telecom-cell-tower-access

Telecom Cell Tower Access

Case Study:

How to Weld Six Cell Antennas Onto a 150-Foot Water Tower from Just Two Ground Setups

What was the challenge?

An international tower installations and maintenance provider reached out to Alpha Platforms to hire an aerial platform to replace broken cell antennas with new ones and weld them to the 150-foot water tower. Previously, the company used ropes, Sunbelt, United Rentals, or local crane companies. Alpha Platforms competed with a 150-foot JLG for this job.

The challenge was getting full access around the entire tank to install antennas with room in the cage for two welders, welding equipment, and antennas (old and new) while welding safely.

The generous size of our lift cage, the cage's electric power for the welding machine, the overall value offered by operated rentals, and Alpha Platforms' all-inclusive service convinced the client to give us a try.


What was the solution?

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To reach the 150-foot tower, Alpha Platforms deployed its A-175 truck-mounted aerial platform with a full-time trained IPAF-certified operator. The operator delivered the platform straight to the job site by 7 am on the scheduled day, set it up in just 15 minutes, and invited the welding crew in the basket.
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Alpha's team helped the welders with safe setup and cage protection by purchasing and using welding blankets around the basket, which sped up the antenna replacement process and protected the lift's cage. Two welders placed all their welding equipment, antennas, and welding blankets into Alpha's 12-foot-wide, 1,320-pound load capacity basket.
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The specs of our state-of-the-art A-175 lift:
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What was the outcome?

To access hard-to-reach places, Alpha's professional operator maneuvered the lift all day as the project progressed, getting the lift in areas quicker than with a standard JLG lift. Our lifts do not require as much movement around the site to reach multiple access points as the standard JLGs, thus minimizing the risk of damage to the antennas. Due to Alpha Platforms lifts' unique "up and over" maneuverability, the entire project was completed from just two setup locations next to the tower.

As a result of using more sophisticated equipment and a professional operator provided by Alpha, the client cut the planned work time by 1.5 days.

The welders were impressed by the lift's smooth and fast movement and the feeling of the basket's extreme stability, providing an overall safe experience without breaking or hitting any antennas during replacement while accessing the tower's entire perimeter.

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Our precise German-made lifts have become the height access method of choice for those who try them, as they combine unmatched productivity, safety, and reach.
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Notable 175 Foot Boom Lift Capabilities
  • 12-foot extra large cage
  • 1,322 lbs lifting capacity for crew, equipment, and materials
  • Side reach up to 130 feet
  • Jib length 31’6’’
  • Parking in tight spaces 8’6’’ wide
  • Cage rotation 2 x 80°

Customer Testimonials
from Case Studies

Carlos Honorio Jr.
Honorio Designs
Architecture,
PLLC

Great experience! First time on the 300 foot boom for a Local Law Facade Inspection. Vadim, the operator, was in complete control of the equipment and made the whole process smooth. Flagmen secured the area below and allowed my Client to operate their hotel without any disturbance. Honorio Designs Architecture, PLLC

Brian Rosado Hernández
The Telecom Company Foreman

Excellent service, arriving on time every day, responsible with the load limit, very attentive to the lubrication and controls of the crane.

Thomas Inciarte
Telecom Company Representative

Excellent team working with us, always willing to do anything for the best

Jon
The Signage Company Owner

It was a pleasure to work with Alpha Platforms, the crew was skilled and helpful, the equipment was top-notch. Our installers appreciated the security of the platform vs working off of a swing stage, it made their job easier and more efficient. From the first meeting thru to the end of the work day everything ran as smoothly as it could. We will definitely be partnering with Alpha Platforms on future projects. Thank you for your help!

Ryan Hughes

I had an emergency project on a 140' high voltage tower and needed Alpha Platforms next day. They were so helpful and expedient walking me through the entire process so I was comfortable with the deal. They showed up to my site next day and cut about 2 days off of the project due to the safety, speed and efficiency of their lift and operators. I'll never rent or hire another lift company. I would recommend Alpha platforms for all your high reach needs.

Liz Jones

Jon told me that it was a pleasure to work with Alpha Platforms, the crew was skilled and helpful, the equipment was top notch. Our installers appreciated the security of the platform vs working off of a swing stage, it made their job easier and more efficient. From first meeting thru to the end of the work day everything ran as smoothly as it could. City Sign Service, Inc. will definitely be partnering with Alpha Platforms on future projects.

Justin N.
President

That is a fine piece of equipment! And the competent, professional group that goes along with it is just the cherry on top. I really appreciate everything. I'm sure we'll be able to use Alpha again in the future as we get these opportunities. In fact, it will only help our business knowing we have a safe, reliable solution to these over 50‘ height challenges.

Byron Nivelo

We had an exceptional experience with Alpha! They are professionals, great operator team. Overall reliable, recommended will certainly return for my future needs hands down.

Nick Muhlon

My company used alpha lifts to clean a 14 floor building and they were great. Very accommodating, always on time, and will work with you to get the job done safe and sound. The lifts they provide are state of the art and can pretty much reach any low rise building under 250 feet. I’d recommend them to anyone doing window cleaning or facade cleaning, or anything king of height access work!

Mike P.
Building restoration services family business owner

We wanted to give it a try and see what this boom truck could do. We loved the idea of a wide basket that could reach up to 30 feet and get to the brick wall over the roof. The main reason we loved the truck was how it maneuvered the boom to lower the bricks inside a dumpster, which was located behind the truck. It saved us at least one extra day of work. It all went great.

Jason A.
Director of operations, family-owned regional electrical services provider

Alpha has the most efficient and leanest site setup time I’ve ever seen. My brother, who is the top climber of our group, first struggled to understand how this cage could go around the tower better than the crane - and when it did the whole 360°, he became a believer. Also, each laborer said how incredibly safe they felt - very different from the small crane basket. We were able to secure and push back the panels in place without the basket ever moving.

Joseph A.
Head stone mason, national cathedral

The project was performed successfully, and we were really glad to have contactless means of reaching the building, as we all know that pipe scaffold might damage the structure, in this case, very very sensitive.

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