TGM orders another massive Bronto machine

TGM Wind Services, the US company that focuses on wind turbine projects, has bought its third Bronto Skylift S-90 HLA truck-mounted platform in less than 18 months and may well add two further units before mid-2011.

The Bronto S 90 HLA machines can lift up to 1000 pounds (454 kg) of men and materials in an 8 ft x 3 ft, fully enclosed platform to a 295 ft (90 m) maximum working height.

Maximum horizontal outreach is 108 ft (33 m) and when fully elevated they can operate in winds speeds up to 28 mph (12.5 m/s). Bronto said this means they can be safely used on most turbines currently operating in North America.

The platforms are mounted on a 6-axle Kimball chassis.

Kevin Darby, vice president of TGM, said; "Our experience in operating Bronto aerials has been overwhelmingly positive. We are able to do more work in less time and give better service to our customers, while at the same time providing our technicians a safer work environment. And we haven't had any operating problems with the equipment."

Mr Darby said TGM was poised to order two additional machines for delivery in mid-2011.

The Bronto machines that TGM operates have electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic and water lines running inside the telescoping boom from the ground to the platform so that TGM technicians can operate powered tools and washers in the platform.