CTE's ZED21J extends window cleaner's reach

UK specialist window cleaning contractor RJ Norris is using a CTE ZED21J truck mounted access platform to extend the range of buildings it can service. The ZED21J incorporates a sigma boom with a fly-jib for a 21 m maximum working height and up-and-over access to windows and fascias where there is an obstruction between the vehicle and working area.

"The combination of the sigma boom and fly-jib offers clearance over canopies and glass structures," said Louise Herd at RJ Norris. "We selected the ZED21J because the basket is supported on the front and with the boom and fly-jib this offers terrific flexibility where close-up work is needed."

Slough based RJ Norris provides a range of window cleaning and related services to customers including a number of colleges and universities throughout London and the surrounding area. The company previously hired vehicle mounted access equipment, including other models from CTE's range, whenever contracts demanded. As the business grew it recognised the benefits in owning and operating its own vehicles. It selected the CTE ZED21J because it was familiar with CTE's products and the vehicle offered the right combination of performance and reliability.

The ZED21J has a maximum working load of 200 kg in all configurations, enough for two average sized people and up to 40 kg of tools. It has a 10 m outreach between 1m and 14 m, continuous 360⁰ turret rotation and zero tail swing, which is important when working in narrow streets and confined spaces.

The simple controls mounted inside the basket and at ground level appealed to RJ Norris: the boom and basket can be positioned using just one hand.

"The controls make window cleaning very fast and easy with potentially less damage," said Richard Norris, managing director of the company.

CTE says that the ZED21J is the first access platform in its performance class available in the UK on a 3.5t commercial vehicle chassis. The vehicle can be driven by anyone with a normal "Category B" car licence, which means anyone qualified to drive a car can legally drive and operate the access platform -although specialist access platform training is advisable. This simplifies operations for RJ Norris and allows the company to hire out the vehicle to other window cleaners for self-drive or with one of its own team as a dedicated operator.