Palfinger, a name that has become synonymous with truck mounted cranes has launched 2 truck mounted aerial access platforms in the 9 and 13 meters categories respectively. “These are completely Made in India products. Otherwise we have access platforms, which are truck mounted, ranging from 9 meters to 103 meters,” said Mr. Santhosh Rao. P, MD, Palfinger India.
According to Mr. Rao, the products would be suitable for the Indian market because of the activities that are taking place in the infrastructure development front in the country. Additionally, he also pointed out that the company’s 24-meter truck mounted access platform, that was also displayed at Excon, has been designed for some very special application in the infrastructure sector.
Mr. Rao mentioned that the 9 and 13m variants have been designed keeping in mind the requirements for Smart City projects. It can be used by contractors for applications such as carrying out electric repairs or fittings, cut installation, etc., by contractors who cannot afford an European machine. “We therefore thought that we will develop a machine especially for India” he said.
Going into details regarding the key USPs of the new products, Mr. Rao explained that the company’s machines adhere to the high standards of safety. He said that there is a prestige associated with certain projects for the contractors. Any accidental fall by any worker from an aerial platform could completely destroy the image of the builder or developer.
Adding further, Mr. Rao stated: “There are standards governing the safety of access platforms. We have all these safety features incorporated in the design of our access platforms. Since we are world leaders in truck mounted cranes, we have a mounting competence center, where the customers bring the chassis and we mount the suitable crane. The work is not assigned to a 3rd party for mounting the truck. We do it ourselves.”
The company has also developed some other interesting pieces of equipment for the infrastructure sector. One of them is a mobile bridge inspection unit. “This equipment has gained importance because of a specific program undertaken by the Government of India, Ministry of Surface Transport. Similarly, we have also developed some very interesting solutions for speedy completion of railway projects too,” quipped Mr. Rao.