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The ACM 105SP operating with basket and wire
boom support raised
Rail maintenance revolution
34 | ACCESS
in
ACTION | NOVEMBER 2012
ACCESS in ACTION
The Crane Industry Council of Australia
(CICA) annual conference, held at
the Adelaide Convention Centre, 5-7
September 2012 broke attendance records
with 430 delegates registered.
Lift of the Year Award winners included:
• Category A (over 130t): John Holland
Group and
• Category B (under 130t): Gillespies Crane
Services.
The CICA Bill Shaw Memorial Award
for the Best Overall Lift was announced
with the John Holland Group receiving the
perpetual Cup.
CICA Conference wrap up
A special highlight was Danny Black
(General Manager, Terex) announced
as the latest Con Popov Award winner,
for his valued industry service as a CICA
volunteer since 2000, being Vice President
of CIAQ since 2003, and being on the CICA
Board as Vice President since 2005,” Alan
Marshall, CICA’s Chief Executive Officer
said.
CICA’s 2013 Conference will take place
in Hobart, 11-13 September at the Hotel
Grand Chancellor.
For more contact: 03 9501 0078 or visit:
www.cica.com.au
HR
Melbourne-based company Australian
Crane & Machinery (ACM) has developed
the ACM 105SP for Victorian State Rail
which combines the functions of an aerial
work platform, a wire boom support and
a pantograph recording device in a single
4WD vehicle with Hi Rail capabilities.
With its basket size and capacity (2.5m
x 2.0m, 450kg), the ACM 105SP allows a
crew to work aloft to a maximum working
height of 10.5m above track level in fully
insulated safety. The wire boom support has
an insulated head and a maximum height
of 7.5m, and its boom can be tilted up to
30 degrees either side of vertical.
The ACM 105SP can be operated in
several modes: walking with Hi Rail set,
stationary with Hi Rail set and outriggers
at minimum or maximum extension, and
stationary on rubber with outriggers fully
deployed. The load management system
detects the mode and applies a load chart
to match that mode.
This sophistication extends to having
speed limits set for rail work according to
the mode (30km/h for rail travel, reducing
to 10km/h when in work mode). The rail
travel model will not operate until the
basket is stowed, and this is a simple press
button operation. There is also a boom anti-
collision system.
LED lighting is used for its reliability and
low current drawn; and lighting is provided
in the basket and on the stair entry from
ground level to the basket.
While emergency descent systems are
provided in the basket, ACM’s preferred
safe option is to bring workers to the
ground in the basket. In the event of
engine failure, a battery-powered back-up
pump allows the boom to be retracted and
the basket safely stowed.
A second machine, the ACM 205SP, was
also developed for Yarra Trams. While
similar in concept to the State Rail machine,
it is based on a larger truck from a different
manufacturer, has a higher capacity basket
with extensions, has greater vertical and
horizontal reach, and is designed to operate
on gradients with the load management
system adjusting for this to ensure safe
operation.
Because it can operate on the road, rear
mounted traffic directional arrows/hazard
warning yellow lights will be provided. The
insulation reflects the need to work in a
live line environment. Like the State Rail
machines, the Yarra Tram machines will
have Hetronic remote control fitted, and
will have suspension locking for operation
while travelling.
While Melbourne-based Australian Crane
& Machinery (ACM) is a relatively recent
entrant in the market for overhead wire
maintenance vehicles for the rail industry, it
can build sophisticated aerial equipment.
ACM is Australasian distributor of
Kobelco crawler cranes, also representing
other crane and access brands.
ACM has developed an in-depth
understanding of the operation and
support of equipment working in
demanding and remote environments using
load management and other systems.
ACM changed significantly in the process
of developing the ACM 105SP for the State
Rail contract. Its design department now
has a staff of five, and there are in house
capabilities to handle the electronics and
programming required for the control
systems, as well as traditional capabilities in
the mechanical and hydraulics areas.
For more information contact: 0400 793
448 or: www.australiancrane.com.au
HR
Know your
telehandler tyres
Tyres are an essential component to
ensuring stability of the telescopic
handler.
However it is not just the inflation
pressure that is important. The stability
of the telehandler is also affected by tyre
stiffness and construction. If the tyre is too
flexible the telehandler will deflect more
and stability will be reduced.
On some telehandlers the
manufacturers recommended tyre
pressure is greater than that marked
on the tyre sidewall. So it is absolutely
essential to ensure that the tyres
specified by the manufacturer are used as
replacements and inflated to the correct
pressure, inspected and maintained in a
suitable condition.
Tyre size, construction and inflation
pressure is shown on the load chart, but if
in doubt contact the manufacturer of the
telehandler to ensure you do indeed have
the right tyres fitted.
With thanks to Peter Wenn of Wenn
Wilkinson for this update.
HR