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7 GUIDANCE ON SELECTION OF MEWPsSection 4 gives basic guidance on the FACTORS AFFECTING MACHINE CHOICE.In addition to these basic selection criteria, the trials have identified some particular factors whichshould be considered.Off-road <strong>work</strong>ingIf off-road <strong>work</strong>ing is required considerable care needs to be given to ensuring the optimumbase machine is chosen. The base machine should have a minimum of 4 WD. Dependingupon the softness of the ground, either wide tyres or tracks should be considered, the tracksproviding the best floatation.While tracks provide best flotation on softer ground, they are slower which could be ofsignificance if much off road travel is required. If the ground is there<strong>for</strong>e firm and tracksare not necessary then a wheeled base machine would be more efficient.Stabilisers should have sufficient surface area to ensure they will definitely not sink into theground. This could be particularly dangerous should sinkage occur during operations whenthe operator is <strong>work</strong>ing from the basket.Manoeuvrability of base machineWhen <strong>work</strong>ing in areas where the space is restricted and in particular in areas where accessto the crown cannot always be achieved from a single position, it is important to ensure themachine chosen can <strong>work</strong> effectively within the constraints of the site and lack ofmanoeuvrability does not cause unacceptable delay.Working reachIt is essential to ensure the <strong>work</strong>ing reach of the boom is sufficient <strong>for</strong> all the required <strong>work</strong>.(Note it may be decided to use the MEWP <strong>for</strong> access to the crown but to <strong>work</strong> out of thebasket from that position. However this should be recognised at the outset, as optimummachine choice could minimise climbing needs, <strong>work</strong> and safety risks)Full boom rotation can aid <strong>work</strong>ing from more than one <strong>tree</strong> from one position of the basemachine. This can significantly reduce manoeuvring time.Having articulation in the boom can improve manoeuvrability of the basket in the crown, asit may be possible to lift the basket over obstructing branches. This also may savemanoeuvring time.Basket designBasket rotation can improve the ability to achieve optimum <strong>work</strong>ing position in the crown.There<strong>for</strong>e, if much in-crown <strong>work</strong> is required, selection of a design with maximum basketrotation is desirable.35
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