Swarco & Penny Hydraulics lifting highways safety to new heights

17 August, 2016

The focus of Swarco’s business is keeping traffic in motion. The company does this in a variety of ways from variable message signs, traffic detectors and street lighting to fleet management solutions and highway and tunnel systems. All products and services are aimed at informing and guiding the traveller in order to support the growing mobility needs of society.

The company’s mission is to help its customers to manage mobility and increase road safety with high-quality and environmentally friendly solutions. Swarco is a forward-thinking company that is always looking to reduce risk and improve the efficiency of its operations. A keen advocate of mechanical handling equipment, it promotes the use of mechanical aids such as loader cranes wherever possible.

Having had previous dealings with Penny Hydraulics, head of projects and services in Milton Keynes, Mark Hickmott contacted Penny Hydraulics to specify lifting equipment for the company’s Vauxhall Movano highways vehicle. The new drop-side was to be used to handle data display signs on UK highways.

Low self-weight

Following consultation with Penny Hydraulics’ area sales manager, Steve Brackstone, a hydraulic PH Crane was specified with a maximum working capacity of 2030kg. At full reach the crane reaches 5.2 metres and at this extension can lift 400kg. The PH270L has a remarkably low self-weight of only 245kg, this was vital to Swarco as it required the crane installation to not just improve operational flexibility and productivity but also maintain minimum impact on overall vehicle weight and carrying capacity.

In order to meet with the companies’ environmental policy, considerations had to be made towards vehicle emissions and fuel economy. The ultra-lightweight of the PH270L offered reduced emissions compared to other cranes on the market, as well as maximised fuel economy and payload.

Full hydraulic control is supplied as standard on all PH Cranes and benefited Swarco by allowing smooth and precise load handling, minimising the risk of sudden, unexpected movements that could cause accidents to users, bystanders or passing traffic. In addition to being fully hydraulic, the crane controls are also proportional providing additional precision for increased control and safety.

Additional features

Swarco also chose additional features; an additional boom extension, radio remote controls and a high speed hoist. The additional boom extension added a further metre onto the crane boom length for increased flexibility. Remote controls further enhanced operator safety by allowing operators to stand well clear of the load. The wireless device allows the operator to move around the work area to obtain the best view of any task being performed. The high-speed hoist was added to allow below ground lifting and was supplied in 12V to match the vehicle voltage.