Executive Hire News › Archives › March 2009 › Executive Hire Show Review : Show of innovation
Executive Hire Show Review : Show of innovation
The Executive Hire Show provided the platform for a host of new product launches. We review many of those unveiled.
Euro Towers’ crunch-beater
Maintaining a positive outlook, Euro Towers displayed its latest innovation nicknamed the Credit Crunch Tower, otherwise known by its working title of the Klik 232. MD Roger Verallo explained that the frames have smaller, 232mm rung spacings, obviating the need for a separate ladder frame, resulting in a lower cost.
Available in 2, 2.5 and 3m lengths and in single 0.7m and double 1.35m widths, the tower contains three different types of frames with six, eight and ten rungs to ensure platform height flexibility for diverse working environments.
01604 644774
www.eurotowers.co.uk
More from Makita
Several new Makita products were released just in time to make their debut at the Show, including the HM1213 breaker, which has a 1500watt motor delivering 26J of impact power. Weighing 10.7kg, it incorporates Makita’s AVT anti-vibration technology to give an HAV rating of 8.0m/s2. Also new is the HM1214C, an in-line 1500watt hammer offering 25J of impact power and with an HAV level of 7.5m/s2. Both these tools are scheduled for official launch in May.
The company unveiled the HR3541 SDS Max rotary hammer drill, which has a 35mm drilling capacity and offers full hammer action, rotary mode and rotary with hammer action. Fitted with ATV, the 5.2kg tool has an 11.9m/s2 HAV rating. Makita also demonstrated its GN900SE first-fit gas framing nailer. It is powered by 7.2V Lithium-ion batteries that can be recharged in 30 minutes and can fire up to 4,000 nails per charge.
01908 211678
www.makitauk.com
Dustcontrol launches a winner
Dustcontrol UK’s DC AirCube 2000 won the Award for Most Innovative Product at the Show, voted for by hirers visiting the New Product Zone at the Show. The high-volume machine can clean up to 1800m3/hour of air and has both a pre-filter and a HEPA H13 filter to remove dust before returning clean air to the room. A light illuminates to indicate when filter cleaning or replacement is required. The unit can be positioned vertically or horizontally on a floor.
Also new is the DC Box Mini, a purpose-built cabinet for the hire workshops, in which tools and filters can be loaded and cleaned without creating dust clouds. Dustcontrol’s Mobile Services Manager, Brian Smith, was impressed by the growing level of awareness of dust hazards among hirers at the Show, and several visitors placed orders, including Mike Clegg, Director of PSM Tool Hire of Sidcup, who bought two DC 2800c mobile dust extractors.
01327 858001
www.dustcontrol.com
Gordons Ford racks up solutions
Seen as a prototype at last year’s Executive Hire Show, dominating the Gordons Ford stand was a Transit vehicle with a body tailored by specialist designer PPS Commercials to meet hirers’ specific needs. The bulkhead and cab are designed to accommodate staging safely, and more anchoring points are incorporated for the optimum securing of equipment during transportation. Side safety rails have also been added.
The vehicle can carry 1010kg and the tail lift has a 500kg capacity.
Also on the stand was a long wheelbase, high-roofed Transit van customised with internal racking and storage compartments by Sortimo International, to create a mobile workshop complete with tools such as vices as well as hand washing facilities.
Gordons Ford Business Centre Manager, Paul Turner, said that more hirers are showing interest in such vehicles for field maintenance work on customers’ sites.
01204 524474
www.gordonsford.co.uk
Versatile ArcGen Hilta bowser
ArcGen Hilta gave pride of place to the TW0003HRB diesel bowser pressure washer, a road-tow unit which has a low-noise Yanmar diesel engine producing 82dBA at 7m. The machine can deliver pressure at 3000psi at 15 litres/minute, and the bowser has a capacity of 1140 litres. It comes with a 12m high-pressure hose, lance and gun, and a hose reel can be incorporated. The company says the unit is suitable for many applications, from cleaning site entrances and agricultural buildings, to machinery wash bays and dockyards.
