Components for work platforms
Marco Thull | 17. March 2020
Whether construction site, fire brigade or Hollywood movie set: working platforms with inclined axes and telescopic extensions are used worldwide. Their designers need energy supply systems that are lightweight, robust, resistant and easy to maintain. This prompted the manufacturers to invest in research and development for decades.
used are the English terms Aerial Work Platforms (AWP) and cherry pickers.
Picture: AdobeStock
Energy supply systems for work platforms and machines with elevated axes
Practical experience with leading manufacturers, for example, Ruthmann GmbH
Ruthmann GmbH has contributed to the popularity earned by the brand name “Steiger” among work platforms. The European market leader, which produces customised telescopic booms with different working heights, requires flexible energy supply systems for the smallest bend radii and installation spaces.
In order to achieve the shortest possible processing time and the lowest possible stock keeping, Ruthmann prefers components which reduce the assembly time. For this reason, the company relies on pre-assembled solutions made of high-performance polymer for the cable guidance.
Thanks to their toughness against mechanical stresses and their tight bend radius, the e-chains can be perfectly integrated into the interior of the boom of a Steiger. The cables are also resistant to temperature and UV.
New machines, new challenges
What distinguishes telescopic work platforms and cherry pickers are two characteristics: firstly, their mobility. The systems are either mounted on a lorry or a rail vehicle, or have their own chassis using wheels or tracks.
Secondly, their ability to move platforms not only vertically, but also horizontally. Extendable telescopic arms are used to increase the range via the length of the extension arm. The work cages, platforms and stages are diagonally moved in elevation electro-magnetically, but usually pneumatically or hydraulically.
New models have to offer the highest possible load capacity and the largest possible unsupported lengths. Designers need durable components that combine high stability and load capacity with low weight and space. This also applies to the guidance of energy, data and media cables along elevated axes.
White paper
Learn more in the free white paper about the right energy supply system on “inclined axes”, details about the right cable and ideas for lubrication-free and low-maintenance bearing points.
