The Industry Innovators for

"ACCESS SYSTEMS FOR EARTHMOVING MACHINES"

Access Innovations developed and manufactures the revolutionary, new, safe and convenient access systems for graders and dozers providing the ultimate in safety and maximizing operational productivity.

Concept Background

Many existing earth-moving machines merely include a step or ladder. Perhaps associated with a hand rail or grip, facilitating access for operators to the control station of the machine. This station may be elevated several meters from ground level. During operation of such machines, it is also sometimes necessary for operators to check the position or status of certain components of their machine, such as; drive wheels, earth-working implements or other machine sub-systems. This is especially the case when the extremities of such components are not clearly visible from the control station. A further example which may expose operators to the risk of a fall is when they simply wish to clean mud or grime from the external surfaces of cabins surrounding the control station.

Accordingly, there is a risk of injury to the operator, should they slip and/or fall when climbing to a control station or standing in a precarious position elevated on the superstructure of the machine, whether to gain a better view of machine components or merely to clean cabin windows. This risk is multiplied where the machine includes earth-working implements with sharp edges or teeth in the path of a potential fall. Machine operators have previously suffered serious injuries during falls from these positions.

Maintenance personnel and operators face similar risks when accessing the engine. Also other operating systems, such as hydraulic lines or bearings, is required for inspection, cleaning or lubrication purposes. This is especially so when the machine is on-site where surfaces become a slip hazard when wet and retrieval is limited rather than in a workshop where suitable access frames may be available when required.