SED 2008 preview: Cranes & Access Equipment Zone

The Cranes & Access Village looks set to be a hub of considerable activity at SED this year, with the large number of exhibitors matched by the variety of kit on offer.

Crawler cranes

Nothing catches the eye quite like a crawler crane and EH Hassell & Sons, UK and Ireland distributor for Sennebogen Cranes, is celebrating its return to SED by displaying its top-of-the-range crawler telescopic crane - the 683R. The crane features a maximum extension length of 42m and load capacity of up to 80t.

Another area of interest is the Chinese manufacturers making their presence felt in this sector. Dutch company Cranebusiness BV is the European distributor of Fushun Exc Co and it will be showing the Logicrane, described as an innovative telescopic crawler crane concept.

Mobile cranes

On the mobile theme, the NRC stand will see the European launch of the Link-Belt HTT-8690, 81.65T truck crane. The crane has a 42.7m, five-section, full-power latching boom with additional lattice inserts and bi-foldable fly-jib giving a maximum tip height of 72.2m. EH Hassell will also be launching the brand new Sennebogen 608 Multi Crane.

Mobile doesn't have to mean self-propelled, and the Cranes and Access village at SED will also see a number of trailer-mounted cranes including those from SED first-timer Boecker. On its display will be the aluminium trailer crane AHK 31/1500 PLC, the new top model of the AHK series. Also on show will be the junior series, which is the compact product line of Boecker's construction hoists.

Mantis will display its TC 25 trailer crane, which the company says has become popular with timberframe contractors.

Lorry loaders

Effer Cranes is exhibiting in the Truck Zone at SED and will display models from across its range, including the new Easy Power 35 for light commercial vehicles. Also on display will be the 130 builders merchants' crane, and the 165 and 850 models with continuous slewing and six hydraulic extensions.

More new models can be seen on the TH White stand, including the Epsilon grabbing crane for six and eight-wheel chassis, along with new products in the Palfinger lorry loader crane range, Palift hook and skip loader units, and Palfinger Bison access platforms.

Back at SED this year, PM Group Spa will be showing the new 35.5SP with a 360° continuous rotation system and a range of other products from the company's Platinum line.

GGR is also broadening its crane offering with the introduction of the 10-model Galizia range of pick-and-carry cranes, with capacities from 2t to 25t. With a maximum working height of 15m, the Galizia cranes are designed for lifting operations where a fork lift doesn't have sufficient reach or capacity. The company will also be showing its range of Unic mini-cranes and vacuum glass lifters.

Tower cranes

SED 2008 will also see its fair share of tower cranes, including tracked, self-erectors and pedestrian controlled machines.

Dunham Cranes, importer for FB Gru cranes since 2005, will exhibit a GA130 30m self-erecting tower crane and has plans to show a new top-slewing tower crane. The company will also be launching Butti lifting equipment, including brick forks and tipping skips.

Ladybird Crane Sales is the UK mainland distributor for Terex-Comedil pedestrian-operated tower cranes and the company's stand will feature the CBR32 Plus, with a 32m jib and a maximum lift capacity of 4t, as well as the CTT51 small tower crane that will be shown on a 2.8m x 2.8m cross base.

Vanson Cranes will be displaying two cranes from its range: the Vanson VCNK20 micro luffing jib tower crane, with 20m radius lifting a maximum load of 3.5t and the Vanson VC42 self-erecting crane with a 4t maximum capacity and capable of lifting 1t at 42m. The company will also be showing its range of retractable loading bays designed to provide effective landing platforms that can help speed up the construction process on multi-storey buildings.

Self-propelled access

Russon Access Platforms will exhibit the latest range of Manitou electric and diesel booms. The electric range will have working heights up to 17m, the diesel range up to 18m. Also on display will be the Holland Lift range of scissor lifts.

Merlo aims to bridge the gap between truck-mounted access and self-propelled rough terrain machines with its MPR (Merlo Platform Road) range. MPR machines are based on the Roto but without stabilisers. A standard Roto cab is used, but the boom is designed specifically for access platform use.

Bobcat will also show a personnel platform that can be used with its three largest telehandlers. The EC-approved platform is made of steel rather than aluminium, and can be extended from 2.4m to 4m working width.

Genie will exhibit a large number of machines, including a refurbished Z-45/25J RT, while UpRight will complete its line-up with new diesel-powered boom lifts up to 40m and rough terrain scissor lifts. JLG machines at the show include its 450AJ articulating boom lift and its 1230ES electric scissor lift.

Haulotte will use SED as the UK launch of its 28m Telescopic Boom H28 TJ+, boasting a 6m telescopic jib, outreach of 23m and capacity of 350kg.

Promax Access is to show its 12m-40m range of low ground pressure and all-terrain compact tracked access platforms, including its new 15m and 18m models. Also on display will be road towable access platforms, as well as the BIL-JAX 45XA, which the company says offers the benefits of a self-propelled all-terrain boom, including 4WD, oscillating axle, 48% gradeability and a maximum drive speed of 6km/h, with the added benefits of dual-power battery and engine for internal or external works. The machine also weighs in at less than 2,100kg.

Fixed access

Haki's stand will feature an impressive range of system scaffold, as well as stair towers for which there will be live demonstrations of the company's advanced guard rail technique, as well as how and why safety harnesses are ineffective at heights up to 6m. The stand also offers the first chance to see the brand new PH650 personnel and materials hoist capable of lifting 2t and 20 passengers from Geda. Haki has also joined forces with SGB and their combined stand will feature the erection of a full-scale temporary roof and shelter, as well as a computerised estimating package.

Services

A range of services will be available to visitors and fellow exhibitors at the show. These include IPS, which offers breakdown assistance, LOLER and PUWER certification, as well as servicing and maintenance to end-users across the UK. The company will demonstrate its parts management system, along with its website and a range of refurbished machines.

Also present will be TVH, traditionally a specialist in forklift parts, but intent on using SED to launch its second aerial platform catalogue. The company will also be showing its new power plates for use under outriggers.

Finally, happy birthday to IPAF, which will be celebrating its 25th birthday with a photography competition, as well as focusing on the need for thorough examinations of access platforms and the CAP (Competent Assessed Person) card.