TGM in US takes delivery of two 90m Brontos

TGM Wind Services of Abilene, Texas, US, has taken delivery of two Bronto Skylift S-90 HLA high level articulated truck-mounted aerials. These are believed to be the tallest aerial devices currently working in North America.

Purchased primarily to inspect and maintain wind turbines and other tall structures, TGM says it has found the machines help complete inspection and maintenance faster, more safely, more accurately and at a lower cost than other methods currently in use.

The Bronto S-90 HLA machines have been used in Europe for many years, when elevated, they can withstand winds speeds up to 12 m/s (25 mph) and they can lift up to 454 kg (1000 lbs) of men and materials in an 8 ft by 3 ft, fully enclosed platform to a 90 m (295 ft) maximum working height. Maximum horizontal outreach is 33m (108 ft). Mounted on a 6-axle Kimball chassis, the Bronto S-90 HLA machines can navigate most terrain to reach remote tower locations.

The outrigger controls with one-button automatic leveling allows the machines to have operators at the worksite in 15 to 20 minutes, from the time the Bronto is driven onto the site.

Steve Starling, North American sales manager for Bronto Skylift said, "The delivery of these first two high reach aerials marks the beginning of a safer and better way to access turbine blades and the exteriors of wind turbines and other tall structures in North America. With the many advantages of using aerial work platforms over other methods of accessing extremely tall overhead work areas, we anticipate other Bronto machines including a 104m (341 foot) working height Model S-104 HLA and additional S-90 HLA machines will be delivered in North America in the near future."