Abilene’s TTS 1000 stays busy

US rental firm Abilene High Lift Aerial is seeing strong demand from the renewable energy sector for its Ruthmann Steiger TTS 1000 aerial platform.

The rental firm acquired the TTS 1000 in mid 2010 from Gerken, a German aerial platform rental company. With a working height of 328 feet it was the highest reaching aerial in North America when delivered.

A year and a half later, the TTS 1000 has become a regular sight at the Panther Creek E.On wind energy farm in Texas. With over 305 wind turbines and installed capacity of 457.5 MW, Panther Creek is among the 10 largest wind farms in the US.

Abilene High Lift Aerial supports E.On mechanics with maintenance and inspection duties at Panther Creek. The firm cites the TSS 1000's 160-degree rotating jib and 131-foot lateral outreach as key components in enabling mechanics to gain easy access to the rotor blades on the wind turbines.

"Safety and efficiency were key factors while searching for an aerial platform large enough to perform maintenance work at wind farms. We came across the TTS 1000 made by the German aerial-platform manufacturer, Ruthmann. There are other manufacturers that have cracked the 328-foot working-height mark but the TTS 1000 clearly has the most suitable aerial-platform concept," said Steve Roth, manager of Abilene High Lift Aerial.

Stability was also a key consideration for Abilene in choosing the TTS 1000 - as the truck-mounted platform is used at one of the windiest locations in the country. Maintenance of wind turbine rotor blades can be carried out safely and effectively even at wind force 7.