We supply the ultimate in narrow tracked access platforms for indoor or outdoor use.
Higher Access are specialists in the rental of tracked narrow access platforms
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Latest News
August 2010
New Leo25T's For Higher Access
"Just arrived are two new Teupen Leo25T 25mtr tracked access platforms, weighing only 2980kg's the machines offer a class leading outreach of 15.5mtrs, wide height adjustable tracks enable the machine to easily negotiate rough and uneven terrain, with a 240V power supply as standard and a travelling height of under two metres the machine is also an ideal choice for internal work in shopping centres, theatres, atrriums etc."
August 2010
New Brand Arriving Shortly
"Another new arrival to the fleet will be the Blulift C22 ordered this week and due for arrival October 2010, after much deliberation we've opted for Blulift over numerous other manufacturers for a number of reasons, Peter Ashburner Operations Director for Higher Access explains.
"It has taken us a long time to reach a decision on finding the most suitable machine to fill a specific gap in our product offering, the C22 provides the perfect package and after many sessions with Andrew Fishburn from Bravi and a very attentive and responsive factory team we decided to purchase, following several modifications they demonstrated a machine that we felt would prove to be extremely popular with hirers.
A number of key elements of the machine convinced us to purchase the first machine with a potential to roll out more over the early part of next year, the key points were the movable tracks a great unrestricted working envelope with 200kg's in the basket, an intuitive control system with memory function, the machine also benefits from an exceptional emergency lowering system never before seen in this class of machine.
The machine is also extremely compact allowing it to easlily be offered as a 19mtr or 22mtr machine, when you combine the attributes of the machine with the solid build quality and this spider was exceptional value for money, we look forward to moving forward with Bravi over the coming year"
August 2010
CS170 Success Story Continues
We've also added a further three CTE CS170 17mtr tracked access platforms to the fleet, the popularity of this little machine continues to grow, hardly surprising with a travelling width of only 780mm and a footprint of 3mtrs x 3mtrs the machine is in high demand for those working where space is at a premium.
Recent News
June 2010
Headquarters Refurbishment
Higher Access Ltd the UK based National hirer of spiderlifts have announced the major refurbishment of their Manchester based headquarters.
A purpose built training facility and delegate reception area have been built to allow the company to train delegates primarily in IPAF's 1B category majoring on training for tracked access platforms.
In addition to IPAF training the company is also providing support and familiarisation on their vast range of tracked machines enabling recently qualified operators the opportunity of learning the specifics of individual machines prior to a hire commencing, ultimately providing a safer, more efficient operator and limiting downtime onsite.
With an ever expanding fleet of modern machines from Teupen, OMME and CTE and another new brand arriving shortly the company believes that it can offer a machine for every application.
Peter Ashburner , Operations Director for the company commented " With such an array of machines now available to hire, all with different drive, outrigger and boom & function controls the task of operating a spider for the first time could be quite daunting for a recently qualified operator.
For a number of years now we've been providing familiarisation sessions on specific machines which have enabled operators to get the most from the platform and maximise the full potential of the machines that we hire, familiarisation courses are available to anybody who holds a current IPAF 1B licence or is to be trained by ourselves in that category"
For availability telephone Higher Access on 08456 044054 or training@higheraccess.co.uk
April 2010
Leo26T at Pindersfield Hospital
Higher Access have helped complete final works on the prestigious Balfour Beatty site Pindersfield Hospital in Wakefield, as the project drew to a close the need for narrow, lightweight access solutions became ever more apparent.
The Leo26T is was used in an open courtyard to enable snagging works to take place, the machine had to enter through the main hospital reception and then into the external courtyard via double doors, although tight the machines overall width of 1580mm enabled it to pass safely through double doors, once in the courtyard the machine is worked on block paving and York stone, the machines non marking tracks, overall weight and surface and point loadings mean that these surfaces could be safely travelled and worked upon.
The machine has also been used internally and supports the Teupen Leo23GT articulated spider platform which has been used extensively on the site.
March 2010
Zip Run For Charity
Higher Access are supporting the Anthony Nolan Trust in its fight against Leukemia, on Sunday May 9th Lucy Ashburner Director for Higher Access will be performing a zip slide from Peel Tower in Ramsbottom.
The 150 year old Peel Tower is a stunning historic monument. Situated on Holcombe Hill, the tower has an elevation of 1,100ft, with views over Manchester, Cheshire and North Wales that are absolutely breathtaking.
The 750ft zip slide from the tower is not for the faint hearted, the tower itself is 39mtrs in height, in support of Lucy’s fundraising we’ll also be taking our Leo50GTX up to the tower to provide a platform for the photographer to get the best shots.
