Weilheim, Germany, 4 May 2021 – Working at heights is generally a risky business. According to the German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, falls accounted for around 28 per cent of all fatal work accidents between 2009 and 2016. With the LiftMaster U, access equipment expert ZARGES has developed a particularly safe and versatile mobile aerial platform for assembly, maintenance and repair work. The solution is well-received by users: it has already enjoyed sales success in six countries despite difficult market conditions owing to the corona pandemic.
The LiftMaster has been particularly certified in accordance with DIN EN 280 in order to take into account the safety standards for working at heights specified in the Technical Rules for Operational Safety. The system has a crucial advantage over ladders when it comes to safety: the user remains in the safety of a cage whilst accessing working heights of up to 4.3 metres and returning to the ground, meaning there is no risk of falling during the ascent and descent. They are protected throughout the entire work process by an all-round guardrail and can therefore keep both hands free for work.
High demand in Europe
While the corona pandemic has partly had a massive impact on the economy, as is the case in many other areas of life, the LiftMaster has been an overwhelming success in terms of sales since its launch in early 2020 – and has already done so in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary and the Netherlands. What’s special about this success story: the solution has proved to be a useful piece of equipment in a wide range of industries and applications – from the conventional manufacturing sector to chemical and food production to train maintenance.
Reliable design for work safety
The height of the platform can be continuously adjusted without requiring mains power to get users up to a maximum working height of 4.3 metres. The platform can be raised and lowered by applying just a small amount of manual force to the crank. Alternatively, the crank can be removed to allow the lift to be operated using a cordless screwdriver. Another benefit for the user: unlike conventional platforms, the LiftMaster is mobile, lightweight and can be effortlessly transported in any small van to the desired location thanks to its ability to be folded to a compact size of just 74 x 120 x 165 centimetres. Due to its low weight, the system is also suitable for use on floors with low load capacity.
"With the LiftMaster, we have broken new ground and strategically expanded our access equipment portfolio. The objective is to provide users with an aerial platform that allows them to work at heights without compromising safety, mobility and comfort," explains ZARGES Product Manager Höbke Thomssen. "The fact that the solution is so well-received by the market is a confirmation that we are on the right track by maintaining our focus on the user during product development."