September 15, 2004—MEC Aerial Work Platforms, Fresno, Calif., expects to begin production in the first quarter of 2005 on a new scissor lift line featuring an omni-directional drive system (ODS). The Phoenix scissor lift line is based on proven MEC scissor lift design, with familiar features such as the Powerlift 2 single beam lifting mechanism. The first Phoenix models to be available will be the 1932 ODS and 3068 ODS featuring 19- and 30-foot platform heights, respectively. Others to follow during the 2005 production schedule are the 2633, 2047, 2647, 3247, and 3768 ODS models. The Phoenix line will be available through MEC dealers along with MEC's traditional scissor lift line.
Because the Phoenix scissor lift with ODS can rotate in its own footprint, make 90° or 45° turns, or go sideways without turning at all, it is ideal for confined space applications. But according to Jim Tolle, Vice President of Sales and Marketing of MEC Aerial Work Platforms, “We hear everyday about applications where people are interested in replacing traditional electric slab style scissor lifts with the Phoenix. Extreme maneuverability is of interest to everyone, no matter the application. Being able to position the operator as close as possible, and as quickly and easily as possible, to the workplace is a very important feature. We feel the Phoenix series is the most innovative lift since the introduction of the articulating boom.” What's more, Tolle predicts that the Phoenix ODS models will be competitively priced with similar class traditional scissor lifts.
Working in conjunction with Airtrax Inc., Hammonton, N.J., the developer of ODS, MEC is now in the process of field testing prototype units. A concept vehicle was displayed at ARA's 2004 Rental Show and Tolle has hopes that a production unit will be available in time for next year's show.
The drive system really sets the Phoenix scissor lifts apart from anything the industry has seen before. Besides providing extremely versatile mobility, “This drive system is absolutely efficient,” says Tolle. “It has very low maintenance costs and phenomenal duty cycles,” he said.
The Airtrax ODS has no pivot steering wheels. Even vehicles with power steering must pivot their wheel and be moving either forward or reverse in order to allow for proper steering. This method causes friction between the steering wheel and the surface area, which could cause distortion to delicate floor surfaces. By independently controlling the rotation of each wheel, the scissor lift has the ability to travel in any direction, with very low friction to the surface areas.
The Airtrax Wheel |
The Phoenix scissor lifts feature four-wheel drive. The drive module for each Omni-Directional wheel consists of its own independent electric motor, transmission, brake, and controller. The motor turns the wheel hub, which is encircled with multiple rollers that are angled from the wheel axis. The operator controls the directional movement of the scissor lift with a joystick. Operating on a three-axis system, the joystick delivers 360° control.
The system is low maintenance because the motors do not have brushes or commutators to wear out and they have no grease fittings. They're lubricated for life. Likewise, the wheel rollers are fabricated from durable urethane and other materials. If individual rollers must be replaced, each one is secured with a single nut, making replacement easy.
Airtrax also offers an electric lift truck featuring ODS. It is called The SIDEWINDER with 3,000 pounds capacity begins production in October.
For more information on the Phoenix or the SIDEWINDER, go to www.airtrax.com or www.mec-awp.com .
