Masonry Magazine June 2002 Page. 23
The hydraulic technology on which this platform was based offered a much higher capacity while being quite simple mechanically compared with the more complex rack and pinion technology then available.
While productivity gains are often considered to be a function of the height of the project, productivity actually can be improved on lower buildings as well because of the significant savings in time and worker movement. Also, the flexibility of some platforms allows them to be used on unusual jobsites such as inclined walls and odd-shaped structures like silos.
The units available today offer capacities ranging from 770 pounds (349 k) to 25,000 pounds (11,340 k) and vertical travel speeds from 3 to 40 feet (0.9 to 12.2 m) per minute. By offering such a wide range of capabilities, these products can satisfy a mason's need for a high-capacity machine while pleasing the general contractor's needs for flexibility and quickness. With a growing number of suppliers and constantly evolving products lines, mast climbers can be considered as an efficient, affordable, and widely usable solution.
North American history
SCAFFOLDS HAVE BEEN used in construction for centuries. Artwork showing the building of famous structures 800 to 1,000 years ago indicate the rudiments of what we call scaffolding in place. The original products still exist in some countries, period movies show them in sometimes fanciful situations with the hero swinging from the cross bracing, perhaps and the successor, pipe scaffolding, is sold and rented by the tens of thousands of feet every day. However, evolution has made possible new products like crank up scaffold, aerial platforms, and most recently, mast climbing work platforms.
Mast climbers made their appearance in Europe during the 1970s. The first mast climber used in North America was imported by Doug Radke of Scaffold Services, St. Paul, Minn. in 1982. At that time, all the mast climbers were powered by an electrical motor, as opposed to the gasoline engines that power most of them used in North America today. The gasoline motor was a new approach as it allowed a self-contained autonomous platform.
Later in the decade, a Canadian inventor created the Hydro Mobile, the first mast climber built in North America. This was also the first platform mainly oriented toward masonry work. The hydraulic technology on which this platform was based offered a much higher capacity while being quite simple mechanically compared with the more complex rack and pinion technology then available. Rack and pinion, while offering less capacity, usually provided a faster traveling speed.
In 1991, the Fraco platform was developed, followed by Bennu and EZ Scaffold. The latter two entered the market about two years ago, introducing variations on the mast climber work platform concept. Of the four, EZ Scaffold, Lewisburg, Tenn., is the only U.S. company; Bennu, Fraco, and Hydro Mobile are all based in Quebec, Canada.
State of the market
WORLDWIDE, most MCWP manufacturers are based in Europe and serve the continental market while the four North American manufacturers focus on this market. Naturally, in a
www.kennisonforest.com
Kennison
FOREST PRODUCTS, INC.
>>> Dense Industrial 65 SYP Scaffold Plank
CUSTOMER 8-01
Laminated
Scaffold
Plank also
available!
(Clipping Services
Steel Rodding
COSHA Approved
SPIB Certification
Customer Name Branding
Sizes Available:
2x8"
Lengths
2x10"
4'-20'
2x12"
Call today for delivered
prices to your area!
Services Available: Toll Free: 888-697-5585
• Rod-Clip-Brand
End Painting
Precision End Trimming
• Paper Wrapping
FAX: 337-527-0412
Dick Kennison
Joe Kennison
Jared Kennison
MEMBER
SCAFFOLD
INDUSTRY
SIA
ASSOCIATION
Meets and/or exceeds all OSHA/ANSI standards!
June 2002
Masonry 21