by Nick Drew | Thu 02 Jun 2016
Tilt-rotator training and certification scheme launched
Engcon, the world’s leading manufacturer of tiltrotators, is driving tiltrotator safety standards with the launch of the UK’s first national tiltrotator training and certification programme in conjunction with the National Plant Operators Registration Scheme (NPORS).
In a bid to promote industry-wide safe operation, this new tiltrotator training is suitable for all makes of tiltrotator and can be arranged either through Engcon or directly through NPORS.
NPORS is one of the UK’s leading Accreditation and Registration Bodies. Its convenience and flexibility was a major factor in Engcon’s decision to work with NPORS. NPORS is unique in that training can be brought to the user and conducted on the user’s machine, rather than training on an unfamiliar machine of uncertain serviceability in an inconvenient location. Tiltrotator Training will be carried out by qualified and experienced instructors and includes an introduction to tiltrotators and practical instruction, followed by both a practical and written test, with a required pass mark of 80%.
Tiltrotator Training covers the core elements of a tiltrotator and its use and has been specifically developed by Engcon in association with NPORS to ensure operators understand how to use the system correctly and safely. The practical training and test is designed to enable the learner to appreciate, and access the benefits of tiltrotators, including off-centre digging and reduced machine movement, forming ‘V’ type ditches, angled batters and returns and grading. There will also be an introduction to some of the many attachments that are becoming more commonplace on tiltrotator-equipped excavators, such as grading beams, sorting grabs, pallet forks and compactors. In addition to the practical session, operators will also be required to demonstrate an understanding of the issues specific to tiltrotator use including attachment selection, causes of instability when using a tiltrotator, safety checks/signals, and the regulations relating to lifting operations and equipment.
The new NPORS tiltrotator training initiative reflects Engcon’s continuing commitment to the UK market. The company has recently made a significant investment in establishing a sales, service and spares operation in Tewkesbury, Southern Central England, which boasts an expert team of five.
Having revolutionised excavating across Scandinavia over the last 25 years, an Engcon tiltrotator serves as the excavator’s wrist, allowing the operator to twist, tilt or rotate the bucket (or any other attachment) enabling an excavator to carry out jobs it simply couldn’t do before. Rotating the bucket makes tasks like backfilling and offset digging quick and easy, while tilting allows grading to be carried out precisely and in tight spaces.
Robert Hunt, Chief Executive of Engcon (UK) comments: “The UK is Europe’s fastest growing market for tiltrotators and the response to Engcon’s expansion into the UK has been phenomenal. With our new sales, service and spares centre, together with a support team and now certified training, Engcon is the only tiltrotator manufacturer to offer such a comprehensive UK service.”