Abilene, Texas-based TGM Wind Services, a company that focuses on wind turbine blade and tower inspection, maintenance, and repair, plus other high reach applications, has purchased its third Bronto Skylift Model S-90 HLA truck-mounted aerial in less than 18 months. According to Kevin Darby, vice president of TGM, the company is poised to order two additional machines for delivery in mid-2011.
The Bronto S-90 HLA machines can lift up to 1,000-pounds in an 8'x3', fully enclosed platform to a 295-foot maximum working height. Maximum horizontal outreach is 108 feet, and when fully elevated, the unit can withstand winds speeds up to 28 mph and can be safely used on most turbines currently operating in North America and access overhead areas on high-rise buildings. Mounted on a six-axle Kimball chassis, TGM’s Bronto S-90 HLA machines can navigate most terrain and easily reach remote tower locations or negotiate jobsite obstacles.
Because of their advanced controls and one-button automatic leveling of the outriggers, the Bronto aerials can be positioned, set up, and elevated to the overhead area in 15 to 20 minutes. When used on wind farms with multiple turbines, this can save considerable time and money in transportation and setup costs, compared to other methods of accessing towers.
The Bronto S-90 HLA machines that TGM operates are also equipped with electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and water lines running inside the telescoping boom from the ground to the platform so TGM technicians can operate powered tools and washers. This eliminates having lines or hoses running from the overhead platform to ground level.
“Our experience in operating Bronto aerials has been overwhelmingly positive," said Darby. "We are able to do more work in less time and give better service to our customers, while at the same time providing our technicians a safer work environment. And we haven’t had any operating problems with the equipment.”
Lift & Access is part of the Catalyst Communications Network publication family.
