Greater stability, less effort

Mobile aluminium access platforms used within the production and servicing of advanced defence systems across land, air, sea, cyber and space applications are an indispensable part of modern manufacturing, assembly and painting processes. They enable flexible and safe access to various work areas yet must simultaneously meet the highest standards in every part of their own construction. However, during practical use at an Australian industrial company, the casters on the platforms previously in use revealed significant weaknesses. Operating the brakes was time-consuming and not intuitive. In addition, noticeable excessive movement in the castor assembly led to reduced platform stability – a critical issue, particularly when working at height. The considerable effort required to manoeuvre the platform, as well as the significant noise generated, also had a major impact on ergonomics, working comfort and efficiency. Against this backdrop, the company turned to No Bolt, a specialist in bespoke aluminium work and access solutions.

Drawing on Blickle’s application expertise, the most suitable castor solution was selected from Blickle’s standard range of more than 30,000 wheels and casters. Precisely matched to the requirements of No Bolt’s mobile platforms, the high-quality swivel casters feature precision-machined swivel heads that reduce play in the system and contribute to noticeably improved platform stability. The solution is complemented by robust, ergonomically optimised braking systems that can be operated quickly, safely and with minimal effort — a decisive advantage in day-to-day handling. Another key component is the low-rolling-resistance tread, which reduces the effort required by staff when moving the platforms, while also improving control during manoeuvring and positioning.

The switch to Blickle casters led to immediately noticeable improvements in day-to-day use. Staff benefit from significantly easier handling and improved ergonomics: the reduced effort required to move the platforms noticeably eases their workload and ensures a more comfortable and, at the same time, safer working environment. Beyond the technical advantages, the solution also proved its worth in the long term. Blickle’s high product quality, reliable delivery performance and four-year warranty provide additional investment security and contribute to stable, reliable processes over the life of the platform. For No Bolt, the casters play a far more important role than is often assumed: “casters on a platform are a bit like shoes to an athlete. They are often overlooked in our industry, yet Blickle offers a highly engineered range designed for demanding applications where reliability, materials handling performance, and long-term durability matter. After all, you wouldn’t run a marathon in just any old pair of shoes,” explains Will Collie of No Bolt.