What's new
November 24, 2011
TowerLight UK reports that the finishing touches are currently being applied to a version of its VB9 vertical mast lighting tower incorporating LED lamps, in readiness for its formal launch at the Executive Hire Show in February.
 The lamps on the VB9-LED have a five year manufacturer’s warranty, are made from robust polycarbonate, with no glass or bulbs to replace and, unlike metal halide units, can be re-started whilst hot, says the company. The machine has a power consumption rating of 150 watts and provides an illumination level that is said to be equivalent to that of 400 watt metal halide lamps, giving reduced running costs.
The lights have a typical operating life of 70,000 hours and, whereas metal halide units require a system of electric ballasts fitted into the lighting tower to operate properly, LED lighting dispenses with this, meaning there are no complicated electronics to repair and maintain. For further details visit www.towerlight.co.uk
November 18, 2011
Ladder manufacturer, Werner, has launched a new range of fibreglass and aluminium ladders for professional users. They are being marketed through Belper-based Abru Ltd, which was acquired by Werner in April 2010.
 The line-up includes more than 100 different products, including stepladders, combination ladders, loft ladders, extension ladders, roof ladders and work platforms. They incorporate the manufacturer’s Lock-In System, which is designed to hold various items of equipment and accessories for maximum working efficiency, from power and hand tools, to paint and spraying equipment. For more information see www.wernerladder.co.uk
November 11, 2011
New from Havwoods Machinery is the Graftmaster Viper floor preparation machine, which has a 20cm diameter head, weighs 77kg and is designed for grinding and polishing stone, terrazzo and concrete, refinishing wood floors, stripping tiles, and removing glue and other residues.
 Grinding speed can be varied up to a maximum of 2,100 rpm, and the manufacturer says that the machine can be operated within less than 4mm of a wall. The system is also designed to enable the same tools and drive plates to be used to both level or to follow surfaces, reducing equipment costs and enhancing the versatility of the machine. For more information visit www.havwoodsmachinery.com
November 4, 2011
Armorgard Security Products reports that more hirers are adding its TuffCage to their fleets for the safe and secure storage of bottled gas on site. Of one-piece construction, the product is designed so that it can be erected quickly to form a robust 1.82 x 1.82 x 1.22m galvanised cage.
 There are no parts to go missing and the product folds down to just 180mm high to facilitate storage when off-hired. Armorgard says that, as the unit is lockable, some contractors also use it as a convenient equipment store. For more information see www.armorgardsecurity.com
October 28, 2011
Lombardini held a special event at its factory in Reggio Emilia, northern Italy, to announce a new range of diesel engines designed to meet the forthcoming stringent Tier IV emission regulations. The manufacturer, which is owned by Kohler Co of the US, says it started with a blank sheet of paper to develop a system that achieved the necessary emissions reduction, without using additional accessories such as diesel particulate filters.
 The power units use a high pressure (2000 bar injection) common rail system to create a very fine and highly penetrating spray for cleaner combustion. Four valves are incorporated per cylinder for optimum positioning of the injectors and efficient air intake.
Lombardini claims that the system, called Kohler Direct Injection (KDI), allows more power to be produced, meaning that smaller units can be fitted to machines to achieve similar performance, with benefits of lower levels of emissions, noise and vibration, and improved fuel economy.
New 1.9 and 2.5 litre KDI engines, with maximum outputs of 42 and 55.4kW (56 and 74hp) will go into production next September, and will be available with Kohler or Lombardini branding. A 3.4 litre, 100kW (134hp) engine is scheduled for manufacture by the end of 2014, the first time that Lombardini will have manufactured engines in this power class. A video presentation of the launch event can be seen at www.kohlernewproject.com.
The November/December issue of EHN will include a dedicated article on the new KDI engines, which will also be displayed on Lombardini’s stand at the Executive Hire Show on 8 and 9 February at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry.
October 21, 2011
Reactec has launched a new version of its HAVmeter, specifically designed for use in potentially dangerous or hazardous environments. The ATEX-accredited model is targeted at users of vibrating power tools in the oil and gas, nuclear sector and petrochemical industries.
