18.11.2021

Insulated Versalifts on Unimog

Power distribution company UK Power Networks has taken delivery of six Versalift VST-40-MHI booms mounted on Mercedes Unimog chassis.

The VST-40-MHI features an articulated lower boom and a telescopic upper boom with fiberglass boom sections insulated for up to 46kV. It offers a maximum working height of 14.85 metres, an outreach of 8.5 metres and a platform capacity of 455kg, rated for two people.
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UK Power Networks' new Versalifts

The Unimog U530 features all wheel drive, impressive ground clearance and portal axles with differential locks, helping it access some of the most remote off-road locations. They have also been fitted with the largest available agricultural tyres - Michelin 495/70 R24 - and feature Central Tyre Inflation (CTI) technology, allowing drivers to lower tyre pressures from the cab on particularly soft ground and reinflate when returning to the road where speeds of up to 56mph/90kmh are possible.
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The new Versalift/Unimogs will be used to repair and replace overhead power lines

Additional features including working lights, beacons and series of secure lockers, some of which are heated. The new units will be used for maintaining and replacing power lines across the east and south east of England.
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The new units replace 15 year old models in the company’s fleet

Transport operations manager Cliff Allender said: “These vehicles are deployed daily across the area we serve, which stretches from East Anglia to the south coast, and are used to maintain overhead power cables supported by wood poles. Many of these are in remote and difficult to access locations but the Unimog’s fantastic off-road capability allows us to go anywhere, at any time, in all conditions. The extra lights and heated lockers that we included after consulting with our crews will be a great help if they are called out at night or in severe weather.”

UK Power Networks is responsible for providing the electricity to 8.3 million domestic and commercial properties throughout Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, parts of Buckinghamshire, Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Kent, Surrey and Sussex, as well as London.