Executive Hire News › Archives › January/February 2009 › New Product Zone : Zone of innovation

New Product Zone : Zone of innovation

We summarise the 12 ‘finalists’ for The New Product Zone at the Executive Hire Show, highlighting the most innovative equipment from exhibitors. Visitors will be able to vote for their favourite.

The independent panel of judges comprised: Richard Coffey, MD of Supply UK; Thomas Smith, Director of Smiths Equipment Hire: Andy Connor, Senior Supply Chain Manager, Speedy Hire; Ian Weston, Operations Director, Hire Station; and EHN Editor Alan Guthrie.

Dustcontrol UK - DC AirCube 2000
Principal Features:
This high-volume machine can clean up to 1800m3/hour of air. It has both a pre-filter and a HEPA H13 filter to remove dust before returning clean air to the room. A light indicates when filter cleaning or replacement is required. The unit is designed for low noise.
Judges’ Comments:
The panel believed this machine represented an effective means of tackling workplace dust, including potentially harmful respirable crystalline silica (RCS). They also noted the rugged build quality and manoeuvrability of the unit, which can be positioned vertically or horizontally on a floor.

EHS (International) - Zeus Carbon Fibre Heater
Principal Features:
This 1400/2800watt heater has carbon fibre elements producing ‘far infrared’ heat over distances up to 4m. Tip-over and thermal cut-outs are incorporated, along with a top-mounted, adjustable low-energy lamp. A motion detector switches off the machine after four minutes if no-one is present.
Judges’ Comments:
This high-tech product can be used in workshops, offices, and in the home, and its IPX5 weatherproof rating enables operation outside on pub or garden patios, giving considerable hire opportunities. The judges noted the ruggedness of the heating elements, as well as the machine’s environmentally friendly qualities.

Flex Power Tools - Terso AS 28 Cordless Cleaner
Principal Features:
Designed for cleaning stairs and in tight spaces, this two-speed machine accepts various brushes and polishing pads. The head rotates and swivels to the optimum angle on floors and walls, and a 1-litre tank for cleaning agents is incorporated on the machine, which is powered by Lithium-ion batteries.
Judges’ Comments:
Incorporating modern cordless technology, this tool facilitates cleaning tasks and could enable hirers to target customers in new markets. The panel liked the versatility of the machine, which can also be powered from the mains, along with its balance and the fact that cleaning accessories can be changed quickly.

Husqvarna Construction Products - K3000 ‘Wet’ Power Cutter
Principal Features:
This electric tool, which accepts a 350mm blade and cuts to depths of 125mm, can be used with a high-pressure spray system designed to direct water precisely onto the blade under the guard, without creating unnecessary spillage or slurry. The machine can also be fitted with a dust control system.
Judges’ Comments:
The panel liked the machine’s Health & Safety features, such as dust control and the fact that it could be used for cutting tasks indoors without creating fumes. Being electrically powered, it also helps reduce consumption of fossil fuels. A double insulated rotor and a ground-fault circuit interrupter further enhance safety.

ITW Construction Products - IM90i Cordless Gas Nailer
Principal Features:
Powered by an intelligent electronic fuel injection system, this tool can be used at temperatures from -15° to 49°C and is claimed to be 15% more powerful than similar cordless products. A longer magazine holding two strips of nails is available for high-volume nailing.
Judges’ Comments:
The adjudicators recognised that, by incorporating new technology, the tool addresses specific on-site difficulties commonly faced by contractors working in cold conditions and on repetitive nailing tasks. They also appreciated the fact that its power gives the ability to drive a full head 90mm ring shank nail in C24 structural timber.

JCB - HM25LV Hydraulic Breaker
Principal Features:
Instead of using conventional springs and rubber bushes to reduce HAV, the handles on the active head of the breaker are supported by hydraulic pressure, thanks to patented technology. A new design of power cell is fitted to increase performance and productivity.
Judges’ Comments:
This product, which is the result of four years’ research, is a good example of how manufacturers are developing innovative equipment to reduce operator’s HAV exposure, without affecting performance. With a quoted tri-axial reading of 3.2m/s2, it has been designed for use throughout an eight-hour working day.

