Hire and Rental News - May 2019

Hydrodemolition power from scaffolding pipes The new Ergo Climber attachment for Aquajet Systems’ new Ergo System hydrodemolition robot attaches to any standard scaffolding pipes and robotically moves along them to deliver powerful hydrodemolition forces for systematic vertical concrete or refractory removal. The Climber’s roller beam and hydraulically synchronised left and right climbers robotically move and position the attached Power Head, directing the water jet to remove concrete from areas 9.8 inches (0.25m) to 6.6 feet (2m) wide. Aquajet’s high-pressure Power Pack provides the required water pressure and flow. The Ergo System’s controller unit powers and controls the hydraulics. It uses intelligent sensing to allow the operator to program the lance for optimal material removal. The Power Head oscillation is adjustable to 8 or 14 degrees. The lance angle is modifiable up to 45 degrees. The combination results in contractors being able to remove as much as 9 cubic feet of concrete per hour. “Combining the power of the Ergo System with the maneuverability and precision of the Ergo Climber gives demolition contractors a fast, efficient solution for challenging concrete removal jobs,” Roger Simonsson, Aquajet Systems Managing Director said. “It uses something already on a jobsite, scaffolding, and turns it into a frame for safe and simple controlled concrete removal.” Aquajet Systems designed the Climber with spring-loaded, high-friction rollers that connect to a lightweight roller beam with just one bolt. Contractors attach the all-wheel drive system to scaffolding pipe with two spring- loaded handles, one for the right and one for the left. The system offers a better grip and aids in the consistency of movement. Safety latches secure the handles in the locked position. The Climber travels well over most types and condition of pipe, including bent pipe, pipe joints, aluminum and steel pipe. Operators can arrange scaffolding to maximise the Climber’s effectiveness. The compact Ergo System serves as an effective alternative to hand lances, producing as much as four times the water reaction force, 1,000 newtons, to remove concrete while leaving steel reinforcement unscathed. The Ergo Climber weighs 48 pounds and can be carried by one person, plus the Climber system’s power head features interchangeable parts with the Ergo Spine and operators can use the Spine roller beam with the Climber. n Visit: www.aquajet.se Sporting turf experts roll with Toyota Huskis Long-term fans of the Toyota Huski skid steer, grass sporting surface experts, SportsGrass Solutions, has chosen Toyota Huski skid steer loaders to be the backbone of its business for nearly 40 years. S pecialising in all aspects of turf renovation and reconstruction, the Sydney based father-and- son operation Warren and Jason Jones cares for sporting surfaces from bowling greens and cricket wickets – including the Sydney Cricket Ground - to golf courses and tennis courts. Founder, Warren Jones, a Toyota Huski fan since the first model was launched in Australia said: “In those days Toyota Material Handling equipment wasn’t released here, and we had a different brand, and a very different experience. “Then Toyota released a machine it called a Razzler and from that point everything changed.” Warren said he immediately enjoyed formerly unknown reliability from his Razzler. “In the four years I had that machine we didn’t change a bush. No chains broke. It was just super- reliable. It had big tanks at the side and was an ugly looking thing, but I fell in love with it. When Toyota Material Handling Australia launched the SDK8, Warren, who had a reputation as a skid steer loader stuntman, was invited to test it out. “I was offered to have a go on it and I asked the TMHA bloke if I had to baby it, or whether I could get stuck into it. He said they wanted it to get a really hard work-out and to let him know if even one nut came loose. So, I had it going over hills, had it on its end, playing tricks with it. One of the managers was watching and was quite impressed with the Huski’s performance. So was I: I bought one right away.” Thirty years later, SportsGrass Solutions’ SDK8 is still going strong and, with a fresh coat of paint, defies its age. “It has been unbelievably reliable. It doesn’t stop,” Warren said. Asked if there’s a secret to its longevity, Warren said: “Just regular services to keep it going. Make sure the oil is good. Make sure it is warmed-up of a morning. If you warm up the machine and don’t put it onto a hard job straight away, everything will work just right. At 69 years old, Warren Jones is still one of the most skilful skid steer operators in the industry – an opinion shared by greenkeepers and his son, Jason, alike. “I love to watch dad work and could never stop learning from him,” Jason said. Although the SDK8 still forms a regular part of SportsGrass Solutions’ fleet, Jason Jones decided he needed another machine to service their business’ growing demands and purchased a Toyota Huski 5SKD5 skid steer loader last year. “It was only natural we get a newer version of the older machine, but I’ll never get rid of the old SDK8. That’s been a huge part of my life: I remember as a kid there was a poster that had the catchphrase: ‘Toyota Huski – top dog in the dirt’ and I’d draw pictures of them saying ‘this is my favourite machine’.” Jason said a notable difference with the 5SKD5 was its comfortable cabin, its stability and its operability. “It has a big cabin with more legroom and a suspension seat. It’s quieter and the controls are more ergonomic and respond so quickly. It feels like a glove on your hand. You feel like you’re part of it.” The 5SKD5 was fitted with wider wheels with a low-profile tread in order to have less impact on grass working surfaces. A plain soil bucket is preferred by the Jones’ for its light weight, allowing more soil to be carried and rapid loading. With a high lift capacity, the 5SKD5 can also load a full-sized truck. “That allows us to perform an additional service on the job with the same machine,” Jason said. “You don’t have to bring an excavator in.” “Reliability is everything for our business. We can’t afford to have a machine break down on us, especially at this time of year which is silly season for the grass surface industry. We’re booked solid for months and months. “The Huskis are bread and butter for us. They’re like our silent partners in the business. “With Toyota’s backing, the reliability is always there and it’s proven. They don’t break down, so why would you change?” n Contact: 1800 425 438 or visit: www.toyotaskidsteerloader.com.au Toyota Huski skid steer loaders have been the backbone of Warren and Jason Jones’ business for 40 years Aquajet Systems’ Ergo Climber moves robotically along scaffolding pipes to deliver powerful hydrodemolition forces for concrete removal and repair HIRE AND RENTAL NEWS MAY 2019 P61 EQUIPMENT GUIDE TO 2019