29.10.2013

All scissors for guardrails

MEC Aerial Work Platforms has announced the introduction of the first models in its Aircraft GSE (Ground Support Equipment) Series of scissor lifts, designed especially for aircraft support applications.

The new range will kick off with two 40ft models, the diesel/gas powered MEC 4069RT-A and battery/hybrid electric 4069ERT-A. With a working height of 14 metres, they can be handle maintenance work on both jumbo and smaller aircraft.
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The unusual scissor type guardrails allow them to be profiled to the fuselage

Designed in partnership with the engineering team of major international airline, the units have a 4.22 metre extended platform and lift capacity of 400kg.

The most significant feature though is the unusual scissor style sectionalised guardrails – the VVC (Variable Vertically Collapsing) concept - that can adjust to the curvature of an aircraft’s fuselage, without compromising safety. The design also incorporates an over-wing maintenance hatch, allowing work on the wing surface without reaching outside the guard rails.
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Even at lower heights the machine can adjust to the underside area

Aircraft bumpers with shut down sensors, aviation paint and adjustable programmable speed controls are just a few features that tailor the unit to the aircraft support industry.

MEC’s director of international markets, Jim Tolle said: “The addition of the Aircraft Ground Support Series proves that innovativeness remains alive and well in the AWP industry. It provides our aircraft maintenance customers with a safer and more productive solution in regards to aircraft maintenance. By listening to our customers we discovered that there is a need for a true aircraft support series, sure there are manufacturers that bolt on foam bumpers to their platforms, but why not take that to another level? The aircraft fuselage is a tall curved wall, even a small platform boom lift cannot get close enough to the work area without the operator leaning over the guard rail in a manner most often unsafe.”
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The design also allows work to the top side of the aircraft

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An artists impression of adjusting to work on the lower half

“With our new VVC (Variable Vertically Collapsing) guard rail system the operator can actually position each guard rail independently in a manner where it forms to the curvature of the aircraft's fuselage. This can be accomplished not only in the front of the machine both also on both sides. Also MEC’s reverse mounted scissor linkage allows the scissor stack to move towards the rear of the machine when elevated, providing the operator with much more out-reach than that of many scissor lifts manufactured today. This along with an access door on the floor of the deck extension gives the operator access to over-wing applications never seen before.”
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The guardrail system can also be adjusted to the vertical tail - note the trapdoor to reach tail fin lights and over-wing items

Expect a future announcement of a major order for these new models from one of the larger airlines.