The Leo50GTX has a working height of 50mtrs and will be more than up to the job dwarfing the tower by some 11mtrs. We are asking all our suppliers and customers to consider sponsoring Lucy, every penny counts in the battle against Leukemia, you can sponsor Lucy by clicking the link below.
https://www.anthonynolanevents.org.uk/LucyAshburner
Thank you in advance for any contribution.
March 2010
Higher Access Adds To The Team
We’ve just appointed a new driver/operator,Dave Hurst joins us bringing eight years of powered access experience with him.
Dave’s an extremely experienced operator and brings with him the “can do” work ethic that our customers expect from every member of our team. Dave will be delivering machines and familiarising our customers to IPAF Rental Plus standards.
We wish Dave every success with his position within Higher Access.
March 2010
Higher Access Training
Peter Ashburner Higher Access’s Director of Operations has successfully completed an IPAF instructor training course, this enables the company to train delegates in-house or on-site on all categories of powered access.
As the UK’s largest supplier of tracked Spider Lifts we are the obvious choice for training on them, not only will we be offering IPAF training but we can also provide refresher courses or intensive machine familiarisation specific to Teupen, CTE and OMME machines.
Training can be conducted at our Manchester premises or we’ll attend site Nationwide providing you with the highest level of training by the Spider specialists. Call today for a quote on 08456 044054 or email training@higheraccess.co.uk
February 2010
Higher Access Ltd Press Release
Higher Access Ltd the Manchester ( UK ) based Spider Lift specialists have taken delivery of the first Teupen Leo50GTX to arrive into the United Kingdom. The new GTX model features a 400kg capacity basket, non marking tracks for indoor use and an un-rivalled working height of 50mtrs.
The arrival of the Leo50GTX confirms Higher Access’s commitment to offer the widest range of tracked access platforms available to it’s existing and prospective customer base. It also confirms the company’s product offering as the most comprehensive in the UK offering a range of tracked machines from 13.5mtr’s up to 50mtr’s from three different manufacturers. Paul Hyde, Sales Manager for Higher Access added “ the arrival of the 50mtr signifies a number of things for us, firstly that we have the ability to act upon and purchase the machines that our customers are asking for along with us identifying and targeting new markets for this size of machine. It also signifies our desire to build upon our status as the UK’s largest fleet of tracked access platforms and to be not just the biggest but the best”
“ The 50 strengthens our product offering over 30mtr’s and will be available for hire Nationally, the machine will be delivered using our own transport and operated using our own personnel. It’s always been paramount to us to have full control over our own equipment, our hirers find it extremely reassuring to know that we deliver and perform thorough familiarisations to IPAF Rental Plus standards using our own personnel”
“ We have a number of European contractors who specify Teupen spiders on a regular basis, they are familiar with the workings of the machines and the performance that they offer, they love the relative simplicity and reliability of them and have been asking for a large 40mtr plus method of access, at only 13.5 tonnes and a working height of 50mtrs the Leo gives them exactly what they want”. For further information or to download the technical specification sheet visit www.higheraccess.co.uk
February 4th 2010
Higher Acccess 2010 Brochure & Technical Guide Released
“We’ve just launched our new 2010 brochure and technical guide, the guide is presented in an easy to understand format with clear working envelopes and technical information, the brochure can be viewed online or we can send you a ring bound hard copy, It’s made from robust materials, ideal for use onsite.
We’ve added a section on the training that we can provide Nationwide, we’ve also explained what being an IPAF Rental Plus company means and why we’re delighted to have received this accreditation.
New for 2010 we’ve included two big new machines, the Teupen Leo40GTX 40mtr platform and the world’s biggest spider platform in production the Teupen Leo50GTX 50mtr platform, have a look at the specifications of these two new GTX versions, the 40’s the most flexible, lightweight tracked machine ever and the 50’s the lightweight crawler offering the highest access.
We hope you like the new look, for your copy call us or email us on the contact section of our website.” Take a Look!
Higher Access Press Release 4-12-09
Higher Access The Spider Lift Specialists Attain IPAF Rental PLus
Higher Access the Manchester UK based Spider Lift specialists have attained the IPAF Rental Plus accreditation.
IPAF Rental+ is an independent quality mark that is awarded to IPAF member rental companies who have been audited to meet defined standards in customer service, safety, staff training, contract terms and machine inspection. Each audited company gets a return visit from the auditors every year. In essence, the IPAF Rental+ sign distinguishes reliable suppliers of access equipment from the others. The audit covers the following areas:
- Training
- • All delivery drivers must be trained and competent to provide demonstrations of the machines.
- • All operators must be IPAF trained and certified.
- • All engineers must have appropriate qualifications, whether as full service and maintenance engineers, or as PDI inspectors.
