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Our specialist narrow access expert Lee Kerr takes great pride tackling the toughest of narrow access challenges, none more so than when he surveyed St Margaret Lee Church in Lewisham.

Due to subsidence, cracks had appeared above the Alter causing masonry to present a hazard.

This particular church was a challenge to access, "when I first visited the church to carry out a site survey I knew that there was only one type machine for the job". After careful measuring Lee decided that the TS15 spider was best suited, due to a tight isle of only one metre wide and only one position where the Spider could be safely set up and manage the working height of ten metres and on parts needing an outreach of seven metres.

The machine gained access via a door measuring only 1.2m wide and had several steps to get over which we employed the services of a local scaffold company.

The works were completed ahead of schedule, even allowing enough time to replace a number of light bulbs positioned in normally inaccessible parts of the building.

If you have a narrow access challenge you can contact
Lee on his mobile : 07970 503154,
or email : lkerr@universalplatforms.com

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Universal Aerial Platforms recently worked with Coventry Cathedral to help clean its famous "West Screen". The Company provided a Spider FS290 which allowed access to all levels of the inside and outside of this huge piece of artwork without disruption.

This priceless screen is one of the most impressive features of the Cathedral and was created by New Zealand artist John Hutton in the late 1950's. It took ten years to complete and consists of 90 glass plates each measuring 8ft by 3ft of which 66 depict hand tooled etchings of saints and angels all suspended in a bronze frame from the Cathedrals roof.

Advance Cleaning Services, the Specialist Contractor which undertook the clean, know the new Spider to be a sure-footed means of accessing difficult and delicate commissions.

The machine itself is used in situations where careful handling and positioning are required. In this case, having to work closely to such a valuable piece of history, the special features of the FS290 (silent, fume-free electric working, narrow [0.8 m] stowed width, lightweight [3750 Kgs] were all attributes essential to overcome the assignments restrictions.

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Leading powered access rental company Universal Aerial Platforms is expanding its fleet of specialist lifting equipment, after taking delivery of 10 Upright SL30SL machines.

Manufactured by UpRight Powered Access, the SL30SL has a unique "speed levelling" system that makes it ideal for rough terrain. The oscillating axle keeps all four wheels on the ground, even when operating on an incline. This means the machine can be used safely in conditions that are impossible for other types of platform - and the working area always remains level.

The SL30SL can cope with gradients of up to 35% (or 19 degrees) while still providing a working height of up to 11 metres - and can be driven at full height. The big deck 1.72m x 4.23m platform provides a large and safe working area, with a carrying capacity of 590kg.

Steve Mann of Universal said: "The UpRight SL30SL brings an added dimension to our rental fleet.

"We know there is demand from our customer base for a versatile machine that can still provide good deck space and working height for operations on rough terrain.

"Compared to other standard platform types, we feel the SL30SL provides greatly improved and safer operating conditions in the most difficult site environments."

The UpRight SL30SL lifts brings Universal’s total fleet investment during 2007 to over 30 specialist platforms, totalling more than £2 million.

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Universal Aerial Platforms recently worked alongside Mike Smith Studios to help install Channel 4’s impressive new ‘Big 4’ sign, situated on the forecourt of the famous television centres headquarters.

The steel sign measures a huge 16.6m in height, has a footprint of around 12.2m, took three months to build and five days to piece together.

Initially a crane was used to lift the beams into place and the 22m Spider to position and secure them. The Spider has been used in a number of similar situations where a combination of height, accurate movement and narrow jacking are required and where space and movement aren’t at a premium.

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Universals confidence in the business and hire market continues with the recent delivery of 15 Nifty Heightrider 21m machines from Milton Keynes based supplier Niftylift.

The Heightrider is a 4-wheel-drive rough terrain platform which combines serious weight and space saving technology with the latest advances in boom geometry, making the machine one of the most versatile pieces of equipment around.