At the Show, the company took 18 orders for pumps, pressure washers and generators worth almost £50,000. It had pledged to buy a tree for the National Forest in central England for each order taken, to help off-set the carbon footprint used in the manufacture and subsequent use of its machines, and has rounded up the number of trees it will purchase to 25.
01902 790824
www.arcgenhilta.com
Datatag displays latest developments
Datatag ID, the company behind the Cesar plant registration scheme, introduced a wider product range to meet the needs of the plant and tool hire industries. From this month, three different Cesar kits will be available for different types and sizes of equipment. The standard 200mm triangular registration plate and security devices will continue to be supplied for mobile construction equipment such as mini excavators.
A new 100mm triangular registration plate device will be supplied for compact plant and smaller machinery including micro excavators, hand-guided compaction rollers, compressors and generators. Thirdly, a tamper-evident label and transponder will be supplied for small equipment and attachments like compaction plates and excavator buckets.
MD Kevin Howells also said that the company has developed a sticker with a special chemical backing that etches product details into plastic surfaces, which could be useful for tagging and protecting power tools.
0845 070 0440
www.cesarscheme.org
JCB takes the floor
JCB previewed its VFS450 floor saw, which has a 170mm depth of cut, a high-capacity water tank and adjustable handlebars. It can be used with 400 and 450mm diameter blades and is designed for low HAV. The manufacturer’s stand display also included the low-vibration HM25LV hand-held breaker, which visitors voted into second place in the New Product Zone at the Show.
Soon to be launched through JCB Insurance Services is a scheme whereby cover can be given instantly on equipment at the point of hire, either over the phone or via the Internet. The hire company can also receive a commission on the transaction. Director Michael Gregory believes it will be particularly attractive for Saturday morning hires, when some insurance brokers are not open for business. In the event of a successful claim, the money is paid direct to the equipment owner, rather than the customer.
01889 590312
www.jcb.com
Vimpex shows versatility
Vimpex, the European distributor for Ogura hydraulic metal cutting tools, gave demonstrations of its new MPT 650 multi-purpose tool. The mains powered product can be fitted with attachments enabling it to undertake three different operations, namely the cutting, notching and bending of angle iron.
The versatile machine can be used with 50mm by 50mm by 6mm thick angle iron, and it is designed to give fast, clean and uniform results. Also new at the Show were a 32mm rebar cutter available in 110 and 240V versions, and a bar bending machine that is powered by a separate electro hydraulic pump and which can bend rebar of up to 38mm in thickness.
01702 216999
www.vimpex.co.uk
Dual performance from Bravi
Bravi UK highlighted the EddieLift Duo, designed to combine the functionality of an access platform and a work positioner or lift truck. The battery-powered machine has a maximum platform height of 1320m which is reached in 20 seconds, and the platform measures 600mm by 600mm.
Maximum lift capacity is 120kg when used as an access platform, and 200kg if used as a positioning machine. Also available is the EddieLift Duo+, which has a 1620mm maximum platform height.
0113 385 4488
www.bravi.uk.com
Tanked up with Husqvarna
Brand new from Husqvarna is the WT10, a 10-litre capacity water tank accessory that enables operators to undertake cutting tasks with dust suppression in locations without a convenient mains water supply. The rechargeable Lithium-ion battery provides up to two hours’ running time and a spare can be stored in a special compartment inside the machine. An LED display shows the battery condition.
A spray nozzle is provided and Husqvarna says that the tank gives sufficient water for 20 minutes’ cutting.
The WT10 can be used with machines such as the manufacturer’s power cutters and drill motors.
0870 8501394
www.husqvarnacp.com
WorkPoint’s dust solution
First-time exhibitor WorkPoint Environments reported strong interest in its AirBench, a self-contained workbench with integral dust extraction facilities. Plugging into a standard 240V supply, it is designed for use in hirers’ workshops to reduce the risk of staff being exposed to dust when cleaning or servicing off-hired equipment.
