08.05.2007

New Push around lift from CTE

CTE is set to launch a new 10ft low level powered access platform called the Power Tower with a working height of 5.1 metres. The new model, developed in partnership with Nationwide access is manufactured by a sub contractor in the Birmingham area. It uses an in-line sigma type lift mechanism which provides a low platform entry height of 780mm.

With a 250kg capacity in the 1.5 metre by 650mm platform there is room for two men and their tools, although as it is also rated for outdoor use it is restricted to one man, tools and materials.
The overall width at 780mm is the same as most self-propelled micro scissors for passage through standard single doorways.
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The CTE Power Tower

The gross weight of 310kgs is similar to that of the Pop-Up scissor lift which has proved a success in the UK over the past 12 months. The Power Tower has a unique brake system which aparently locks the castors automatically when the platform is raised.

The new lift has been developed over the past 12 to 15 months in close partnership with the Lavendon group. Peter Douglas, commercial director at Lavendon's Nationwide Access said: "Having teamed up to help develop this innovative push-along powered access platform, we are meeting a demand from the marketplace for an easily transportable platform that works at low-levels up to 5m working height,"

Lavendon UK has ordered 300 units, largely for Nationwide Access but with some units destined for A.M.P. while Planet Platforms has placed an order for 200 units.

"We're delighted with the end product, and we've already placed significant orders: initially 300 units with an option for ‘several hundred’ more in the next 12 months. The number of applications is enormous, from M & E and Facilities Management through to the end-user market where the Power Tower could replace the traditional smaller aluminium towers used everywhere from to factories to hospitals" added Douglas

The first production units are likely to ship later this month, but CTE is not planning to show the machine at SED, Brian King of CTE told Vertikal.Net that with 500 units on the books the company is planning to launch the Power Tower later in the year when availability will be more reasonable.


Vertikal Comment

Brian King pioneered the push around type lift, with the Go Industries Hop-Up in the 1990 and then his own more sophisticated Power Tower at Access Machines. The original Power Tower was an excellent product but ahead of its time, it was also designed to be towed as a trailer and offered a working height of 9.4 metres.
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The Original Power Tower from Access Machines in the late 90's

The dropping of the two metre platform rule and the arrival of the work at height directive and a strong focus on low level access by the HSE has made this a strong potential market for innovative products such as the new Power Tower and Pop-Up as realistic alternatives to podium steps or low level towers.

Both the powered and now powered methods of low level access are likely to replace a good number of step ladders, but hopefully the thing they replace most of all is the practice of standing on a chair, table, box or bodged up trestle to carry out work at height.

As a final word.. first impressions are that this time round King has both the product and the timing right.