Testconsult Equipment

Testconsult Equipment, a provider offering foundation testing services, has in March launched an Auto-logging Plate Load Testing System.

On many sites, the ground has to be tested before using a mobile crane, to ensure it is stable enough to prevent overturning, says Testconsult.

The Plateman is a battery-powered, wireless, auto-logging test system complete with reporting software.

The Auto-logging Plate Load Testing System brings the standard plate load test up to date with remote logging of sensors.

The system also has more user-friendly templates for the operator to follow.

It includes a lightweight reference beam, bluetooth sensors for wireless connections and a rugged PDA logger, giving greater safety for the operator, who can take measurements and apply load remotely.

Test results, with improved data accuracy, are available immediately on site, including estimated CBR values, the company said.

Users can produce electronic reports rapidly on a PC using the Plateman software supplied with the system.

The company also offers plate load testing services, such as it performed for cranes working on a wind farm project in the UK, last July.

Testconsult laboratory site teams have recently carried out 60 plate load tests for the UK-based Cammell Laird shipyard, which now houses one of Europe’s largest wind farm component storage yards.

The derelict brownfield land designated for storage needed to be capable of bearing huge loads such as a 600t crawler carrying a 500t monopile.

The testing allowed transport of very large and heavy turbine components such as mono piles and transition pieces.

Testing was carried out using the Plateman automatic plate load testing system.

DICA

In the past year, the US provider has launched TuffGrip Handle System on its medium, heavy and dunnage lines of Safety Tech outrigger pads, with ease-of handling and safety benefits for crane operators.

DICA says the TuffGrip Handle, constructed of an extremely tough thermoplastic, is its safest handle
yet. It is guaranteed for life.

In addition to toughness, the new handle system is designed to improve ergonomic safety. It does so by providing a lifting point that does not exceed 50lbs per person and has a handle length that encourages operators to use proper lifting technique.

The reduced size of the design and high visibility of the orange color virtually eliminates trip hazards, DICA says.

TuffGrip Handles are also resistant to UV, chemicals, hydraulic fluid and water, ensuring their lifetime durability.

The new handle option can be applied to all Safety Tech outrigger pads, with the exception of DR362, DR482 and DR602. It may be purchased separately for retrofit applications.

Handle diameters are 0.5in thick for all 1in and 1.5in thick pads, and 2in thick outrigger pads have a 5/8in thick handle.

Established in 1988, DICA is a family-owned and operated business, providing not only crane outrigger pads but also ground protection mats, RV jack pads and wheel chocks.

UniMat

Load Spread Specialists Universal Crane Mats based in Nottinghamshire, UK are offering crane pads with the ability to stack without slippage.

Universal Crane Mats demonstrated the Safety Grip finish at Vertikal Days Expo in June where the product was launched.

UniMat Sleepers have been developed to suit load spread, outrigger levelling and hydraulic jack support functions, and are easier to handle than larger single piece pads, Universal Crane Mats said.

Unimat’s Mike Allanson says the mats address the concerns of some timber sleeper users: "It was once a common sight for a crane to set up on sleepers before engineering consideration slowly eroded their use. Ungraded timber and degradation in the form of cracking or splitting and rot due to water absorption all contributed to their demise."

As an innovation to traditional plastic mats, the UniMat Sleepers allow stacking of multiple layers without slippage. They incorporate an industry-leading surface treatment to upper and lower faces that greatly increases surface grip to address this concern.

The same safety grip finish is now a standard feature for Universal Crane Mats’ comprehensive range of standard load spread pads.

Universal Crane Mat’s Sleepers are manufactured from high density polyethylene and offer load spread or leveling flexibility with high durability.

Sleepers may be used in multiple-layer, cross-laced stacks to satisfy outrigger jack levelling or axle support requirements.

They can also be used for smaller lorry loader cranes, spider cranes, concrete pumps and aerial platforms to achieve offering 1m sq of load spread area, with up to three of the 1000x500x50mm sleepers set up so two are beneath and one is cross laced above. 1.74m sq of load spread area is provided using 1320x330x100mm UniMat Sleepers, four beneath two cross laced above. Universal Crane Mats says that load capacity effectiveness for the sleepers depends on the outrigger or stabilizer foot area, and recommends minimum thickness of 100mm for the largest UniMat Sleeper options.

Universal Crane Mats offer comprehensive application checks by qualified temporary works engineers to ensure customers have enough support and confidence to get the best performance out of their products. For all crane mats, load capacity or effectiveness for the sleepers depends on the outrigger or stabilizer foot area.

The company warns that lesser depths of HDPE will result in unacceptable levels of deflection for the relatively high loads anticipated where such large load spread areas are required.

Zigma Ground Solutions

UK supplier and exporter of ground protection products Zigma Ground Solutions has started exporting to the European continent via its rental business based in Hamburg, Germany.

Its European operation now enables customers to either rent or purchase ground protection products from the Hamburg location.

A major international plastics manufacturer produces TuffTrak and EuroMat in Europe using sustainable, eco-friendly, premium recycled materials.

Zigma says it is the only supplier to rent and sell products made from recycled materials alongside existing alternatives such as steel plates and wooden timber mats.

Zigma developed TuffTrak and EuroMat with a chevron traction design to deliver ultimate grip, dispel mud and maintain vehicle traction in even the worst conditions.

The TuffTrak provides temporary roadways and access for plant machinery and vehicles up to 150t.

It is manufactured from premium recycled HD or UHMW (Ultra High Molecular Weight) polyethylene, can be deployed in areas of high theft risk; and does not leach pollutants so is ideal for eco-sensitive sites.

With its unique nub design, the TuffTrak reduces sideway slippage. It is fully reversible and has a non-slip surface safe for walking on. The TuffTrak can be provided with a wide range of connectors, including unique high tensile straps.

The EuroMat is used for protection and access over soft ground, hot ground, or ground that needs to be protected. Its 100% virgin High Density Polyethylene mats provide extra protection.

Zigma says its mats are virtually indestructible and made from a tough 12mm thick high-density polyethylene, yet they weigh only 35kg.

The company offers connection options for more permanent situations, steep terrain, and to handle very heavy and tracked equipment.

"At Zigma, we are dedicated to supplying our products to market either by sale or rental and hope that by offering our own products alongside already existing alternatives, we become the one-stop-shop for all temporary roadway, access and ground protection solutions," says Kris Heard, sales director, Europe.

SVE Portable Roadway Systems

Charlotte, NC based SVE Portable Roadway Systems has introduced the TreadMat to its range of ground stability products for cranes.

It calls the TreadMat a new way to use recycled rubber tyres, converting discarded material into a useful tool for the field.

TreadMat are recycled woven tire mats. Tire mats have been available to the lifting industry for a while but not in a woven design.

They are rugged and virtually indestructible with long operational life. Equaly useful for all types of mobile crane equipment, the mats have endless applications, says SVE Portable Roadway Systems.

Lifting or dragging cables on both ends can withstand a rated 2,000lbs of straight pull pressure.

TreadMat may also be used in layers to provide additional load bearing capacity in softer soil conditions. Each TreadMat is 7ft by 14ft and weighs 765lbs and can be easily handled with onsite equipment. The usability allows work to begin site quicker and easier than ever.

SVE Portable Roadway Systems has been providing mat systems for field use for over 20 years.

Its other products include TrakMat a flexible mat that works best over lawns and ground areas that have the ability to support load.

Mud-Traks support extreme loads in near wetlands conditions.