The RTX range has been designed to meet the rigours of hire industry usage.
SEE US ON STAND D100
Mission Belle
EHN was given an exclusive preview of new products being launched by Altrad Belle, which are the fruits of a two-year
development programme. Alan Guthrie reports from its Sheen factory.
Products exemplifying the high quality of British engineering will be a hallmark of Altrad Belle’s stand at the Executive Hire Show, where the company will launch several new products. Of particular significance will be a new range of 4-stroke rammers, resulting from a two-year research and development programme and significant investment at Belle’s factory at Sheen, in the heart of the Peak District.
“We used to have part of the rammer bodies machines fabricated for us, making other components in-house, particularly to reduce HAV and enhance performance,” said Ray Neilson, MD of Altrad Belle. “However, when the Altrad group bought Belle in 2009, we completely re-evaluated the product range.We consulted with customers and detected demand for rammers that offered still greater power and ease of use. In 2010, Altrad provided the investment for a dedicated production line at Sheen to develop new models for the UK, Europe and other countries.
“Incidentally, rammers and compaction equipment are outside Altrad’s main product areas, which are traditionally scaffolding, access equipment, mixers and barrows, so this was a major commitment, showing the group’s faith in the Belle operation and its staff. Altrad’s sales companies, all over the world, together with the Altrad Belle direct UK and export sales team, are very excited by this, and by other future product developments.
body and leg for working is confined spaces, replacing the RT 60 and RT 65, while the RTX 68 is a larger machine but still compact, replacing the RT66 in the UK. Both come with a small, medium or wide foot option for optimum versatility and power. Altrad Belle believes the machines will cover all UK users’ requirements. Additional models, including the RTX 50, RTX 66 and RTX 74, have been developed to suit different needs and working practices in other worldwide markets.
“The rammers have been designed to meet hirers’ needs,” said Ray Neilson. “They combine high compaction levels with very low vibration levels to the operator for safety and efficiency. They are robustly constructed with full guarding, and the carburettors on all UK models will be fitted with hand fuel pumps to ensure easy starting in all conditions.
Ray Neilson with one of the new TDX650 rollers to be launched at the Show.
“A triple air filtration system comes as standard to protect the engine against dust ingress in harsh conditions, and exterior sight glasses are fitted for instant oil level inspection.We have also engineered the main rammer assembly to accommodate bigger coil springs for the extra ‘grunt’ some tasks require. Overall, this has been a massive project. Altrad invested
substantially in the facilities here, in the depths of the recession, and now we have the products that the market wants.”
“The investment at Sheen includes new production facilities, such as laser cutting machines, welding plant, and tube bending equipment. Apart from the Honda engines, virtually every component is being made and assembled at Sheen, which is a testament to the engineering expertise we have here. And as we control all aspects of production, we can ensure good stock availability and parts backup.”
The new line-up is designated the RTX range, with the ‘X’ standing for extra
performance.The RTX 60 rammer has a narrow top frame,
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The company’s Executive Hire Show line-up will also include a recently re-engineered power pack and breaker, developed for low vibration, reliability and delivering twice the breakout force of comparable machines. “The BHB25XS breaker is proving a big success. Servicing is easy as you can now remove the top chamber for maintenance without re-gassing being required.We will also be launching the TDX650 range of double drum pedestrian rollers, which give very low levels of vibration and allow much longer usage times, along with our new Altrad AT350 road tow mixer. So there really will be plenty for hirers to see on our stand.”
• 01298 84606
www.ALTRAD-Belle.com
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