PB Lifttechnik's narrow scissor negotiates warehouse racking

DSP Electrical Contractors have overcome the challenge of narrow (1.75 m) aisles and high level work on a warehouse refit project using the UK's first PB Lifttechnik S225-12ES electric scissor lift. Driveable at full height, the new 1.2 m wide, 22.5m working height platform is on hire from access rental specialist, Lifterz, who recently took delivery of two of the machines from PB's distributor, Ranger Equipment.

DSP is using the scissor to install over 1800 linear metres of roof-suspended, smoke detection equipment at heights up to 20 m. The six-week contract is part of refurbishment work at the 19700 sqm (212000 sqft) ‘Big Blue Warehouse' in Birmingham to be occupied by retail group, WHSmith.

The PB S225-12ES scissor also has a 10.3⁰ patented leveling system and is wind-rated at full height for work outdoor off-slab, as well as indoor on-slab.

Lifterz joint MD, Ben Bowers, said: "Modern warehouses are getting taller, racking is getting higher and aisles are getting narrower, often under 2 m. We saw the need to supplement our 18.5 m working height scissors with the extra capabilities of the new PB scissors to meet this trend."

Established January 2007, Lifterz, based in Wakefield, now owns a rental fleet of over 400 machines available across the UK and the Republic of Ireland through the Access Link. Despite tough conditions in access hire, Lifterz is reporting steady growth due in part to its specialism in platforms for warehouse, industrial and RMI work. The company runs mast booms, trailer lifts, electric, diesel and bi-energy booms, as well as electric and diesel scissors which account for around 70% of the fleet.

DSP is installing a piped Stratos HSSD 2 Air Sampler system in three 200m long runs in each of the warehouse's three halls. Central runs are being installed at almost apex height of some 22m.

Paul Smith, director for DSP, said: "There was really no other machine that would have got us between the narrow racking and to the heights we needed to complete the job. Normally with warehouse work we install before the racking goes in. But being a refurbishment contract, the floor space was already fully equipped and we had to work around it."

The S225-12ES is the largest in PB Lifttechnik's new ES series of ultra-narrow electric scissors with working heights from 13m to 22.5m.