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A-Plant says that it is the first UK hire company to offer this device, which is designed for the safe unloading and laying of concrete pipes in trenches on construction sites.
The company claims that the RVD-4-Eco reduces the time taken to lift concrete pipes by 50% compared to previous methods using slings or chains. By reducing manual handling it also lowers the risk of accidents.
The RVD-4-Eco uses a mechanical clamping mechanism to prevent slippage and to facilitate accurate placement of the pipe. The attachment fits to an excavator via an integral universal flange plate, using a quick-hitch coupling.
It can be attached to any lifting device with a quick-change facility, and has the capability to lift a pipe up to 4,000kg and with a diameter of between 300mm to 1,200mm.
A-Plant’s business development manager for lifting and handling Matthew Hood said: “The product has been well received by customers and been used during the infrastructure stages on of the £431m flagship tram project in Nottingham.”
The RVD-4-Eco has also been on hire to BM King Groundworks on a housing development in Shillington, Bedfordshire. Pipe layer Andy Phelan said: “The RVD-4-Eco is an impressive piece of equipment. It has been easy to use around the site due to the pipe lifter being on a quick hitch system, which enabled the safe unloading and laying of concrete pipes compared to previous methods. What was a two week programme to lay the pipes was cut down to one week as the pipe lifter speeded up the programme in an efficient and safe manner”.
He added: “One of the main safety benefits is no operative is needed for pick-up and put down of pipes, thus reducing potential injuries, which is one of the biggest issue when laying heavy pipe.”
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