 By recording the vibration exposure levels and trigger times, the meter can help to provide an accurate overview of every employee’s dosage so that they do not exceed levels stipulated by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). The new version has been designed to comply with European ATEX and International IECEx directives required for potentially hazardous and explosive atmospheres. It has a hazardous area classification of Zone 0, which is the highest rating for where an explosive atmosphere is present continuously.
The HAVmeter is programmed with an individual operator’s vibration exposure limits, and is then attached to every tool that they use during their shift. The meter collates data about the amount of vibration that workers are exposed to, and flashes a warning if limits are reached.
ATR (Aberdeen Tool Rental) Group has already rolled out the system across a number of North Sea oil and gas projects. MD Keith Moorhouse said, “Nowadays we are not just dealing with our clients’ tool assets, but also with their people, providing outsourced Health & Safety support with respect to HAV monitoring and recording. The fact that the HAVmeter empowers employees to manage their exposure in real time, and automatically collects the data, gives us a strong foundation to support clients in the adoption of best practice in HAV management.”
Reactec, which will be exhibiting at the Executive Hire Show in February, has more details on the system at its website, www.reactec.com/havmeter
October 14, 2011
Lift Turn Move has added the Able range of manual lifting equipment to its line-up, which includes the new CB360° hand chain hoist. The product incorporates a chain guide that is designed to enable operation from virtually any angle, and to facilitate use in more confined working environments.
 The company, which recently re-located to a new purpose built production facility in Bromborough. Merseyside, offers hoists, winches, jacks, pulleys and other lifting products targeted at professionals working in industry and in the events market. For more information visit www.liftturnmove.co.uk
October 7, 2011
The new TEX PE range of pneumatic hammers from Atlas Copco are designed for low levels of vibration and noise. Three models are included in the line-up. The compact TEX 05PE, which weighs 6kg, is said to be suitable for smaller jobs in softer material and for overhead work. The 10.5kg TEX 09PE is also optimised for use with softer materials, while the 12kg TEX 12PE is designed for work on harder objects.
 Both the TEX 09PE and TEX 12PE can be supplied with a round shank that allows the chisel to rotate freely, which can facilitate tasks such as kiln stripping, says the manufacturer. All three hammers have multiple gripping surfaces to enable the operator to choose the most comfortable working position, and each has a large D handle that is designed to accommodate a gloved hand. The larger tools also have a front handle for additional control and support.
The hammers have a lightweight retainer for rapid tool changing, and they also incorporate a two-step trigger control system. One hirer who has tested the tools is Colin Purvis, Project Manager at GAP, who said: “The new TEX 12 PE hammer is the best vibration reduced hammer I’ve ever tried. It is very smooth to operate, and is an excellent machine.” For further details on the new range, visit www.atlascopco.co.uk
September 30, 2011
Broughton Electro Air Products has announced modifications to its Mighty Heat range of industrial portable electric heaters, having spent the summer developing and refining the heat delivery systems on the FF42, FF80 and FF125 models. The line-up is now designed to provide single pass heat rises of up to 100°C.
 Units are available to run from 13-125A supplies, with outputs from 15,000 to over 350,000 Btu, with enough pressure to duct the heat over a distance of up to 100m, making them suitable for use in a wide range of buildings.
Safety features include isolated heat chambers that are designed to keep the outer body of the machines safe to the touch, and a heat purge system allows the fan to keep running after the unit has been switched off, helping to avoid potentially hazardous heat build-ups. Visit www.broughtoneap.co.uk for more details.
The October issue of EHN will include a Market Report on Heating & Lighting Equipment.
September 23, 2011
Genie says that its new GS-4047 full drive-height, self-propelled electric scissor lift has been developed to meet the requirements of operators working in confined indoor spaces. The machine, which will be available during the first quarter of next year, can lift up to 350kg to a maximum working height of 13.93m, and has a compact footprint of 2.44m long by 1.19m wide when stowed.
 A 91cm extension deck can be fitted to increase the platform workspace, and the machine is said to be able to negotiate gradients of up to 25%. The 24V 300Ah battery pack is designed to provide enough power to operate the machine during a typical eight-hour shift without needing recharging. Genie, which is part of the Terex group, launched the GS-4047 at the Apex exhibition in Maastricht. For more details visit www.terex.com
September 13, 2011
 Ransomes Jacobsen has launched the Spider Mini, the latest addition to its range of radio controlled slope mowers, which also includes the existing Spider 1 and Spider 2 models. Measuring 1040 by 900mm and weighing 130kg, the compact machine offers a 56cm width of cut and can access smaller and more difficult areas on wooded slopes, river banks and other constricted areas.
