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[Graf Track provides greater versatility . . cont]

Also on show at Vertikal Days was a CE approved access platform and hydraulic loader crane. With this attachment both the basket and the crane can be rotated independently. The crane was a Palfinger PC2700 which has a maximum capacity of 950m with its three section telescopic boom closed and 550kg at full 1.55m extension.

This basket and Palfinger hydraulic crane attachment aids the installation of glazing units with the Giraf Track.

The basket and crane combination for the Giraf Track isesigned specifically to aid the installation of glass with frames. There are four extending supports on the front of the 2.5m wide basket to carry the glass panel weighing up to 950kg. The basket capacity is 600kg with the crane retracted and 200kg with the crane in use. This latter rating allows two people be carried in the basket - one person to operate the crane whilst the other person does the manipulation of the glass panel.

Platforms can also be used with a detachable winch unit and short jib. Providing a lifting capacity of 500kg, this lifting equipment aids the placing of lightweight panels (such as insulation borads) onto the wall of a building in front of the basket. If the 13.0m platform is used with this winch, the platform capacity is 300kg.

Caterpillar engine and undercarriage

The Giraf Track is powered by a Caterpillar 4-cylinder turbo charged diesel engine rated at 74.5kW (101hp). This well proven power source is Stage IIIA emissions compliant. As well as this engine, the tracks, undercarriage and slewing ring are amongst other components sourced from Caterpillar.

The use of a 2490mm wide Caterpillar 318 size tracked undercarriage provides the Giraf Track with plenty of stability so that it can operate without outriggers. The tracks provide a low ground bearing pressure and allow the machine to traverse soft and wet ground that would be too much of an obstacle for conventional wheeled access platforms or telescopic handlers. The downside of tracks versus wheels is that the Giraf Track is heavier to transport and has a maximum travel speed of only 2.5 km/h.

The Giraf Track will drive up steep slopes and works with unrestricted 360° operation on inclines of up to 7° (12%) as standard. It has the capability to work on even steeper gradients with the optional VBLADE slope compensation and anchoring blade. Providing additional levelling of up to 12° (21%), the VBLADE allows the machine to be used on gradients of up to 19° (34%) although, when perched on the blade and the other end of the tracks, ground bearing pressure will increase dramatically.

Version with fully enclosed cab

As well as the original Giraf Track GT580B, TDL also now produces the GT580-3C complete with a fully enclosed cab. Inside there is a cradle to carry the radio remote control box in front of the operator.

One company which has purchased a GT580B is CropMech of Okehampton in the UK. This agricultural, contracting and rental business runs the Giraf Track alongside a fleet of Merlo telehandlers. The tracked machine has proved particularly useful for erecting and maintaining power line poles in bad weather or on soft or wet rough terrain.

CropMech’s cab equipped Giraf Track GT580-3C levelled up on its Vblade to carry out power line pole maintenance from sloping ground.

Frans Van Dooren, the Export Manager of TDL says that over 30 machines have been sold to contractors and, increasingly, into rental fleets in Belgium, Germany, Holland, Switzerland and the UK. When used as an access platform, customers have found that it can work well in applications where conventional access platforms have insufficient size and capacity - especially in the industrial, construction and utilities sectors. [CP&E]

Giraf Track

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