Safety, time, efficiency, space, cost, flexibility: all invaluable advantages of trailer-mounted access platforms, which are ideal for quick “in-and out” tasks and can move workers along walls instead of erecting scaffolding and ladders. Lambson’s Hire has added 4 by 4 self-propelled Height Rider 12 metre access platforms to its fleet to cater mainly for those projects which operate in constrained spaces. These extend the existing complement of trailer-mounted units. Working height for these platforms is 12.2 metres with a working outreach of 6.1 metres, which makes them perfect for reaching up and over a variety of obstacles. Weighing in at less than 3.4 tonnes, the units provide low cost transportation and boast deep tread rough terrain tyres that provide extra grip even on soft ground. There is also a slide-out canopy which allows easy access to the engine.

This model represents one of the most complete 12 metre work platforms on the market. As with all access platforms, the telescopic upper boom ensures accuracy in positioning the platform and the trademark “Bi-Energy” option allows the machines to work in a variety of environments. The 12 metre design has numerous safety features, including automatic failsafe brakes, tilt alarm, foam-filled or solid tyres, manual descent with hand pump, dual controls on platform and base, lock valves on all hydraulic cylinders and dual harness points.

The new 14 metre breed
The company has also now standardised on the 14 metre Nifty trailer-mounted access platforms. According to founder Rohan Lambson, the 14.25 metre working height will provide for the demands for extra height that have been increasing in the market. “The working outreach is 6.4 metres and the 1.5 metre wide platform offers a larger area for operators to work in safety. Greater accuracy is also provided when positioning the platform by the 150° fly-boom.” The telescopic boom design of all access platforms provides a rigid platform feel with the strength to handle a variety of productivity enhancing accessories. The 14 metre unit is especially suitable for work in areas where low ground pressure is required, due to its compact and lightweight structure. It weighs in at only 1 500 kg. Simple to erect, the equipment includes auto-levelling hydraulic outriggers that promote stability and safety. Hydraulic controls are fully proportional and easy to operate and maintain.

The Nifty 140 is the first of a new generation in the range with refinements in design and build technology. The outstanding reach performance provided by the telescopic boom lifts does not compromise quality or functionality. Added safety features include outriggers with audible and visible alarms, manual recovery with hand pump, dual controls on both platform and base, lock valves on all hydraulic cylinders, overrun brakes with gas spring hand brake and dual harness points. The unit is easy to transport with a standard combination hitch-and-road travel and is safe up to 100 km per hour. Its travelling width is only 1.6 metres and working width a mere 3.2 metres.

Meeting the request for 17 metre platforms
True to its philosophy of flexible response to changing customer requirements, Lambson’s Hire has also recently taken delivery of the first 17 metre unit, with additional units scheduled to follow. Lambson points out that the Nifty 170 provides a maximum outreach of 8.7 metres with guaranteed stability and control, and a working height of 17.10 metres.  This makes it suitable for a wide range of applications. “Of course it has the standard telescopic upper boom for accuracy in positioning and the familiar hydraulic outriggers and hydraulic controls common to other models. The octagonal boom design delivers strength without compromising on weight. In addition to the safety features incorporated in the 12 metre and 14 metre units, the Nifty 170 also has pressure sensitive outriggers.”

Access platforms have long been recognised as extremely cost effective in accessing overhead areas safely. The machine’s turntable can be rotated 360 degrees in either direction to facilitate positioning and the boom can be raised or lowered from vertical to below horizontal and extended while the work platform itself remains straight and stable. Operators on the platform are able to manoeuvre and steer in any direction even while the boom is extended and the controls are user-friendly even with one-handed operation of the boom functions. Lambson’s Hire’s highly trained and experienced people can advise customers on the use and application of the most suitable and appropriate model for their specific requirements.