The machine's best selling feature is its light weight being under 6.5 tonnes. This provides low floor point loadings and makes it a popular choice with contractors where built up floor areas beg for lighter weights and maneouverability. Hydraulic controls allow smooth and measured operation, with platform rotation and use of the flyboom allowing operators to position the platform with much greater precision than many of its contemporaries. In addition to its 63ft platform height and generous 13m outreach, whether up and over or below ground level, it still provides plenty of room in the cage for much needed tools andn equipment and is still only 2.25m wide.

Universal commented that whilst they continued to invest, Niftylift, were clearly their manufacturer of choice when looking to purchase boom type platforms especially in a market that's so dominated by cheaper foreign suppliers - It also felt good to buy British and buy British well!

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Universal Aerial Platforms recently gave St Paul’s Cathedral a helping hand to survey its North face with the hire of its Mantis 38m TSJ to surveyors Plowman Craven.

The Mantis was chosen because of its generous capabilities when working and positioning in restricted areas where there may be slopes, paths, obstacles or weight restrictions which disqualify conventional machines.

Narrow Access Manager for Universal Aerial Platforms, Lee Kerr, commented ‘This machine provides indoor and outdoor solutions for complex access situations. For this particular application it was an ideal choice being able to gain access through a narrow gateway and provide working heights of up to 38m whilst working within a confined space.’

For further information contact Lee Kerr on 07970 503 154

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Universal Aerial Platforms has taken delivery of a new Spider FS290 from Danish based supplier Worldlift Industries.

The machine based at the company’s Basildon depot is specially designed for in or outside maintenance work in tall buildings with narrow access and limited floor space.

These machines are specifically used in areas requiring, compact, flexible high reach machinery, making it possible to operate in places where other platform types fail.

Its key features are:-

• Low weight - can be used where low floor loadings are vital


• Automatic outriggers
• A Honda Super Silent engine preserves battery life and enables the machine to travel long distances


• Removable second set of drive wheels for further low ground pressure reduction


• Optional narrow cage


• Spacious two man rotating cage


• Up to a 14m outreach


• Double jib arm
• Minimum width of 0.80m - can be taken through a standard doorway


• Infinitely variable jacking options


• Tri energy fuel. Battery, Mains or Petrol

The FS90 also employs the latest technology in control systems providing incredibly smooth operation which provides the operator with speed, usability and safety.

With further machines on order from Worldlift Universals narrow access fleet is set to become the largest and most versatile in the country.

For further information go to the Worldlift Industries website or contact Steve Mann on 07977 561 122.

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As part of the on-going re-branding process within Universal the corporate website has received a new look. "The new site has a cleaner feel, slicker navigation and improved functionality" stated Guy Willett, Marketing Manager. New features include enhanced Equipment for Sale, Jobs, News and Feedback pages. "

In addition the site has been developed with speed in mind for office, and particularly site staff, who want to glean the information they need with faster download times," added Guy. "We believe this enhanced site will compliment our exceptional sales and hire-staff support, and will offer an outstanding service to our customers."

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In its ninth year the V Festival has become one of the leading music events in the UK. Since its inception Edwin Shirley Staging (ESS) has continued, with its innovative staging solutions, to assist in this success. ESS chose to use Universal Aerial Platforms for its powered access requirements (pictured here is a Genie S85 aiding the completion of the Chelmsford venue's main stage's side hoardings). "Choosing the right powered access, on time and at the right price is key for achieving our goals since it assists in so many parts of the job right from set up to final snagging work" stated Vicki Wiseman, Buyer at ESS.

"With Universal's good previous track record with us combined with competitive prices, large fleet and in-house logistics we were confident of a first-rate service" continued Vicki. "The S85 with its fly jib and robust construction and ability to scale well above the apex of even the main stage was the ideal plant which we chose from the spec sheet CD ROM Universal had supplied us with." added Vicki.

Strict quality and safety controls are used throughout the site.