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Executive Report: Future-proof solution The latest power tool addition to Speedy’s fleet shows the company’s continuing dedication to help customers meet their HAV responsibilities. Speedy’s commitment to raising awareness of HAV was demonstrated when the company recently launched its comprehensive ‘Get to Grips with Hand Arm Vibration’ campaign (see EHN April), designed to inform all those involved in construction and related industries from director level to the work site. The hirer has also stated its intention to seek and supply products designed for lower levels of HAV, and the latest evidence of this is its decision to include the Partner K750 disc cutter from Husqvarna Construction Products in its fleet. “This follows logically from what our Chief Executive Officer, Steve Corcoran, said so emphatically in his presentation to EHN’s HAV Conference last October,” states Paul Green, Speedy’s Group Supply Chain Director. “He explained how construction companies, such as those in the Main Contractors Group (MCG), were obliged to provide low-vibration equipment to comply with the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations (CVWR). They, in turn, looked to hirers to supply appropriate products that were backed by independent, verifiable real-life vibration data, and Speedy said it would deal only with power tool manufacturers who could provide this. Tests simulating real-life usage “We have had the K750 on trial since the end of last year, and we have had nothing but positive feedback about it. It has now been formally added to our fleet, replacing all similar machines. The product was an obvious choice as it met the pre-requisites described at the Conference. It had been tested in accordance with BS 5349 by OPERC at Loughborough University in conditions simulating real-life usage, obtaining verifiable HAV data that was in the public domain. Coupled with the fact that the tool also gave low emissions and reduced noise levels, it literally ticked all the boxes for our new products committee. Health & Safety has become a key factor for us in differentiating ourselves from others, and any equipment that addresses these issues, giving a competitive advantage, must receive due consideration.” EHN reported in our October issue last year on the official launch of the K750 in the UK, but as Marc Segers, Managing Director of Husqvarna Construction Products UK, states, the product’s development goes back considerably further. “The design programme started five years ago. We could see that new regulations concerning HAV and noise would have a big impact in the UK, and that exhaust emissions would also be an on-going issue. By addressing all these criteria, we have developed a tool that is effectively future-proof. Also, having attended EHN’s HAV Conference, we recognised the importance of having our equipment tested by OPERC to BS 5349, to obtain useful, real-life data. Modular construction The K750 features modular construction, with components dampened individually to reduce HAV. OPERC’s tests gave a vibration reading of 4.4m/s2. Available with a 300mm or 350mm blade, the product incorporates a new design of two-stroke engine. In traditional engines, the fresh intake of fuel/air mix is used to expel the exhaust gases, with some of the mixture being lost in the process. On the K750, twin flushing ducts form a barrier of clean air that is forced between the fresh fuel mix and the exhaust gases, with the latter being expelled. The manufacturer claims that this ‘dual charge’ gives greater torque and power, lowers fuel consumption by up to 33%, and reduces emissions by up to 70%. The running temperature is also lowered, extending product life. An active air filtration system is incorporated, based on three separate filtering processes. Centrifugal force at the cooling fan separates approximately 80% of the dust particles from the intake air. This pre-cleaned air then passes through the main oil-impregnated foam filter before the third back-up paper filter stage. A manually operated decompression valve is fitted to give easier starting, and the exhaust muffler’s increased size enables the engine to run more quietly. “Our selection process also takes account of whole-life costs, such as servicing, parts and overall reliability, as well as operational factors like fuel consumption that are important for our customers,” contends Paul Green. “We are establishing a world-class supply chain, created around a concept of a complete ‘quality triangle’, with Speedy at one corner and top-class manufacturers and consumable suppliers at the others. When we select a supplier, we consider the long-term view. We have been impressed by what we have seen of Husqvarna Construction Products and its Swedish parent, and we are aware that it offers a wide portfolio of other equipment that could well be appropriate for our fleet.” There are some significant developments in the pipeline at Husqvarna Construction Products, which EHN will report on in the near future. In addition, a substantial number of new machines are scheduled for launch in 2007, many of which will be targeted at the hire industry. It looks likely that the Husqvarna name will become increasingly familiar to hirers in the months ahead. • T
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6850 Executive Hire News › Archives › July 2006 › Executive Report › Future-proof solution
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