“Dust is not only becoming an increasingly important issue on work sites, awareness is also being raised within hire depots,” said WorkPoint’s Chris Dawson. “We have had many enquiries at the Show from hirers who have read about the AirBench in EHN and have marked us as a ‘must-see’ exhibitor on the floor plans that were mailed out prior to the event, which is the best organised exhibition that we have ever attended.”
01206 791191
www.workpoint.co.uk
Easy lifting with HSC
Amongst a comprehensive display on the Hire Supply Company’s (HSC) stand was the recently introduced Beam-Lifter, which can lift 600kg to height of up to 3m. Its design does away with cables or guides, and a screw mechanism allows the product to be operated in the same way as an Acrow prop.
The Beam-Lifter folds down to only 71cm in height to facilitate access through doorways and it will fit into the back of most estate cars. Units can be stacked up to five high to reduce storage space.
0845 309 0707
www.thehiresupplycompany.co.uk
Thwaites’ Micro machine
Thwaites unveiled its new Micro Dumper, a 700mm-wide machine that has four forward gears plus reverse, with selectable four-wheel drive. Maximum payload capacity is 300kg and power comes from a Honda petrol engine, providing a top speed of 3.8mph.
The chassis is made from 3mm thick steel for ruggedness and controls are designed for easy operation.
“The Micro Dumper will be available from September, but we had to have it at the Show because the event is such an excellent forum for gauging customer feedback,” said Sales Director, Ian Brown.
“The machine is an ideal addition for hirers who already have our larger dumpers in their fleets.”
01926 422471
www.thwaitesdumpers.co.uk
Turner Access in the frame
Arousing considerable interest on the Turner Access stand was the new BetaGuard integral advance guardrail system. Essentially, the tower frame design incorporates integral guardrail protection, so that users are protected at all times during erection and disassembly.
The BetaGuard frames also have integral bracing, eliminating the need for both diagonal and horizontal braces, and reducing the number of main components to just three.
Turner Access’ Dougie McCombie believes that the system is easier to use than the existing 3T, or through the trap, advance guardrail method, and reduces the amount of manual handing required. “The BetaGuard tower is also faster to work with. Our trained staff can erect a 4m tower in less than five minutes, and strip it down in three,” he says. “Frames can also be used with most towers with rung centres of 250 or 500mm, and which are 850mm or 1.45m wide.”
One hirer that has already added the BetaGuard to its fleet is Bathgate Hire Centre in West Lothian. Partners John and Margaret Cranston (pictured on the right with Dougie McCombie and Fiona Bell of Turner Access) confirmed the deal at the Show.
“We have used Turner’s Octo towers for several years,” said John Cranston. “The BetaGuard could open up business in additional client areas, such as blue chip companies and contractors seeking products that give maximum peace of mind in terms of Health & Safety. Having fewer components also speeds delivery and collection, and helps reduce losses.” Supply UK will also be adding the BetaGuard to its fleet.
0141 309 5555
www.turner-access.co.uk
HAE shows HAV monitor
HAE promoted the stick-i, an HAV exposure measurement and recording product for which it is the UK and Eire distributor. A small battery powered device attaches to a rubber mounting on a hand-held piece of equipment, having previously been loaded with an appropriate vibration rating via Windows-compatible software.
The device then measures the operator’s vibration exposure and shows it via LEDs relating to the ‘traffic light’ system, beginning with green, changing to amber to indicate when the exposure action value has been reached, and red when the exposure limit value has been exceeded. Data can be fed into a computer at the end of the working day to provide a permanent log for individual operators.
0121 380 4600
www.hae.org.uk
Hinowa on track
Hinowa UK unveiled the HS400/V12 Minicrane, a battery powered tracked machine that is small enough to pass through a standard doorway and has a lifting capacity of 630kg. The crane, developed by Penny Hydraulics, slews through 90?, and standard features include a load limit indicator and remote control. It can be dismounted quickly from the chassis unit. Hinowa sees the machine as ideal for work in indoor locations.
