The Ford Transit T350 with Versalift
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This is BU53 FWW from the batch of sixty-five Ford Transit T350s with Versalift Eurotel 36NF hydraulic platforms 02 744 0001-0065. |
This is BU53 FWW from the batch of sixty-five Ford Transit T350s with Versalift Eurotel 36NF hydraulic platforms 02 744 0001-0065.
A Brief History of Lifting Platforms
BT has steadily increased its use of light trucks/vans from the first use back in GPO days of Land Rover trucks with Simon platforms 965-968 CXY (18402-5). The GPO obviously found these satisfactory and a further 29 following in 1962 with further deliveries throughout the decade. It then tried the Land Rover forward-control with NYV 831E (202298) and this was adopted by PO Telephones in the early 1970s. These didn't prove very satisfactory and the Post Office then moved to the Bedford CF with a prototype in 1975 and a first batch of thirty in 1976. In 1984, BT changed from the Bedford CF to the Freight-Rover Sherpa van (as opposed to using a truck) and the use of vans (latterly Ford Transits) has continued to this day. The increased use of these platforms is expected to minimise the risks of external working and is preferred to the use of ladders in many situations. There is often a 744 in attendance with a construction group of 7½ tonne vans.
BU53 FWW
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Photo: BT Ford Transit T350 with Versalift © Light Straw Archive. |
[ www.versalift.co.uk ]
BT Fleet [circa 2003]
"Following on from the success of previous sole supplier status orders enjoyed by Versalift from one of their key customers, BT Fleet has once again chosen Versalift for their van mounted access platforms, selecting the ET36NF (12.9m) platform. This photo [not displayed] is of the first vehicle off the line and features the new style BT Connected World logo, now on white vans. This latest contract has deliveries running at between 2 to 3 platforms per week and presents the first access platforms in the new corporate livery. The quality of the equipment and support offered by Versalift has meant they have enjoyed continued sole supplier status with BT Fleet since 1998, with over 600 vehicles now in service. The majority of these applications have been on the Ford Transit panel van. The predominant access platform as specified by BT is the ET36NF, which offers the ability to achieve a maximum working height of 12.9 metres with a 7.3 metre outreach."
Eircom
"Eircom, the Irish telecommunications company, has invested in 45 Versalift van-mounted platforms. The order is an Eircom first with Versalift and is for ET36NF 12.9m working height telescopic platforms with 110 degree fly boom mounted on 3.85 tonnes Ford Transits. It sees Eircom move from 4.6 tonnes to 3.85 tonnes vans for reduced running costs and more spare payload while retaining the required aerial capabilities for line work. Spare payload is 845kg less racking, giving a useful extra margin of payload compared to rival platforms on Transits. Outreach is 7.3m and the platform has a Safe Working Load (SWL) of 200kg. Pat Loughlin, Eircom Head of Transport, says: “The Versalift platform specification gives us the same capabilities as we had on our 4.6 tonnes van-mounts but on a lighter, more compact vehicle that will be cheaper to run. The telescopic boom has fewer moving parts so we should save on maintenance as well.” The Versalift ET36NF units feature controls on a wander lead for remote operation on the ground and electric auxiliary operation of all boom functions as standard."
See also Openreach Versalift vans.
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