- • All hire desk staff must be trained so that they can understand what a customer wants to stop mistakes from happening through providing inappropriate machines. Booking
- • Procedures must be in place to ensure the right questions are asked to ascertain what machine is best for the job, and if the customer is uncertain, to offer to conduct a site-survey. Cross-hire
- • Where cross-hire is used, the companies who provide this service do so to the levels set out in IPAF Rental+. Maintenance
- • All appropriate PDI and maintenance paperwork/records must be kept. Delivery
- • When a machine is handed over to a customer, there must be an offer of a demonstration of the machine for the purposes of familiarisation with its controls.
- • There must also be proof of this question having been asked, and there should be a system in place to deal with circumstances in which this familiarisation is not possible. Other areas
- • IPAF also verifies that a company has processes and policies in place for dealing with issues such as customer satisfaction, insurance, and health and safety. Giles Councell from IPAF visited Higher Access premises today to present the plaque to Lucy Ashburner Director for Higher Access. Lucy commented “ Achieving the IPAF Rental+ accreditation is testament to the work that our team have put in to ensure that ultimately our customers receive the very best service possible, we are committed to driving the company forward in terms of investment in management systems, people and plant and are delighted to be the first independent Spider Lift specialist within the UK to gain the award”
November 19nd 2009
Manchester based spider platform specialists Higher Access received a surprise visit today in the form of one of the UK’s oldest vehicle mounted platforms. The curators of the Greater Manchester Museum Of Transport visited their Manchester depot with a vintage Tower Wagon, the all timber scissor lift entered service in 1949 on a Leyland Titan PD2/4 chassis powered by a Leyland 9.8ltr engine.
The vehicle mounted scissor was a regular sight in and around Manchester and was operated by Bolton Corporation Transport, the truck was finally taken out of service in 1976.
The vehicle has a maximum speed of 35mph and the scissor lift is operated by manually turning a handle to elevate the platform, it is thought the vehicles sole job was to inspect and maintain street lighting.
Seen alongside one of Higher Access’s modern Leo 26T spider platform it’s hard to believe the unit was still operational until 1976!.
Paul Hyde Sales Manager for Higher Access commented “ It was fantastic for the museum to bring their platform out to show us, we have a long relationship with the curators whom were visiting us to undertake training on one of our CS135 spider platforms, the truck certainly turned a few heads when it arrived at the depot, it’s really great to see these kind of vehicles being used and not just as exhibits”
Anybody wishing to see the Tower Wagon can do so at
Greater Manchester Transport Society Museum of Transport Boyle Street Cheetham Hill Manchester M8 8UW
November 2nd 2009
Coventry Cathedral
Higher Access has provided a Teupen Leo 26T to facilitate the changing of light fixtures to the magnificent interior of Coventry Cathedral, the works undertaken by specialist electrical contractors Steane Electrical of warrick is being conducted during the day with limited interruptions to the day to day operations of the Cathedral.
With a working height of 26mtrs the machine is more than a match for the Cathedrals 23mtr ceiling, with the benefit of a rotating basket the operatives can easily gain access to the many alcoves and recesses within the building
October 7th 2009
Press Release Higher Access
Higher Access, the Manchester based tracked access specialist, have just taken delivery of five CS135 13.5mtr tracked access platforms and three CS170 17mtr tracked access platforms from specialist spider platform manufacturer CTE UK Ltd. The company have been operating both sizes of platform for 18 months now and had reached a point where demand was outstripping supply.
The recent additions to the fleet also include another Teupen Leo 23GT and underline Higher Access’ desire and commitment to become the UK’s largest multi brand specialist access platform rental company. The Leo 23GT adds to the company’s existing impressive fleet from the German manufacturer and is a firm favourite with hirers due to the excellent performance and working envelope. The company, founded by Peter and Lucy Ashburner three years ago, continues to see revenue and utilisation rates exceeding market expectations and is firmly on track to achieve continued growth through investment in plant and personnel.
Lucy Ashburner commented “our growth is consistent with any company prepared to deliver exciting innovative solutions to access issues through quality well maintained platforms and industry leading levels of service”.
The addition to the fleet of the CTE platforms acknowledges the strong demand from customers who are realising the benefits of tracked access platforms and are working at height below 18mtrs. Ashburner is already looking towards future platform purchases in order to meet an ever growing demand, she says “ with the expansion of our sales department and the appointment of a full time Sales Manager we are well placed to understand what the market needs and what the market is asking for and purchase accordingly”. The company has also announced that their new web site is now live and is already attracting an increased level of traffic along with enquiries. In support of their marketing strategy the company will shortly be launching a new hard copy brochure and technical guide printed using robust materials which will be ideal for use on site.
