Game, Set, Glass. Why Padel Courts Up and Down the Country Need Vacuum Robots for Installation.
It’s Been Rapidly Growing in Popularity Throughout The UK in Recent Years.
And it fits somewhere between tennis and squash only with its own specialised courts. And specialised courts require specialist equipment…
That’s where Hird’s Winlet glazing robot range comes in.
The Glass Walls Behind the Game.
A craze has seen Padel courts popping up in city parks to village sports centres up and down the country. And their courts are unique in their own right. At first glance, the racquet sport’s court may look similar to that of a tennis court, but what sets it apart is the tempered glass that surrounds it.
The International Padel Federation (FIP) mandate glass regulations stating that panels must be tempered, flat, and transparent or coloured. Measuring between 10mm-12mm in thickness. The glass surrounding the courts should also be 3-4 metres in height, with the walls to the rear of the court as high as 4 meters.
These glass panels are specially designed for Padel courts, due to their strength, resilience, and durability. And as one of the main rules of Padel is that the ball can touch the back glass, so a weak glass panel would not be of great use.
Lift Heavy. Move Smooth. Winlet Does Both.
Winlet Glazing Robots are industry-leading pieces of equipment, and rightly so. Their standard in precision for glass handling and safety has been proven to reduce accidents and damage.
Hird’s fleet of glazing robots see machines with maximum lifting capacities from 350kg up to 1000kg.
Winlet 350
The Winlet 350 robot features a maximum lifting capacity of 350kg, easily taking on the padel court glass panels that can weigh between 150kg-300kg.
And if needed, can provide up to 200kg of lifting capacity on a side load, perfect for courts that are down pathways or have challenging access.
The dual front wheels feature pneumatic tyres, ideal for moving over rough terrain. They also provide extra stability, perfect for the transportation of loads over uneven and rough ground. So harder to access courts are no challenge for the Winlet 350.
Winlet 575
And three glazing robot models up in our fleet, and you’ll find its bigger brother, the Winlet 575.
It provides all-day operation with its two batteries, and its quick recharging is an added bonus.
Rival glazing robot brands side shift using their wheels, resulting in a curve motion, so panels do not remain aligned. This is where the Winlet range sets itself apart, their linear side-shift keeps the unit perfectly aligned with the glazing aperture, using a hydraulic ram mounted on the manipulator head.
And that’s not all. An extendable jib brings the head from 700mm up to 1800mm from the front of the machine.
And it’s all controlled from a wired remote control.
The Rest of Hird’s Glazing Robot Fleet.
After the Winlet 575, there are 3 more and bigger (by lifting capacity) glazing robots, the Winlet 600, 785, and 1000.
That’s 8 models overall, not including the Winlet Curved Adaption Kit, which is compatible with the 575, 785, and 1000 models (although you probably wouldn’t see it on a padel court glass installation job!).
Why The Winlet Glazing Robots Are Perfect for Padel Court Glass Installation:
- Reduce manual handling
- Safer lifting
- Precise manoeuvrability down to the millimetre
- Off-road capabilities
- Side load capability for narrow access
- Linear side shift
The Right Equipment Isn’t a Second Thought.
As Padel continues to increase in popularity, the need to install the glass aspects of the court is too increasing in importance.
With panels not just there to border the courts, but to be relied upon to play the game as intended. Getting them installed precisely, efficiently, and safely is paramount.
And relying only on manual handling slows downs teams and installations.
That’s why glazing robots are becoming the go-to for reducing manual handing on glass projects. Taking the strain off installers, reducing the risk of damage, and speeding up the installation process without sacrificing precision.
Simply, if you want a court that performs as it should and stands the test of time (and numerous padel balls striking them), using the right kit isn’t a luxury, it’s a requirement.
Find Out More.
Hird’s full range of Winlet Glazing Robots are available for hire nationally. Call our team today.
Email: [email protected]