Terex Hydra Platform Saves Contractors Time, Money

Fri April 17, 2009
Crane Equipment Guide

Technological advances transform the way the construction industry does business. The Terex Hydra Platforms HPBW 12.5 from Terex Roadbuilding is a completely new type of bridge worker platform, enabling a more efficient way of removing overhang brackets, completing bridge fascia work and running utility lines, according to the manufacturer.

Built with a well balanced design, the completely self-contained HPBW 12.5 is easily towed by a 3/4-ton pick-up truck to and from the job site. Once onsite, the machine is hydraulically erected by a single person with the aid of its on-board 18 hp (13.4 kW) gas engine. This new bridge worker platform is deployed and ready for use within five minutes.

The HPBW 12.5 features a 12.5-ft. (3.8 m) long by 4-ft. (1.2 m) wide operator’s platform. Its 1,500 lb. (680 kg) capacity is enough to hold three workers plus tools to quickly get the job done. With its 14-ft. (4.3 m) stroke, the tower unit is hydraulically adjustable, allowing the platform to be easily positioned for fascia work, stripping overhang brackets and bridge utility work. The tower separation system allows operators to adjust and move the outside of the tower in toward the bridge fascia or around obstacles.

Featuring no-crane set up, the Terex Hydra Platforms HPBW 12.5 eliminates the human error commonly associated with the set up of other types of bridge worker platforms. With its unique design, the HPBW 12.5 saves contractors significant time and reduces costs by up to 50 percent.

“Our new bridge worker is light years ahead of other models available to bridge contractors today for performing these types of tasks,” said Garth McGillewie Jr., director of Terex Hydra Platforms. “One customer allocated three weeks to strip overhang brackets, and he was able to finish the job in just one week.”

This bridge worker platform offers true one-man operation with controls mounted on the trailer and on a hand-held pendant at the operator’s platform. The electric-over-hydraulic controls operate scissor open/close of the separation system, tower up/down movement and system emergency stop. Truly self-propelled at the site, the operator also controls forward/reverse positioning of the HPBW 12.5 trailer from the platform.

On the bridge deck, the HPBW 12.5’s trailer requires only a single lane of traffic, keeping road closures to a minimum. The tower and platform are deployed only from the main control panel at the trailer, preventing accidental folding from workers on the platform.

The machine’s tower, crossover and platform feature handrail and fully enclosed construction for operator safety. Crossover access to the tower unit remains horizontal at all times, further enhancing safety.

For more information, visit www.terex.com.