The Crosby Group, the global leader in lifting, rigging, and material handling hardware, is welcoming requests for visits at rigcrosby.com as the Rig Safe Rig Smart European Trailer makes its way around the UK. It has already stopped to deliver toolbox training in Hull, Liverpool, Doncaster, Cardiff and Portsmouth, while locations in Southampton, Aberdeen and Ireland are among upcoming destinations.
The unique, purpose-built vehicle is the first of its kind in the UK but is based on the popularity of a pair of Ford Ranger trucks that have been converted for a similar purpose in the USA. It is equipped with a fleet of lifting and rigging products, including a 500kg capacity electric crane, which allows the trainer to demonstrate the effect of using slings at angles of 30, 45 and 60 degrees from the vertical, recording the increased loads on Straightpoint (SP) load cells.
Also on board is a 15t capacity vertical test bed, used to show the differences in deformation characteristics of fully-certified Crosby hooks and alternatives. Compression cells that can calculate the centre of gravity of loads; two work-benches setup for Crosby IP vertical lifting clamp training; and a selection of other products that allow end users to gain hands-on experience with the product range, complete the offering carried by the trailer.
Ashley Hall, area sales manager at Crosby Europe, who uses the trailer to deliver training, said: “Crosby has always promoted training to ensure we rig safe and the trailer allows us to take toolbox training direct to the shop floor. The truck doesn’t require or replace the need for classroom-based content; we still have our general and heavy lift rigging seminars, which are best presented in a more formal environment. The trailer is designed for quick toolbox-style visits.”
The trailer, which is strategically located in the UK’s Midlands, can be driven, setup and utilised by one person, and conveniently doubles up as an exhibition stand. Hall explained that three sides can be opened up to create a presentation platform, as Speedy Expo, LiftEx and Aquaculture UK attendees will see over the coming months.
The vehicle is specifically designed for the lifting and rigging marketplace but it can be adapted to support other sectors, such as fishing, which will be focal point of the aforementioned aquatic show and another visit already in the diary in Ireland next month (October).
Hall added: “Introducing the trailer to our distributors has been the main focus of the visits so far, but the ultimate goal is to deliver the concept to end users, as well as participating in industry road shows and open days. Initial feedback has been good and we’re hopeful that the rigcrosby.com site will essentially put its itinerary in the hands of the marketplace.”
Book a Rig Safe Rig Smart European Trailer visit at rigcrosby.com.
The Rig Safe Rig Smart European Trailer has been on the road this week.