote areas.
The new tracked booms are available across the country from Nationwide Platform’s depots in Scotland, Warrington, Bristol, Luton and now Birmingham.
Peter Douglas added: “These new Hinowa and Multitel units follow our previous tracked boom investments in 2016 and 2017 and will increase our fleet size to nearly 135. They also mean we have reinforced our position as the leading provider of lithium-ion-powered tracked booms. We will have the youngest tracked boom fleet in the UK, with an average age of just 13 months.
“This specialist area has seen significant growth over recent years and we’ve experienced great success since entering it less than two years ago. We’re delighted to offer our customers more options for their powered access requirements.”
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