Masonry Magazine September 2001 Page. 22
VISIBILITY
The "Low Boom" design has two basic problems. The first is boom placement of materials. If the boom is raised to a fork height of two to three feet above the ground (average transport height on rough terrain) the raised boom obstructs the operator's line of sight toward the right front half of the machine. As the boom is raised further it continues to obstruct the view until it passes the rear of the operator's compartment. Rear visibility remains unobstructed throughout. The second problem is engine placement. The "Low Boom" design forces the engine to be placed outside the frame, on the right side, between the front and rear tire. This is good and bad. It gives excellent access to the engine compartment for service and at the same time dramatically reduces visibility to the immediate right of the machine (curbside visibility).
The "High Boom" has two basic problems as well. The boom mounting point is elevated slightly obstructing the operator's view to the rear of the machine. With the boom lowered completely, visibility to the right side of the machine is obstructed. The engine, if mounted inside the frame, has reduced accessibility as compared to the side mounted engine. On the positive side, the "High Boom" design, with the forks two to three feet above the ground (average transport height), yields excellent visibility around the machine and the boom never obstructs vision as it is raised. The center frame mounted engine, while being a little less accessible, yields excellent visibility to the operator's right (curbside visibility). This has been such a dilemma for the manufacturers that several of the manufacturers are offering both the "Low Boom" and the "High Boom" designs. Both views (no pun intended) are worthy of research and ultimately it will be you, the owners and operators of this equipment that must decide which will offer you the safest most productive piece of equipment for your job.
VERSATILITY
When telehandlers first came to the construction market you could get it with forks and that was about it. With telehandlers today, the sky is the limit. Buckets, tilt carriages, swing carriages, fork positioners, truss booms, concrete buckets and hoppers, brooms, augers and even a quick attach plate to mount your own device (consult the manufacturer first, please). Analyze your application with your telehandler professional. An attachment like, one of these, may be the solution to a safer and more productive job.
In closing I would like to leave you with one final thought. Too many contractors today select a telehandler based on one criterion: the price. This is a mistake.
"Too many contractors today select a telehandler based on one criterion: the price. This is a mistake."
When you buy tools, supplies and other equipment, cost is certainly a factor you have to consider. More important is the suitability of the equipment to the job you have to do. Would you buy cheaper tools or supplies that would reduce your productivity or the quality of your work? Certainly not. A good piece of equipment is not cheap- a cheap piece of equipment is not good. Buy a good piece of equipment at a reasonable price. Buy with safety and profitability at the forefront. Do not be misled by initial cost. The true cost of your machine will not be known until the day you sell it.
MASONRY WALL SCRAPER
Removes excess mortar from block or brick foot pore
Removes fins and burs from concrete wall form joints
WALL SCRAPER PAYS... CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME "DOES NOT PAY
Using our wall scraper keeps your people on the job.
Lass standing on Scaffold Rungs
Less Reaching
Lass Dropping of Rubbing Block
Lass Down & Up by Dropping Block
Can Clear Room & Hallways of Scaffold
Can Clean Up and Allow Other Trades to Resume Their Work
SO, WHERE CAN YOU SPEND $73.00 AND HAVE IT RETURN TWOFOLD IN AN HOUR OR TWO?
ORDER TODAY BY PHONE
SUP
598 Speedwell Forge Road
Lititz, PA 17543
1-717-826-8683
WATS: 1-800-722-8338
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22 MASONRY SEPTEMBER, 2001