01962 870954
www.hinowauk.com
Red Band’s rapid success
Within 30 minutes of the Show opening, Red Band UK had sold two battery powered, push-along Power Tower access platforms to Safeguard Hire of Peterborough. The machine is designed for easy operation and gives a maximum working height of 5.1m.
Making its debut on the stand was a pre-production model of the Power Tower Nano, an even more compact model available in 1.8 and 2.5m platform heights. Both units measure 75cm wide, giving easy access through doorways, and the platform dimensions are 1m by 70cm. Red Band is distributing the machines to the UK & Eire hire markets.
0116 260 2601
www.redbanduk.co.uk
CPA highlights membership benefits
The Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) stand was focused on explaining to tool and equipment hirers the benefits they can gain from membership. These include the use of the CPA Model Conditions, which can lead to lower insurance premiums, and a range of advice and support services.
Launched at the Show was a CD-Rom containing all the CPA’s safety and instruction leaflets relating to typical hire fleet items, from air conditioners and barbecues, to vacuum cleaners and woodworking saws. They can be printed off as many times as required to give to customers.
“Everything we do is driven by members,” said Chief Executive Colin Wood. “Health & Safety issues remain a major priority and we have formed various Special Interest Groups to tackle issues within special sectors. These can contribute to British Standards work. We maintain close links at very senior level with the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), and its specialists are an integral part of the Special Interest Groups.”
This year, CPA has taken on the Chairmanship of a newly formed Plant Safety Group, part of the Strategic Forum for Construction, reporting to the Secretary of State for the Department of Work and Pensions. Current projects include the use of quick-hitches on excavators. As EHN reported in November, there has been a voluntary agreement among manufacturers to cease supply of semi-automatic quick-hitches in the UK, following fatal incidents where retaining pins or bars were missing. As many such hitches are still in use, CPA has produced guidance on correct operation.
“Maintaining close contact with HSE, we can identify future issues that will affect hirers,” says Colin Wood. “CPA is also a founder member of the European Rental Association (ERA), with direct representation on the ERA Board. CPA Senior Manager, Kevin Minton, chairs the EU Affairs Committee, which has a role in lobbying European institutions in Brussels and keeps abreast of new legislation.”
020 7796 3366
www.cpa.uk.net
Wacker Neuson keeps busy
Wacker Neuson’s Sales Director, Jonathan Vaines, reported a very busy Show, with visitors taking keen interest in the company’s latest products. These included a revised version of the DCU 3050 compaction plate featuring electric start. This has been incorporated so that the battery and starter motor do not affect the machine’s balance. The Hatz diesel powered product has a 50cm-wide plate and a compacting force of 30kN.
The DL 16 rebar tier is a manually operated tool that uses pre-formed wire loops. The operator simply places the jaws over the junction point, slides the mechanism down and the join is made. The product has a long handle to reduce the need for bending down and to facilitate overhead working.
01992 707200
www.wackerneuson.com
More lift with Avant Tecno
New from Avant Tecno is the 700 Series of multi-purpose machines, which offer greater lift capacity, increased drive speed and more power to drive attachments. They can be used for lifting and transporting kerbs, pallets of stones and other heavy loads. Power comes from a 49 hp Kubota diesel engine, and the 750 model has a 1.35 tonne lift capacity and can raise loads to a height of 3010mm.
The off-centre boom gives the operator enhanced visibility and facilitates work with attachments such as hydraulic breakers, augers, trenchers and stump removers. A telescopic boom is available as an option.
01953 714896
www.avanttecno.com
Tag it with 4hSolutions
4hSolutions’ Assettagz modular software enables hirers to manage the entire lifecycle of their assets. Electronic tags are applied inside or onto tools and equipment, and these can record data such as item location, deliveries, signature capture, on/off hires, certification, stock management, PAT testing and pre-planned maintenance. The system can also act as theft deterrent. The software resides on Windows mobile computers and synchronises with a hosted asset database using local area network (LAN) connections or GPRS.
