Product of the Month – Genie GS3369 RT Scissor Lift
Fans of Top Gear may recall the famous test in which Jeremy Clarkson was chased in a Range-Rover by a British Army Challenger 2 tank.
Well, we have another test for the new Top Gear team – what about a Genie GS3369 RT scissor lift vs a Challenger 2 tank?
The scissor lift is our Product of the Month for July and is dab hand at coping with some of the toughest terrain any powered access platform is expected to face (RT stands for Rough Terrain).
So why not pit it against one of the most fearsome weapons of war every created?
Scissor lift vs main battle tank
Jeremy Clarkson had great fun throwing the Range-Rover around across the tank training grounds on Salisbury Plain, in Wiltshire, so let’s think laterally and give the Genie GS3369 RT slab lift a go.
Okay, the Challenger 2 tank might beat it for speed. It can do 40 mph, while the scissor lift can manage just 3.5 mph (nifty for a large scissor lift).
But the Genie GS3369 RT scissor lift has full four-wheel-drive (like the Range-Rover) and can travel up and down 35-degree gradients, so is not hampered by steep slopes.
Scissor platform an advantage
Also, the aerial platform has the distinct advantage of being able to raise its platform to a maximum height of 11.75 metres, so the Top Gear presenter at the controls would certainly see the tank coming.
And, with full height drive, the presenter could waste no time in heading in the opposite direction while keeping eyes on the approaching threat, while its diesel engine keeps it going for all day if need be.
On top of that, while risking life and limb was all the rage back when Jeremy Clarkson was behind the Top Gear wheel, now we are in a more health and safety conscious world.
Powered access safety or 120mm gun?
The BBC has to take risk assessment seriously and the Genie GS3369 RT rough terrain scissor lift would pass the safety test with flying colours.
With a tilt level sensor and audible alarm, a descent alarm and a full-height swing gate, the operator can stay safe – until, that is, the Challenger 2 starts lobbing its 120mm shells.
The aerial platform also has proportional lift and drive, so the presenter can deftly and easily control the platform while they place it in the nearest bush and wait for the tank crew to thunder by.
And if the Top Gear team played its cards right, it could bring on the producer in the white coat with a final challenge – retrieve one of the programme presenters from the top of a tree.
Rapid platform raising
Unless the Challenger 2 Tank crew was prepared the shoot the overpaid front of camera merchant out of the branches (not such a bad idea) that would leave them stumped.
Meanwhile, the Genie GS3369 RT scissor lift’s platform could be raised rapidly – the speed at which the platform can be lifted and lowered is one of the machine’s key attribute – allowing the presenter to step lightly onto the platform.
Bear in mind, also, that the platform of the Genie GS3369 RT is designed to be particularly spacious with a maximum capacity of 454kg and a 1.52-metre deck extension to allow construction and maintenance teams to work at height for long periods with all the tools and materials they need.
Scissor lift moment of victory
So, with the Challenger 2 crew left to brew tea in their turret (the tank is unique in having its own tea making facilities – it is British!), the camera operator, sound engineer, director and presenters can all be present on the platform to record the moment of victory.
While we are not likely to see the Genie GS3369 RT lining up on the battlefield in the near future (Or on Top Gear – Ed), the ones in Hird’s scissor lift hire fleet are regularly used on construction sites and for maintenance projects across the UK.
So, of you need a high-performance aerial working platform that is as go-anywhere as a scissor lift gets, call Hird for more information about our July Product of the Month.
Hird also provides IPAF-accredited scissor lift training, via its three training centres at operational hubs across the UK.
Northern 01482 227333
Central 01302 341659
Southern 0203 174 0658
Email: [email protected]