Power comes from a 6.5hp Briggs & Stratton petrol engine with hydrostatic transmission and the mower’s single rotary blade can be set to a cutting height ranging from 40-90mm. The remote control unit allows the operator to control the drive, steering, engine start and, if required, emergency shutdown, without the need to stand on sloping ground.
The Spider Mini’s chain drive system is designed to provide a lower centre of gravity. The manufacturer says the machine can climb 25 degree slopes and that it can mow up to 1500m2 per hour on a single litre of fuel. For more details visit www.ransomesjacobsen.com
August 26, 2011
Wacker Neuson has introduced a new variant of its DPU 100-70 reversible vibrating plate, which is designed to enable consistent compaction up to and along edges, such as kerbs and walls.
 The DPU 100-70Les has a working width of 70cm, or 87cm with extension plates, and delivers up to 100kN of centrifugal force. Its speed can be infinitely varied at the push of a button, in both forward and reverse mode, to enable the operator to move slowly along edges before increasing speed again, to achieve uniform results.
The manufacturer says this avoids having to use additional, smaller machines and, therefore, increases operating efficiency. The machine has a quoted HAV rating of less than 2.5m/s2 and it can be used as a double or triple coupling set for compacting railway ballast. For more details go to www.wackerneuson.com
August 17, 2011
Stihl has added two new models to its range of lightweight petrol hedge trimmers. The HS 46 C-E and HS 56 C-E are both driven by the manufacturer’s 2-Mix engine, designed to give low fuel consumption and reduced emissions without affecting performance. They also incorporate Stihl’s ErgoStart system, designed for easy starting.
 Weighing in at 4.3kg, the HS 46 C-E is the lightest petrol model in the manufacturer’s range. It has a 55cm long blade and is targeted at domestic gardeners and land owners. The HS 56 C-E has a 60cm blade, weighs 4.5kg and is seen as being suitable for home-owners with larger gardens to maintain, as well as for more heavy-duty including farmers and landscaping professionals. For more details, visit www.stihl.co.uk
August 5, 2011
Schiller Grounds Care UK is the new name for the commercial division of Mantis UK Ltd, which supplies a wide range of gardening and landscaping machinery. The re-branding reflects an expanded line-up of equipment from parent Schiller Groundscare Inc of Philadelphia, which includes Mantis, Little Wonder and Classen products. The expanded portfolio will be displayed on Schiller’s stand at IOG Saltex, being held at Windsor from 6-8 September.
 The Classen professional turf care range includes compact aerators, split-drive aerators, turf rakes, seeders and turf cutters, while the Little Wonder stable includes a new petrol engined hedge trimmer, being offered alongside the existing 110 and 230V versions. The popular Mantis small tiller will also be on show, in both 4-stroke petrol engine and electric versions, along with attachments. For more details contact Schiller Groundscare UK on 0800 840 0888.
July 26, 2011
Makita says that its new 18V Lithium-ion battery powered cordless planer offers the same performance as the 82mm mains machine in its range. The BKP180 is designed to plane off up to 2mm of material at each pass, and the double sided blade drum runs at up to 14,000rpm without load, giving up to 28,000 cuts per minute. The maximum rebate depth is 9mm.
 As the tool is lifted clear of the material being worked on, a small foot drops from the base plate which then acts as a stand to keep the blades away from the material or the bench surface, to protect them from damage. An exhaust connector on the right-hand side of the planer enables a dust extraction unit to be attached.
The BKP180 is available as a body-only unit, or as a complete kit with a charger and two 3.0Ah batteries. Recharge time is 22 minutes. For more details visit www.makitauk.com
July 15, 2011
DeWalt is introducing a new 305mm dual bevel sliding mitre saw in the form of the DWS780, which will replace the DW718XPS model and offers increased cutting capacity, enabling users to cut a 110mm x 303mm piece of material. The tall fence and arm design provides increases vertical capacity to 170mm, and the saw has a bevel capacity of 0 to 49° in both directions, as well as a mitre capacity of 60° to the right and 50° degrees to the left.