0116 216 5000
www.4hSolutions.com
Ruggedness from Midland Power
One of the products promoted by Midland Power Machinery was the Rover 880M87 Catch/Mulch lawnmower fitted with a Rover i5500 engine. Designed to meet the rigours of hire industry usage, it incorporates a disc and heavy-duty swing blade system giving a 55cm cutting width. It has variable speed drive and the handlebars can be set to a choice of 15 positions. Honda and Briggs & Stratton engine options are also available.
Midland Power also launched its latest replacement spares and accessories catalogue, which includes approximately 30% more items than its predecessor. Details are given on garden machinery and plant spares, tools and consumables. The company believes the catalogue will be a helpful workshop reference that can be used in conjunction with its web site.
01905 763027
www.midlandpower.com
Pop-Up into confined spaces
Pop-Up Products introduced two accessories for its range of compact scissor lifts for low-level access. The first, the confined space handrail, fits directly onto the Pop-Up and Pop-Up+ models. Its reduced size allows the cage and a single operator to access a void above a ceiling through a standard 600 x 600mm ceiling grid.
Also new is a buffer wheel kit, designed to prevent damage to walls and fixtures in first, second and final fix stages of construction and at facilities management sites. Fitting above the existing wheels of the machines, the buffers are designed to quickly rotate when the Pop-Up comes into contact with any surface, and to gently push the machine away.
01244 833111
www.popupplatform.co.uk
Hirers welcome Higher Concept workshops
Higher Concept Software (HCS) had a hugely successful Show, welcoming many visitors throughout the event. “Companies are becoming more discerning, looking for a total software solution to manage their business without being forced to purchase additional modules as they grow,” said Katy Williams, Sales and Marketing Director.
This year, for the first time, HCS held complimentary workshops, so that Syrinx software customers could learn about untapped areas of their hire system that might add value to their business. In addition to the workshops, Mark Newell, Director, and Alan Ball, Workshop Manager of Essex-based Mark 1 Hire gave an informal talk to more than 30 Syrinx users covering the benefits they have experienced following the implementation of the fleet servicing module.
The sessions were very well received. Vanessa King, Director of KJN Services of Bicester, described them as “really useful, with information explained simply”, and Bill Crawford, Director of Project Hire & Sales of Guernsey, said they were “excellent”.
• As the winner of the Passionate Independant Hirer Award, KDM Hire won £500 to spend at the Show, which they will put towards Syrinx software training.
0118 9476669
www.higherconcept.co.uk
WLA launches latest services
Among several new initiatives promoted by the Will Leftwich Associates (WLA) consultancy was WLA Hireweb, which offers various options to enable hirers to have an Internet presence that matches their specific needs. The Level One package provides a branded, on-line generic catalogue with details of hire rates and services offered, while Level Two adds a printed version that customers can collect from the hire desk. The third level offers a greater degree of web site customisation and functionality, as well as incorporating product operation and safety guides for fleet equipment.
WLA Hire-ability provides an independent review of how a business operates, achieved through mystery shopping, safety audits, return on investment appraisals, customer retention and supply chain management. This service can also be extended to manufacturers and suppliers, to help them maximise their penetration into the hire industry and making sure their products meet market needs.
0121 242 5196
www.wlassociates.co.uk
Truvox highlights floor care
Truvox International, the supplier of floor care equipment, highlighted no fewer than nine machines at the Show. Highlighted from its Hydromist range was the Lite compact carpet and upholstery spray extractor, the Compact 250 designed for maximum ease of use, and the 55/100 which has a 55-litre solution tank and powerful twin, two-stage vacuum motors.
From its air mover range, Truvox displayed its Whole Room Dryer, and the Air Mover and Air Mover with Trolley products. Also featured was the Orbis Duo rotary floor cleaner/polisher, the R48 Heavy Duty three-brush machine, and the Cimex Encap carpet cleaning system. The last-mentioned is another three-brush unit that applies a special polymeric cleaning solution to carpets. It reaches deep into the fibres and, as the solution dries, its crystals encapsulate any dirt, which can then be vacuumed up.
02380 706605
www.truvox.com |
