02.11.2020

Cliff face stabilisation boom

Norwegian aerial lift distributor Hybeko has introduced a custom built CE marked cliff face stabilisation platform based on the 85ft Genie S-85 XC boom lift.

The device – the Hybeko RS-85 XC – has been designed in partnership with local rock scaling specialist Gjerden Fjellsikring and Slovenian rock drilling manufacturer Oprema Ravne, specifically for rock scaling and cliff face stabilisation work to prevent rock falls on to roads or railways etc.

Key features include a customized aluminium basket with protective roof and drill attachment, integrated power hoses enclosed within the machine’s telescopic boom, an integrated generator and air compressor tow bar. With a working height of 28 metres and almost 23 metres of outreach, the RX-85XC can cover the entirety of most cliff faces in Norway.
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The new Hybeko RS-85 XC Rock Scaling boom lift

Cliff face stabilisation drilling and rock scaling is widespread in Norway due the number of roads and railways that run through rock cuttings due to the rugged nature of the country’s geography. The first step in all rock stabilisation jobs requires the removal of loose rock, brush and trees. It is carried out by hand with a scaling bar or with attachments on telehandlers. It is also been done with boom lifts and truck mounts in the past, but with platform simply used for access to the cliff face and can lead to overloading of other dangers. The Hybeko machine benefits from the extra capacity of the Genie S-85XC base unit and the fact that it has been specifically designed for the task.
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The machine can tow the mobile air compressor used to power the accessories

The first six units have been purchased by two Norwegian rental companies, Høyde-Teknikk and Drammen Lift, along with the contracting company Mesta.

Hybeko chief executive Espen Johannessen said: “As far as we could see it, none of the boom lifts appeared to be purpose designed with the right specifications, nor officially approved for the job by a certified body. It was clear that there was a real need for a machine that would offer operators better protection. At the same time, there was also the question of productivity and a machine that would allow the use of the appropriate heavy drilling tools.”
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The machine in action

“The project took us about two years from engineering to testing and receiving the CE approval through CE approval by the notified body Rambøll. In addition to taking operator safety to a significantly higher level, we are also proud to offer customers the first and only CE approved solution that, according to our tests and feedback from our first customers, multiplies productivity by three! We thank HøydeTeknikk, Drammen Lift and Mesta for their confidence, and hope that our RS-85 XC boom will give them the competitive edge that we all need during these challenging times.”