 The DWS780 incorporates a patented precision mitre system, designed to allow repeatable and accurate compound mitre cuts to be achieved. A stainless steel adjustable mitre detent plate has ten positive detents, and DeWalt says that, as the plate is adjustable, it can easily be re-calibrated for longer operational life.
The 24.8kg tool has a 1675watt belt driven motor and a built-in carry handle increases portability. It comes as standard with DeWalt’s XPS cross-cut positioning system which illuminates the work area, and the shadow cast by the blade shows where the cut will be. A dust extraction outlet is also incorporated. For details, visit www.dewalt.co.uk
July 8, 2011
GGR Group, which distributes Galizia pick and carry cranes, has added a searcher hook and an electromagnetic front braking system for the G20 model. Measuring 93cm wide, the battery powered machine is designed to handle loads of up to 2 tonne in restricted environments.
 The searcher hook extends the maximum lifting height to a total 6.32m and increases the working radius to 4.7m. It has a 150kg capacity and can facilitate picking, lifting and placing of taller objects in environments such as warehouses, manufacturing sites, workshops and factories, says the manufacturer.
The new brakes help shorten the stopping distance of the crane and reduce the free-running effect when carrying a load, and are said to make the machine more suitable for working on the edge of platforms or on gradients up to 7%. More information can be obtained from www.pickandcarrycranes.com. GGR, which also offers the machines for hire to the rail industry, was amongst exhibitors at the recent Railtex exhibition in London, which will be reviewed in a future issue of EHN.
July 1, 2011
Truvox’s TruSweep 460 is a lightweight, manual sweeper designed for cleaning tasks inside or outdoors. It can be used in situations where no power is available or where it is not convenient to plug in a vacuum cleaner, and it avoids potential Health & Safety risks from trailing power leads.
 The unit has an adjustable main brush that revolves in the opposite direction to that of travel, to propel litter and debris into the 40 litre capacity collector. With a 60cm cleaning width, the machine can sweep up to 2,600m2 per hour, according to the manufacturer, and an adjustable revolving side brush can be positioned for sweeping close to edges. The handle can be positioned in two different configurations to suit the height of the operator, and it can be folded down for storage. For further details ring 023 8070 2200, or visit www.truvox.com
June 24, 2011
Bobcat has introduced a new range of rotary grinder attachments for its compact loaders and excavators. Consisting of a double drum driven by an integrated high-torque hydraulic motor, they are said to be quieter in operation compared with equivalent hydraulic or pneumatic demolition tools and can be used to process material such as concrete, asphalt or rock.
 They are designed to transmit relatively low vibration levels to surrounding structures and to produce small diameter debris that can be re-used. They can also be used for applications requiring precise removal of material, without damaging adjacent structures, as well as for tasks such as demolishing walls and other structures, digging trenches in hard and rocky ground, and for preparing asphalt or concrete surfaces for repair.
The RG20 grinder has a standard cutting width of 565 mm and is approved for use on Bobcat E32, E35, E45, E50, E55W and E60 mini excavators. The RG40 has a 625mm cutting width and can be used on the E80 excavator and the manufacturer’s S205H, S630, S630H, S650, S650H, T190H, T650 and T650H compact loaders. The RG60 grinder cuts to a width of 850mm and can be used with the S770H, S850H, T770H, T870H and A770H compact loaders. For more information visit www.bobcat.eu
June 16, 2011
Due for release next month, Metabo has developed a cordless magnetic core drill, designated the MAG 28 LTX 32. It has a permanent magnet that retains its strength independent of the battery pack, and facilitates working in either horizontal or vertical positions, as well as when working overhead.
 The tool’s LTX motor has a two speed gear box, with forward drive and overload protection. Metabo offers a range of thin walled hole cutters for use with the drill, claimed to give up to 30% faster drilling speeds and 50% more holes per charge than standard cores. For more details ring 02380 732 000 or visit www.metabo.co.uk
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The lamps on the VB9-LED have a five year manufacturer’s warranty, are made from robust polycarbonate, with no glass or bulbs to replace and, unlike metal halide units, can be re-started whilst hot, says the company. The machine has a power consumption rating of 150 watts and provides an illumination level that is said to be equivalent to that of 400 watt metal halide lamps, giving reduced running costs.
