Innovation in the sky

Masonry Construction, Sept, 2003

There are dozens of obstacles on every jobsite--engineering challenges, difficult customers, and equipment inadequacies to name just a few. The most successful manufacturing companies find ways to solve those problems before they arise. And in the Ultimate Work Zone, they also anticipate masonry contractor needs, ensure the highest levels of safety, and strive to consistently provide innovative, efficient products.

When it comes to work platforms, Bennu Innovation, Inc. does it all.

Bennu Innovation blasted onto the scene just 3 years ago, and has quickly raised the bar for the entire industry. A privately owned Canadian company, Bennu designs, develops, and manufactures mast-climbing work platforms for the construction, demolition and remedial maintenance industries.

Bennu products are based on founder Jean Robillard's extensive experience in product design. His vision was to create a powerful mast climber offering more capacity, easier assembly, and exceptional modularity.

Combining years of engineering and manufacturing experience, the very best available raw materials, and upscale processes, his vision has become a reality.

A different kind of platform

Masonry work platforms can be a key factor in completing an important job on schedule. They can help create a safe environment and contribute to a more efficiently operating jobsite. And they can save money. While traditional scaffolding strives to attain those goals, most are severely limited by weight demands, bulky configurations and lengthy, complicated setup. Bennu's mast-climbing work platforms save time, are far more flexible and secure, and offer a variety of options in portability and height requirements.

In the spirit of the Ultimate Work Zone, Bennu work platforms illustrate innovative design--they've done away with unpopular "X" braces, and feature an open structure that allows wall ties to remain attached while the platform ascends or descends.

Three high-quality options

The Bennu Automated Power Unit (APU) is the company's flagship. The standard unit comes equipped with a 7 x 24-foot work platform and a 20,000-pound load capacity bearing on truly independent bases. It's fully automatic, which enables one operator to control the height of the platform. Dual hydraulic pumps evenly rise and lower the platform at a rate of 8 feet per minute, and are driven by a 13-hp Honda engine (with electric start and oil alert). The unit collapses to a height of 50 inches and has a shipping weight of 8,000 pounds. Truly an industry leader, the APU provides the highest speed/load capacity on the market.

When lower platforms are appropriate (no higher than 35 feet), Bennu's High-Speed Power Unit provides the ultimate in mobility and does not need to be tied to the wall. It measures 7 x 7 feet and expands to 32 x 7 feet. The unit uses twinned Bennu standard mast sections, and must be tied if height is higher than 35 feet. The standout? Speed and reliability--powered by a 20-hp Honda engine, the masonry model handles up to 15,000 lbs, with a true cycle speed of 14 feet per minute, while the twin cylinder model cycles at speeds up to 22 feet per minute with a load capacity close to 12,000 lbs. Both models are available on a standard base equipped with five 200,O00-lbs implement jacks. Bridging up to 40 feet is possible between units.

Bennu's Modular Power Unit (MPU) is the most unique product available today. The MPU can be installed in nearly impossible spaces--such as a 4 x 8-foot elevator shaft--or cover a 114-foot wall. The platform is split into four sections consisting of two 32-inch lifting sections, one 30-inch power module, and one 30-inch access module. The work platform can range in size from 32 inches up to 114 inches, depending on how many modular sections are attached.

Wings can also extend the 24 foot platform to a total length of 64 feet, and unlike any other platform on the market today, Bennu's platforms and wings can be extended forward or backward using the same components. Assembly is quick and easy with the patent-pending "Smart Bar" connections. In fact, all Bennu platforms utilize compatible wings, mast, and accessories for perfect interchangeability, and reduce cost for the end user. The Cantilever wings will accept 6400 lbs. on each of the 20 foot side extensions. Bridging between two APU's can reach 72 feet.

Hoists and accessories

Bennu's hoist system is high performance for little effort--it can be installed in ten minutes. Fitted with a double-brake large winch, it holds 350 feet of usable cable. The boom rotates by 380 degrees; the platform can be loaded on either side up to 9 feet away at full capacity, and up to 20 feet at a capacity of 2,000 pounds. The 20-hp remote or pendant-control self-contained power pack is permanently attached so the operator can observe from a safe location. No disassembly is required for transportation.

The hoist can pick up materials from the front, the back or the end of the platform, depending on the installation. It can be installed at mid-distance of the power lifting modules of the modular platform with a spread of 40 feet.