The versatility of Nationwide's Skyjack TK Series booms is ensuring that they are in constant demand. As the only articulated telescopic booms on the market that allow access below the machine - by as much as 11 metres - they are particularly popular and cost effective for under-bridge inspection and maintenance and ship repair work. This "down reach" is achieved by a pendulum weight mechanism that transfers and distributes weight regardless of the boom position.

There are two models, the SJB-46TK and the SJB-66TK. Both share the same premium-build features. The 46TK has a maximum working height of 16 metres and a horizontal telescopic reach of 12.19 metres, compared with a 22-metre working height and 17.98-metre reach for the 66TK. The larger 66TK will reach 11.28 metres below the machine, while the 46TK's "negative" reach is 6.4 metres. Both machines offer 360-degree boom rotation, and both can be driven while the boom is at its maximum height. The TK46 has a 227kg platform capacity, which increases to 272kg for the TK66. Both models are diesel powered and feature dual controls.

But it is not just the machines' versatility that is making them so popular. They are performing tasks at a fraction of the cost of using fixed access equipment, or even access equipment where the reach is limited to upwards. Take for example under-bridge or under-hull inspection. The alternatives are either an expensive and obstructive scaffolding "birdcage" or powered access equipment that would have to be relocated on the dockside in order to reach the highest parts of the hull.

Like all of the 6,000 machines that currently make up Nationwide's rental fleet, the TK machines are available from any of the company's 50 depots that are spread across the country. Nationwide can also provide fully qualified operators, plus the company runs fast-track one to three day training schemes that are recognised by the CITB [Construction Industry Training Board] and the IPAF [International Powered Access Federation]. Nationwide also offers Power Guard, which protects customers against repair costs for accidental damage.

Nationwide is part of the publicly-quoted Lavendon Group Plc and is headquartered in Lutterworth, Leicestershire. The Group is European market leader in the powered access rental market, trading under the name Zooom in Germany, France, Spain and Austria. Full details on the Nationwide offering of booms, scissor lifts and truck-mounted units can be found at www.nationwideaccess.com

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October 2002 Nat2.058a