Ready to run

If you haven't already signed up for the Construction Challenge 5 kilometre race, held on Thursday 13 March at ConExpo, there's still time. You may still be able to squeeze in a little training before the Terex-sponsored event and, with over 2.2 million ft² (204300 m²) of floor to cover, a little bit of cardiovascular work prior to the show wouldn't do any of us any harm.

There are over 2000 exhibitors from every sector of construction at ConExpo. Last month Access International highlighted the exhibitors in the access industry, and here we bring you the most recently released information from our sector.

JLG is using the show to launch a telematics solution for its engine powered machines (see Launch Platform, page 41) as well as its new AccuPlace with Ride Control technology for its G10-55A and G12-55A telehandlers.

AccuPlace with Ride Control is an optional system which automatically holds the forks of the telehandler in a 'square' attitude and helps give the load a smooth ride. The description 'square' refers to the forks remaining parallel to the ground irrespective of the arc and extension described by the boom. Ride control is a suspension system for the boom allowing faster travel across rough terrain.

The new system is designed into the telehandlers and includes a new distributed hydraulics system and robust sensors and electronics.

Haulotte Group, as previously announced, will be showing its all-new HB86 TJ+ telescopic boom (called the N28 TJ+ outside North America). However, something else that will be new for North American visitors will be Haulotte's HTL 90-55 telehandler (the HTL 40-17 in Europe). Haulotte will show a wide selection of its other machines, including big booms (the HA130), electric scissors and vertical mast machines.

North American launches

There is plenty of interest from North America: SkyJack is showing its new SJ66T, a 66 ft telescopic boom and a robust a 61 ft no-jib version the JJ 61T; there are MEC Aerial Platforms' first boom lifts, BilJax's X-Booms and the extended Snorkel range. There is also a substantial number of access exhibitors which originate from outside North America using the ConExpo show to raise their profile.

As well as showing the Raxtar range of hoists for the first time at ConExpo, Canadian hoist specialist Hydro Mobile is launching the E– Series mast climber which has been designed to suit a wide variety of trades including: glazing, painting, roofing, caulking, restoration, inspection, cleaning and maintenance.

Using forward and back extensions and 180° swivel bridges, Hydro Mobile says that the E-Series can be configured to adapt to the contours of any facade. The compact drive unit allows the mast climber to fit into very restricted locations. Once installed, the E-Series climbs continuously at a vertical speed of 22 ft/minute to heights of over 250 ft at the push of a button.

In single mast configuration, the E-Series offers a maximum capacity of 5800 lb, and a maximum length of 39 ft. Several units can also be linked together, and no special bridge is required to do so. In a twin mast configuration, the E-Series can reach a length of 98 ft.

New from Europe

The Spanish company CAMAC specialises in manufacturing mast climbers, rack and pinion hoists, hoists for passengers and material and other building machines and tools.

At ConExpo, CAMAC has arranged to show two recently developed machines. The first of these is the ECP-1000, a robust and safe transport platform for lifting passengers and material. This machine incorporates a frequency converter that provides soft and gentle start and stop operations, and it has a speed range of 24m/min for materials and 12m/min for passengers.

The other machine on show is the CAMAC-3000 mast climbing platform. It is designed for easy installation and use, maximum safety and a lifting speed of 10 m/min which, says CAMAC, provides a significant time saving.

PM North America, the US part of the Italian PM Group, will be exhibiting at ConExpo but as far as AI can ascertain the company is concentrating on its range of cranes.

Manitou North America has revealed a little more information about its heavy telescopic telehandler range, the MHT 10210. “We were reluctant to announce the introduction of this newest of our heavy telescopic product because we were unsure of whether or not we could provide a unit in time,” said Dominique Himsworth, vice president of sales, marketing and after market support for the group. “We are very pleased that the truck was completed ahead of schedule and that we will be able launch this truck at Conexpo.”

The machine has a lift capacity of 46000 lb at 36 inches load centre. It has a lift height of 31 ft, 8 inches with a forward reach of 19 ft. Its capacity at maximum height is 28600 lb, also at 36 inch load center. The machine has a 175 horsepower Tier III Mercedes intercooled turbo diesel, hydrostatic transmission, four wheel drive and ±10°, frame leveling among its key features.

Another telehandler development is from Genie, which has re-engineered its GTH-5519 telehandler to improve the machine's performance and serviceability. Genie says that the machine remains affordable and simple to use but now includes a comfortable cab, increased load capacity at maximum reach, new engine options and an easy-to-service hydraulic system and engine compartment.

Components, too

Components make up an important range of products at ConExpo. Monarch Hydraulics for example, based in the US but owned by the Swiss company Bucher Industries, manufactures over 300000 power units each year: these are used in a huge range of applications including aerial platforms.

Safety and access equipment go hand in hand and a visit to the safety zone at ConExpo could prove profitable. Alongside the US Federal Government Organisations such as the Mine Safety and Health Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is IPAF (International Powered Access Federation) and APWT (American Work Platform Training), which are running safety demonstrations throughout the show (see box item).

Other safety products can be found around the halls, Sellstrom Manufacturing's RTC Fall Protection Division is showing the Pro-Elite 4435-PE fall protection harness. It is ergonomically designed with full back support pad, tool belt, shoulder pads and positioning D rings. RTC's Safe-T-Fold stress indicator alerts the user if the harness has been stressed and should be retired from service. The shoulder straps and thigh straps are different colours so they can be easily differentiated. The Pro-Elite meets OSHA and ANSI fall protection standards.

MSA's Workman Harness is said to provide comfortable protection, due to its lightweight components and durable webbing. Also in the Workman range are energy-absorbing lanyards which are lightweight with a low-profile body. Should the worse happen and a fall occur, MSA's suspension trauma safety step can help avoid the dangers of suspension trauma.

The Safety Step allows workers to relieve pressure by inserting a foot into one of the step loops and then standing up in the harness. The flexing of leg muscles and release of harness leg strap pressure stimulates blood flow, helping to prevent the onset of suspension trauma. Workers can use a single Safety Step or two Safety Steps (one for each leg) to provide additional support, balance, and comfort.

The education programme that runs alongside the exhibition has a number of safety related seminars, including 'Construction Safety Boot Camp,' and 'Measuring and Monitoring Safety's Impact on the Bottom Line.” But, if at the end of the day your feet are aching and your brain is bursting, take some time to reminisce and visit ConExpo's exhibitions of antique equipment, if only to remind yourself how far you've come.