11th August 2009
'Spiders Add Golden Touch to Barton Square'
Barton Square is the £90million homeware destination at the Trafford Centre, with 200,000 sq ft of retail space.The design of Barton Square mirrors the iconic design of The Trafford Centre, with opulent architecture, water features and grand structures all linked by a glazed bridge to The Trafford Centre.
While Barton Square opened to the public in March 2008, such is the detail in the decoration work continued until just last week, when the imposing main entrance from the dedicated car park received it's final finishing touches. Specialist painting contractors were engaged to add a mural to the domed ceiling and add 18carat gold leaf to the Roman numerals.
When the job was surveyed it was clear that something special would be needed to access the high level work, so two tracked spiders were draughted in from Manchester based Higher Access to cope with the delicate paving and ornate architecture - a Teupen Leo Leo 23GT and a Leo 26T. Both run on non-marking tracks and have extremely low floor loadings - a maximum of 1.8kN/m2 - and have variable jacking widths allowing the machines to work around the pillars and statues. The Leo 23GT offers a maximum working height of 23m and a maximum outreach of 11.2m, while the Leo 26T offers 26m of working height and up to 13 of outreach.
13th July 2009
'New member of staff to its team.'
Manchester based specialist access company ‘Higher Access’ has added a key new member of staff to its team. The new appointment of Stuart Reynolds as Engineer will strengthen technical support of the company’s fleet of tracked access platforms. Having previously worked for JLG UK, Mercedes Benz and Land Rover, Reynolds is well placed to maintain the Teupen, Omme and CTE platforms available for hire – as well as their logistics fleet of MAN vehicles.
Reynolds says of his new role “It’s a great time to join a growing company and be part of an ambitious, close-knit team, working with high quality, well-maintained equipment. The spider lifts are amazing pieces of kit, with small transport dimensions, low floor loadings and all-terrain capacity they can go virtually anywhere, making them ideal for maintenance work.”
12th June 2009
'New CS170 in action at Royal Bolton Hospital'
Serving over a quarter of a million of Bolton's residents, the Royal Bolton Hospital is in itself like a small village - and the maintenance of such a massive site is a major challenge!
When problems started to appear with the rainwater drainage systems in some of the courtyards across the hospital premises, the maintenance team called in a CTE CS170 from local firm Higher Access to help. The courtyards are only accessible through single doors in the glass walls surrounding them - so a precision instrument was required! The CS170 has a travelling width of only 78cm and a travelling length of only 3.55m (without the cage) allowing it to enter the courtyards with ease. It has a working height of 17m and a maximum outreach of 7.5m meaning it could easily reach over the services in the each courtyard. The CS170's also has dual power sources - a powerful Kubota diesel engine and either 110V or 240V mains electric - in this instance, the maintenance team were able to run the platform on mains keeping it nice and quiet for the patients nearby.
17th April 2009
'Leo 36T lights the way for Burnley FC'
As Burnley FC take a step closer to the play offs with a thoroughly deserved 1-0 victory over Sheffield United, they were well lit at home at Turf Moor.
The Teupen Leo 36T was called in from local company Higher Access when bulbs needed to be replaced inside the stadium. The floodlights, all situated on the canopies over the stands, are only accessible from the pitch - which obviously needed to be in tip-top condition for it's TV appearance! The Leo 36T, with a maximum working height of 35.50m and a gross weight of only 4,800kg was perfect for the job. Self-propelled booms of a similar height usually weigh around 18tonnes - more than three times as much as the Leo 36T! - making them impossible to use on the turf or the fragile tarmac which edges it. The low ground bearing pressures and non-marking tracks allowed the Leo 36T to access all sides of the stadium and its narrow width meant it could gain access through the standard double gateway.
With such a shining start it's no wonder Burnley inflicted a first defeat in 16 away games against Sheffield and secured three valuable points!
01 October 2008
'Teupen Leo 30T sets up for Lee Evans Big UK Tour'
One of the UK's biggest expert rigging companies recently used a Teupen Leo 30T to help them suspend extensive rigging equipment for lights and audio equipment for the tour of one of Britain's favourite comics.
UK Rigging are leading experts in their field, working with event organisers, venues and service companies on Festivals, Concerts and Exhibitions. For Lee Evans' biggest ever tour - and the filming of his DVD - at the O2 Arena, UK Rigging used the flexible Leo 30T to reach difficult areas. The 1.55m wide chassis allowed the Leo 30T to enter through any of the standard double doorways around the arena and make it's way through the fixed seating areas. The hydraulically adjustable, multi position outriggers meant that the Leo 30T could be set up in awkward positions around the stage and seating. With a working height of 30m and a maximum outreach of 15.5m the setup positions needed were minimal, speeding up the process. Finally, when it was time to leave, the non-marking tracks of the Leo 30T meant that no trace was left of it’s presence.