Of all the things Biglorryblog has yet to have a play with (and thus has a hankering to do so) is one of those self-drive access platforms. So naturally BLB is drawn to the news that Chesterfield-based access equipment specialist Spiderlift is reaching new heights after changing its name and entrusting the collection and delivery of its machines to a new, six-wheeled Mercedes-Benz Actros.
The new 26-tonne MegaSpace cab Actros 2536 pictured above is all its glory was supplied by Derby dealer Mertrux and is the first vehicle to wear the new colours of the Spiderlift Company. It even has a beaver tail body with winch, by hydraulic engineers CCT, of Holmewood, Chesterfield too.
But what's got me interested is the caterpillar-tracker crawler cherry-picker on the back. I want a go! And clearly Spiderlift are the people to talk to because they're the sole UK distributor for the best-selling Teupen range of tracked access platforms. These German-built machines can cost as much as £225,000, for the biggest, 50-metre unit. OK, so they're no lightweights---tipping the scales at up to 12.5 tonnes---but because they're on tracks, the weight is evenly distributed so damage to ground surfaces is minimised. And here's a useful link to find out more.
Meanwhile keep reading to read more about Spiderlift....although you'd think that most spiders would use the stairs anyway....
Spiderlift has also recently added wheeled platforms by Finnish company Dino to its portfolio. It also builds telescopic booms directly onto vehicles – the 3.5-tonne Mercedes Sprinter is a popular base chassis – and runs its own hire fleet.
Access platforms sold or rented by Spiderlift are a popular choice with those working in the construction, building maintenance and tree surgery sectors. The company has previously towed its smaller machines to customer locations nationwide, but relied on third-party hauliers to transport its larger platforms. It is now reaping the rewards from its decision to bring the entire distribution operation in-house. “In hindsight,” admits Commercial Director Andy Bray to BLB, “it’s something we should have done a while ago.
“In terms of logistical and operational efficiency, having our own truck is a great improvement. It means we’re more streamlined and flexible, and can undertake multi-drop collections and deliveries when we want to. It’s also a lot safer, not least because CCT’s body has been purpose-designed for the job, with a loading angle that means our machines don’t rub on the ground.”
So successful is its new six-wheeler already proving that Spiderlift is now considering returning to the same dealer for a second chassis. This new vehicle would have the same style of body as the Actros, but on a smaller scale, and will be based either on a 7.5-tonne Mitsubishi Fuso Canter, or a slightly larger Mercedes Atego chassis.
Suggest anyone looking at a truck to transport machines look at the tilt / slide tray type. I used to drive a beaver tail ( banana back - we call them) and a lot of low slung nachines would bottom out at the top of the ramp. ie electric scissor lifts, walkie stackers etc. Also the rear of the tray bottomed out on driveways. The tilt slide trays are a lot more versatile in this regard. Also better when loading or unloading from another truck. Cheers Pete