Operating an access platform on the largest summit cross in the world
The Jakobskreuz is a monumental structure on the Buchensteinwand in the Pillerseetal, Austria. The 30 metre high summit cross is the largest of its kind and offers several viewing platforms as well as seminar rooms and a small chapel. The windows of the viewing platforms have to be cleaned regularly to be sure, that the visitors can experience the breathtaking landscape from the cross. This is where Andreas Imlauer comes in with his PALFINGER P 480 access platform. Even the journey up to the Jakobskreuz is a challenge for inexperienced truck drivers. This is because a narrow, relatively steep gravel road with many bends leads to the largest summit cross in the world. ‘This is where the P 480 really stands out for me. With its relatively short wheelbase, it is very maneuverable for an access platform of this size,’ explains Andreas Imlauer, who is a true specialist for professional access to heights with his platforms fleet.
Once at the top of the Buchsteinwand, you quickly realize the actual size of this structure. You also see immediately why an access platform of this size is needed to clean all the windows. ‘With the P 480, we are able to reach all the windows with just one change of position. Thanks to the clever mounting of the work basket on the cage boom, it is also very easy to reach the rear of a building to work there,’ continues Andreas Imlauer.
P 480 JUMBO
PRECISION AT A HIGH LEVEL
‘With the P 480, we can reach all windows with just one change of position. The clever mounting of the workman basket on the cage arm makes it very easy to reach the rear of a building to work there.’
The 240° x-jib and the 2 x 200° cage rotation provide even more flexibility and an extended working range, enabling precise control of the various positions. ‘I often just don’t have enough space to maneuver and have to be particularly careful not to damage the building. Precise and intuitive controls like those provided by PALFINGER access platforms are essential for me,’ says Andreas Imlauer from the access platform service of the same name.
Two experts from PALFINGER access platform development in Köstendorf near Salzburg also took advantage of this spectacular deployment to pay a visit to the Tyrolean access platform professional. They wanted to see the performance parameters of the P 480 themselves and talk to Andreas about further potential improvements to the Jumbo class. ‘It's important for us to see in practice what the possibilities and limits of our access platforms are. We regularly use assignments like these to get feedback from experienced operators. We also talk to them about many technical details to find out where we need to focus our new and further development efforts,’ explains Christoph Hafner from the access platform development department.
