Pictured above: Adam Gwynne, director and Jayne Lowe,
business manager, take delivery of AM Access' new Leo18GT, the
first 'facelift' version of the machine in the UK
Stoke-based access hire specialist, AM Access, has taken
delivery of the UK's first 'facelift' Teupen Leo18GT tracked
Spiderlift.
A scaffolding specialist for 25 years, AM Access branched into
low level access two years ago and started adding Teupen platforms
last summer. It also runs a Leo 15GT, Leo 23GT and has a new 25T
facelift arriving in April 2011.
The Leos fit the company's profile for high specification access
for niche and more technically demanding applications, including
public sector work where it is well-established. AM Access is the
lead provider of access to public building for Kier Stoke - a joint
venture partnership between Kier and Stoke-on-Trent City
Council.
According to business manager, Jayne Lowe, Leo platforms are
well adapted for work on the building heritage of the City and the
Potteries. She points to the machine's low floor loadings, narrow
chassis widths and generous outreach as particular
benefits.
"The Leos are ideal when it comes to working on the historical
buildings typical to the area," she said. "Challenges range from
the Victorian architecture of the town centres to chimney towers,
warehouses and canalside sites connected to our industrial past,
including interior work on ornate tiled floors in former pottery
factories."
The 17.9m working height model is one of the first in the Teupen
line to be revamped under the German manufacturer's 'facelift'
improvement programme announced last year. A new generation version
of the Leo23GT (23m w/h) started shipping last autumn.
AM Access director, Adam Gwynne, picks out other features which
come as standard on the new model.
He said: "The new auto-levelling outriggers provide a far
slicker set up on any terrain. The wander-lead for remote control
also provides impressive fine control which supports smooth and
safe manoeuvrability. Also proving extremely beneficial is the
basket design which assists with delicate maintenance and targeted
survey works."
The 'facelift' enhancements also include improvements to power
distribution, electronic systems and component layout for enhanced
fuel efficiency, speed, smoothness of handling and durability.
Engine emissions and noise levels have been reduced to comply with
future European regulations.
Mr Gwynne said: "The speed of the machine is remarkable and
makes a huge difference to efficiency of work rates. Our customers
are thrilled with reductions in the number of operatives working at
height, the speed of work completion and cost savings too."