End unsafe practices
March 1st 2010 Managers operating in power stations
and refineries can now put an end to
the manual handling of difficult
materials using Cat Lift Trucks.
Lincolnshire-based JC Plant has
manufactured a new range of
machines using Cat Lift Trucks,
supplied by Briggs Equipment.
JC Plant designs and
manufactures bespoke materials
handling solutions. Its 'Skyhook 3.3'.
is designed to work in hazardous
environments and confined spaces
while providing optimum safety for
the operator and bystanders. It
claims to reduce the risks associated
with using multiple equipment and
manpower, by rolling many features
into one machine.
"Some of our customers were
having difficulty handling smaller
loads in restricted areas and in some
cases were manually handling items
when machinery should have been
used," explains Jamie Cooper,
managing director at JC Plant.
"We built the Skyhook 3.3 to assist
with handling items such as: Motors,
pumps and valves – reducing the risk
of manual handling injuries.
"As a basis, we needed flexible and
durable forklift trucks that could
easily adapt to bespoke modifications
yet maintain high levels of safety and
reliability. The high-quality standard
and flexibility of Cat Lift Trucks were
ideal."
Briggs supplied Cat diesel models
to JC Plant. Each one had its chassis
and hydraulic systems re-engineered
to accept a specially designed subframe
and stabiliser structure, onto
which JC Plant then mounted a
compact lifting arm.
The Skyhook 3.3 is able to 'pick
and carry' over 1000kgs at 1.5m
within a 90° restricted slewing arc
over the front of the machine.With
the stabilisers in place, this can be
increased to 520kgs at 6m.Working
head room is 2.5m.
JC Plant worked with ITSSAR, (a
national training association) and
WR Training Services (a local training
centre) to design a training course to
suit both the machine and user.
JC Plant is currently hiring the
Skyhooks out on contracts
nationwide. More articles from Briggs Equipment UK Ltd: | 
