EXECUTIVE HIRE SHOW - REPORT


10kVa hybrid generator from MHM off ers a fl exible response to power generation. With its solar panels and a small back-up diesel engine, it can produce power no matter what the weather. It runs very quietly too, with only 62dBA at 7 metres in diesel mode, and of course is completely silent in solar mode.


digging sewage and transit tunnels for major services. Battery power means minimal noise and it also eliminates the need for a trailing cable to connect it to the mains. JCB says that it will last a full working day on a full charge. I have even been asked about it by jobbing builders working outside London, so the idea is a popular one.


“ Flexible Flex


With a diff erent focus as a user of such tools, I also took a close look at the Flex GM340 – a mobile work station on which the Flex Giraff e Drywall sanders and vacuum extractors (and other makes too) can be mounted. Anyone who has had to sand drywall for any length of time would recognise the problem – after a while your arms ache. By mounting both sander and vacuum on a sturdy, big-wheeled trolley, the arm ache can be eliminated. The sander is supported on a very fl exible arm that can be swivelled in multiple directions easily. It makes accurate work easier too.


Electrical excavating JCB’s 19C-1E electric mini-excavator defi nitely supports a growing trend to eliminate engine missions – especially in confi ned spaces. Think anything from luxury cellar excavation in London’s richer areas to more mundane applications like


Worker safety and comfort


It is also interesting to note that workers’ welfare is increasingly being improved now that legislation is in place. Welfare units of all types are now on the market and I saw several at the show in various states of sophistication, size and portability. This diversity is, I am sure, going to lead to much better things in the future. Solar power, battery technology and easy portability are but three areas that we should keep an eye on.


What exhibitors like is not necessarily an overwhelming number of visitors. They seem to prefer having a manageable number of serious customers


More tools… Many Makita power tools are great favourites in the hire industry because they are considered a step beyond ‘fool proof’ – namely ‘hire proof’. The theme of avoiding polluting power sources in the workplace is continued with the launch of the Makita DHR400ZKU – a cordless SDS Max demolition hammer. By doubling up a couple of 18v battery packs onto the breaker, Makita have increased effi ciency by giving it an impressive 8 Joules of impact energy. It is also capable of drilling a 40mm


diameter hole in concrete and can be wirelessly linked to a Makita vacuum extractor to help manage the other scourge of worksites – dust.


Technology – the solution?


I must admit that I came away from the show with a feeling that the application of good ideas and with the application of the right technology, we can leave the Earth to our children and grandchildren with a fi ghting chance of beating the challenges of global warming and pollution, to name but two. When people ask me why I attend ‘boring and purposeless’ trade shows I think of some of the examples of inspired work I have seen and then I have an easy counter argument.


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