Nilfisk-ALTO - Attix 50-21 XC Vacuum Cleaner/Dust Extractor
Principal Features:
The machine’s XtremeClean action uses blasts of clean air to purge the filter cartridge from the inside out, avoiding clogging and optimising dust collection without loss of suction. Power tools can be connected to an on-board socket. Washable PET filters can be fitted for wet dirt collection.
Judges’ Comments:
By eliminating clogging, this product overcomes a major frustration encountered by users of such equipment, as well as addressing the issue of dust. The judges liked its ‘automatic’ setting, shutting down the machine five seconds after a connected power tool is switched off, reducing noise and power consumption, and re-starting when the tool is used again.

Oswald Record Plant Sales - Sullair PAC80 Evolution Compressor
Principal Features:
The machine’s twin-screw air end compressor is driven by a small Honda engine rather than a heavy diesel unit. It fits into a small van and a range of low-pressure air tools has been developed for the machine, including a breaker, demolition tool and chipping hammer.
Judges’ Comments:
The compact size of this product enables hirers to target customers who normally use larger compressors, and the low-pressure characteristics of the system reduce on-site risks associated with hose bursts. The adjudicators liked the facts that two people could lift the machine, its ability to go through doorways, and its low noise.

Pike Signals - Xlite Compact Traffic Lights
Principal Features:
These free-standing battery driven signals can be transported in an estate car or small van. Two-phase, radio-linked menu-driven keypads provide fast set-up, and batteries give up to 40 hours’ run time. A new XLTxt facility sends text message alerts for low battery status or malfunctions.
Judges’ Comments:
The panel liked the easily transportable nature of the product and the fact that the equipment did not need to be towed to site on a trailer. The long running time was a welcome feature, and the text messaging facility enables maintenance to be planned more effectively, lessening the likelihood of out-of-hours service call-outs.

Probst Handling Equipment - TM Trans Mobil Installation Carrier
Principal Features:
This tracked machine enables kerbstones and slabs to be moved around a site and installed quickly and precisely. The same engine that drives the tracks powers the vacuum turbine, and the mast adjusts to the required position. Weighing 1300kg, it can be transported on a small trailer.
Judges’ Comments:
The judges appreciated this machine’s versatility, which enables tasks to be carried out more efficiently on site and on all kinds of terrain. They felt that hirers could add the unit to their fleets to offer a complete installation solution, enabling users to comply with manual handling legislation.

TCP (Taylor Construction Products) - Ecolite-P Lighting Tower
Principal Features:
Compact dimensions enable as many as 20 units to be loaded on a standard lorry. Low-energy luminaires give up to 170 hours’ run time, and the product is less prone to theft, being moved by a forklift or Hiab. The 9.1m hydraulic mast erects automatically and the machine is fully bunded.
Judges’ Comments:
The ‘green’ qualities of the machine impressed the judges, in terms of its very low fuel consumption, fluid containment and the ability to reduce vehicle movements for site deliveries. They also liked its security benefits and the fact that the luminaires give light free from glare and flicker.

Turner Access - BetaGuard Integral Advance Guardrail System
Principal Features:
The BetaGuard system is designed to eliminate the need for both horizontal and diagonal braces, reducing the main tower components to three. Bracing is integrated into the frame, which provides advance guardrail protection. Designed for Turner’s Beta and Octo 250 towers, it can be used with other systems.
Judges’ Comments:
The panel were impressed by both the concept and design of this system. Reducing the number of components simplifies assembly and hirers’ stock requirements, and this also lessens the likelihood of on-site losses and theft. It promotes safety throughout the assembly and dismantling process, and reduces manual handling during tower erection.