Truck deck material – SAFETY UPDATE!

Published on: 9th February 2024

SOME STEEL GRATINGS CAN INCREASE LOADING DIFFICULTY AND RISK!

Ensure the safety of your operators and your peace of mind by reading on then selecting the correct product.

Certain machines that are commonly loaded onto beavertail trucks have very little grip.  In particular, access machinery (MEWPs) with small smooth wheels can spin easily and/or slide whilst loading.  As a result, most body manufacturers offer alternatives to the traditional deck offering of hardwood timber.  However, it has become apparent that in inclement weather some of these alternatives are unsuitable and can pose higher risk to the loading operator!

A common deck offering is a steel grating product shown here:

Access hire companies using the Sterling access body fitted with this grating have commented that whilst offering improved grip in dry conditions, it can become extremely slippy when wet making loading more difficult and at times dangerous.  Upon investigation it transpires that the reason for this is that although it is a grating, the top pattern (or serration) of the grating is a ‘wavy’ style which is very smooth so when wet offers very reduced friction.

In response to the feedback, Sterling’s product development team have scoured the market to find a solution to this issue and have sourced a product we call dual serrated mesh.  Dual serrated mesh is now the recommended option on ‘access specification’ bodies as it has a serration pattern that means that the grip is fantastic even when the deck is wet.  Not only that but the serration runs both directions providing lateral grip too.

Comparing this photo to the one above shows the difference between the serration style and therefore grip offering of the two products.

For more information contact Sales at:

sales@sterlinggp.com

01642713333