Monkey Tower

[Simon Lewis]

All,

 

Had a search and couldn't find mention of these beasts...

 

Our estates department has bought one of these, and it looks to be a useful tool for some types of access jobs. Max platform height is 4.5m, and no - you can't move it whilst occupied ;-)

 

Simon

[Stuart91]

Max platform height is 4.5m, and no - you can't move it whilst occupied ;-)

 

Could it be moved whilst the platform is up, i.e. climb down, move it, climb back up again, or do you have to wind the platform down every time?

[Simon Lewis]

Could it be moved whilst the platform is up, i.e. climb down, move it, climb back up again, or do you have to wind the platform down every time?

 

Can't see that that's possible. In this respect, it's not as good as a Tallescope, but I can see a use where you need a rapidly deployed access tower, that goes to the height you need (within its limits) and not to the rises available with a normal scaff tower.

[dynamo_ozz]

Could it be moved whilst the platform is up, i.e. climb down, move it, climb back up again, or do you have to wind the platform down every time?

 

Can't see that that's possible. In this respect, it's not as good as a Tallescope, but I can see a use where you need a rapidly deployed access tower, that goes to the height you need (within its limits) and not to the rises available with a normal scaff tower.

 

Basically it is exactly like a Genie Superlift but with an addition of a basket. I wouldn't think that you can move the platform whilst there is someone on it.

[kerry davies]

There are a few different things around like this one from old mates Lansford in Glorster;

http://www.ladders-999.co.uk/downloads/PodSherpascopic2.pdf or the latest safer tower kit from Upright Advanceguard,

http://www.instantupright.com/AdvanceGuard.html

There are stairway towers such as, http://www.rk-access.com/product_search.as...=boss-staircase and I remember seeing something akin to an inddor version of this Monkey Tower that one firm had developed up to 2m and were working on taller ones at a facilities show at the NEC.

 

If someone came up with a design improvement on what we have now then firms like Upright or Ra'Alloy could make them up. It seems common however that the makers only make them to a working height of 4 metres or so then say "Get a tower" and none at alll allow occupied movement.

[Bryson]

There was a product around a few years ago that was a kind of platform/ladder thing, that you could move from the top by "walking" the wheels back and forth with a handle in the basket. But I can't remember what it was called...?

[johnhuson]

But I can't remember what it was called...?

ESCA

[Andrew C]

There was a product around a few years ago that was a kind of platform/ladder thing,

Got one. Works OK, but a bit of a fiddle getting close to flats, more so backing away from them if you run up too tight. I don't use it often myself so haven't really had the time to spot other problems, if there are any.

[JackPott]

There was a product around a few years ago that was a kind of platform/ladder thing, that you could move from the top by "walking" the wheels back and forth with a handle in the basket. But I can't remember what it was called...?

 

I saw that at ABTT some years back and thought it looked like a novel idea, but perhaps requiring a bit more refinement. I do remember thinking ESCA racing could become a fun new (spectator) sport.

[TomM]

But I can't remember what it was called...?

ESCA

 

I'm going on no more than a quick look at the engineer's report linked to on that page, and a glance at the picture, but that looks no safer than a properly used talescope (i.e. outriggers just off the floor, two groundmen pushing and pulling etc.)!

 

Other than manufacturers' guidance, would anyone with more structural engineering knowledge, and knowledge of these things care to explain to me why one is discouraged and one is (seemingly) ignored?

 

T

 

ETA - To clarify, I have never seen an ESCA "in the flesh", so may have missed something

[Bryson]

Arguably, the ESCA's outriggers are in contact (as they have wheels on them), but I do indeed agree.

[jack s/lfx]

The ESCA is great! Whilst moving it there is a pedal up on the working platform which you have to push down, this forces the column on which the wheels are mounted down, so the balance of the majority of front weight is shifted from the front outriggers to the front wheels (the steering mechanism).

 

The only negatives I ever experience from the tower are that when you are manoeuvring it from ground level it can be a bit tricky with the way the mechanism works, the wheels do not move either forwards or backwards due to the way they are braked. There is also often be a build up of static which sometimes makes it a bit unpleasant to make first contact after a move with the lighting rig, but that never causes too many problems really, especially once you figure out that gingerly touching the grid to discharge is not the best way forward! A good confident whole hand in contact and you don't feel a thing!

 

Jack

[AndyJones]

There is also often be a build up of static which sometimes makes it a bit unpleasant to make first contact after a move with the lighting rig, but that never causes too many problems really, especially once you figure out that gingerly touching the grid to discharge is not the best way forward! A good confident whole hand in contact and you don't feel a thing!

 

I have had a similar issue, I found the best solution was to get one of them neon screwdrivers (used for testing mains sockets). It gets rid of the static painlessly!

and finally gives the useless tools a purpose!

 

HTH

 

AndyJones

[jack s/lfx]

That's a great way to overcome that problem, thanks Andy.

 

Now I just need to dig down into the rarely used bottom portion of my toolbox and find that screwdriver...

 

Jack

[Stutwo]

Of course, it solves one problem but creates another in that you then have a screwdriver to drop.