This digger derrick is a highly specialised insulated articulated unit, and the second of its type to be commissioned in NPg and was delivered earlier this month.
VLS contract manager, Paul Hankey, explains “Following the successful introduction of the first of these asset types in October 2018. We placed the order for another highly specialised vehicle with Versalift in July 2021 and it has been on quite a journey since. The chassis arrived in the UK from the Mercedes factory in Germany during January where the wheelbase was modified and stretched to accommodate the platform. It was then shipped to Denmark to have the sub-frame, platform and auger mounted, before being shipped back to the UK for completion.”
The vehicle was delivered into NPg Swillington training school for six weeks of operator training, three at Swillington and three on operational work. The platform is articulated and insulated, and the vehicle can carry poles and transformers, dig holes with the auger, plant and remove poles and it also has a detachable one-man bucket too.
Paul concludes: “This complex specification has been delivered following collaboration between VLS, NPg and specialist suppliers, resulting in the delivery of a vehicle that can deliver improvements in efficiency and customer service. We are delighted to be building on the success of the initial unit and thank everyone for their contribution”.