• ROOF STOWAGE
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Van roofs are often used for stowing ladders or pipes, and the latest trend is ladder storage systems than can be operated from ground level. Many operators, because of the potential for accidents or back injury, now consider it too risky to clamber on to the vehicle roof to unload equipment.
Ground operation is also faster, boosting productivity, says Roger Hughes, managing director of Service Van Systems. He estimates that the cost of SVS's ladder Rotation Rack can be recouped in around three months, simply because loading and unloading takes around 10 seconds.
The SVS rack comprises a hydraulically assisted, pivoting aluminium frame, which lowers down the vehicle side to about wingmirror height. When loaded the ladder is automatically secured in the rack, and there are three padlock positions for extra security. The racks adjust to suit any ladder length or wheelbase.
Bri-Stor and Bolton-based Van Liners have both introduced rear-operated ladder demounting systems which work on a similar principle to loft ladders. Bri-Stor says Easi
Load provides extra safety because there is no need to step out into the road or obstruct pathways. The Van Liners is importing the Van Load system from its Italian partner, Moduloar. The two-piece ladder frame is hinged; as the operator pulls down the whole frame lifts from the roof with gas-strut assistance. As he continues to pull the frame opens out, allowing the ladder to be tilted down to the ground.