Linamar Corporation’s (TSX:LNR) Skyjack division has released details of the new SJ3219 and its leading wind rating classification which allows full height use in wind conditions up to 28mph (12.5m/s). This makes the SJ3219 the lightest machine in the 19ft class with 2/1 personnel rating to full height.

One of the significant differences between A92.5/A92.6 and A92.20 standards is the manner in which the effects of wind ratings are applied. Wind loads were not explicitly considered in the A92.5 and A92.6 standards, and wind ratings were applied based on other machines being dual-certified to Canadian Standard Association (CSA) standards (CSA B354.4 and B354.2 standards), which took wind loading into account for the machine design. Wind load considerations in the A92.20 standard are generally more stringent than the previous requirements from CSA B354.4 or B354.2.

“Within the industry, we have often talked in terms of indoor and outdoor ratings,” explains Ian McGregor, director of product safety at Skyjack. “While the A92 standards make use of the terms ‘indoor use’ and ‘outdoor use’, the definitions do not refer to a physical location, but whether the MEWP is used in an area or environment that is exposed to wind.”

The core issue is that wind can cause problems in partially completed and enclosed buildings, just as it can in the open air. Due to all of the stages of construction maintenance where wind can create issues through apertures in structures, referencing ‘indoor use’ can be misleading. The situation may worsen due to effects caused by wind tunnels, vortices and other similar phenomena.

“Options will exist for manufacturers to supply lighter, indoor use, only machines into category classes previously occupied by machines rated for indoor and outdoor use,” says Kris Schmidt, product manager at Skyjack. “Fleet managers will be challenged to consider the wind rating of their future purchases to ensure compatibility with the applications of their customer base. What is particularly relevant, is what outdoor personnel rating a machine has, and to what height. Additionally, some indoor machines are now reduced to a one person rating, which ultimately has an impact on utilization in core 19ft class applications.”

While the most common method of establishing a wind rating for smaller MEWPs has been to remove multiple occupancy, an additional or alternate approach is to reduce the maximum elevation permitted, in some cases that has approached a 50% de-rating.

“A branch manager may need to consider the flexibility and options of their fleet,” Schmidt continues. “Do the rental companies run two distinct types of machines? How do they ensure their customer uses the right machine for the job? How do they manage customer expectations, which are based on the older A92.5/A92.6 standards? How do they approach complaints as customers may assume they have been given a machine that is not up to the job?”

Skyjack’s SJ3219 offers full height capability up to 28mph wind speed, which means the fleet and depot managers do not have to question if they have the right lift for the job at hand.