03.03.2009

EPL adds 10 more truck mounts

Powered access hire company EPL Access has recently added 10 more CTE Z-Series vehicle mounted platforms to its fleet supplied by CTE UK. The order includes four Z20ES and six Z20 platforms mounted on Nissan LCV chassis giving users increased choice and flexibility in the self-drive and operated hire sectors.

“Machines like these are very popular with our self-drive and operated hire customers,” says Danny Cooper, Business Development Manager at EPL Access. “We believe CTE has the best products for this type and size of access platform. By offering two different platforms we have greater versatility and choice for our customers.”
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Danny Cooper, Business Development Manager at EPL Access.

EPL Access offers a range of platforms for working heights up to 46 metres and currently operates from eight sites across the UK. The Z20ES has a maximum working height of 18.6 metres, just under a metre less than the Z20, and the overall weight of the vehicle is slightly lower. This means that more tools and equipment can be carried on the vehicle without exceeding the 3.5 tonne limit. One group of customers for whom this is especially important are traffic management contractors who often need to carry additional safety barriers and signage.

Despite the differences in weight the CTE Z20ES and Z20 are almost identical designs. The compact sigma folding design results in zero tail swing but the Z20 has continuous 360 degree rotation.

The basket on the Z20ES has a maximum working load of 230kg enough for two average people and 70kg of tools. The maximum safe working load of the Z20 is 30kg lower. The 1.4 x 0.7metre basket on both models can rotate 75 degrees to either side to provide greater access to the working area without moving the vehicle.
There is very little tolerance with capacity on these lightweight vehicles and this is a big issue for some customers,” says Danny Cooper. “With the Z20ES we lose a metre in height but there are advantages in additional payload.”
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One of 10 CTE Z series platforms added to the EPL Access fleet

EPL Access customers cover a variety of trades and professions including signage, cleaning, painting, highways lighting, property maintenance and arboriculture. The majority are repeat business customers who require the flexibility to choose between self-drive and operated hire. For self-drive customers, in particular, one of the benefits of the CTE Z Series models is the ease of operation and commonality of vehicle and controls across the range.

“Simple operation is ideal for people who might not use them very often,” says Danny Cooper. “The zero tail swing is good for safety.”

The vehicles can also be hired with an operator where the same ease of use and safety benefits apply just as well.
Including the latest additions to the fleet EPL Access currently operates around 30 vehicles supplied by CTE UK, all except one being Z20ES or Z20 models mounted on Nissan 3.5t chassis. CTE UK says that about 4,000 CTE Z series access platforms are in use throughout Europe.