Well yesterday actually, should have been a simple task, turn up, prepare equipment, tools, PPE etc to access a 6m Comms Structure on top of a 5 storey building.
All going to plan up at around 70ft in the hired Cherry Picker Bucket, weathers good, slight wind, nearly finished the task when suddenly it feels like Bucket floor is moving at an angle under my feet of its own accord!, first thing Im thinking mechanical failure, but checked my controls just in case something is caught or pushing one of the levers, bucket is still moving at an angle now quiet badly now, forcing me against the guard rails, again thinking this mechanical failure,the Bucket shouldn't be doing this, so time to get to the ground asap!
As Im getting closer to the ground about half way now, the bucket is at 45 degrees off to where it should be, which is not easy to control when you need hands on the levers and one foot on the start peddle, tools and bits starting to fall out the bucket now, eventually land the the machine on the deck and what feels like Im almost out of the Bucket myself, phew!
On inspection it turns out severe hydraulic failure, with hydraulic fluid pissing out every where, Pics below,some showing worn hoses!!.
Not a Happy Bunny at that time, but suppose on reflection it could have been a lot worse!
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Topic: And Today's Life Threatening Saga - Half Hanging out of a Cherry Picker at 70 ft (Read 4003 times)