The different models of Ability International's Desksurfer may look very similar to the untrained eye, but there is a significant difference that will affect which model best suits your purposes.
The 35 and 42 Desksurfers ultimately perform the same job, that is providing a safe and practical way to work over desks and other fixed obstacles without having to dismantle furniture or rely on improvised access equipment. The major difference is in how they're operated and how many people it takes to safely raise and lower the platform.
Neither model is ‘better’ than the other, so it helps to understand the differences so you can select the version that best suits your working environment, your team and the jobs you carry out every day. Here we take a closer look at both the 35 and 42 models, including the two variations within the 35 series.
The Desksurfer 35 Explained
The Desksurfer 35 is the simpler of the two designs and provides a maximum reach height of 3.5 metres. It is adjusted manually and there is no winch mechanism, with the platform lifted manually between fixed rung positions. Because of that, adjusting the platform height requires two people as one person cannot safely reposition the platform alone.
That doesn't make the 35 less capable. In fact, for organisations carrying out regular low-level maintenance, it can be an excellent solution. Once the platform has been set to the required height, it provides the same stable, guarded working area that the Desksurfer range is known for.
For businesses that routinely work at similar heights, the simplicity of the 35 can actually become one of its biggest strengths. Plus, there are options within the Desksurfer 35 range that further improve its suitability.
Desksurfer 35UM or 35FM?
The Desksurfer 35UM features an upright mast with a removable platform. It is straightforward, robust and ready to use whenever access is required. In contrast, the
Desksurfer 35FM has a folding mast design allowing the mast to be folded flat, making the unit easier to transport and store when space is limited.
This difference may seem pretty minor, but it can make everyday logistics much easier, especially as maintenance teams travelling between multiple sites will appreciate equipment that fits into smaller vans or can be stored without taking up valuable floor space.
The choice is simply between a fixed mast or one designed with portability in mind, as the working principles of the two 35 options are exactly the same.
The Desksurfer 42 Explained
The Desksurfer 42 features a major upgrade on the 35 model in the form of a braked manual winch that raises and lowers the inner mast. With the winch performing the lifting, the Desksurfer 42 only needs one person to adjust the platform height during normal operation. So instead of requiring two people every time the platform height changes, one trained operator can make adjustments quickly before continuing with the task.
For teams managing multiple facilities, the ability for a single person to move quickly between different heights can save a considerable amount of time over the course of a week.
Which Desksurfer Model Is Right For You?
The answer to this question comes down to how you work. So, if your team has two or more people working closely together while regularly performing maintenance at similar heights, then the Desksurfer 35UM model is a practical and dependable choice. You’ll then just need to decide if the better storage and portability of the Desksurfer 35FM variation would be more beneficial.
However, if your maintenance team features members who often work alone and frequently need to alter platform height between jobs, then the Desksurfer 42 offers the necessary flexibility. It’s compact enough to pass through standard doorways and all but the smallest of lifts, while still providing a 150kg safe working load.
Do keep in mind that such equipment stays in service for many years, so investing in the model that best supports your future requirements can prove just as valuable as choosing one that fits your current projects.
Safety First!
Whichever Desksurfer you choose, its safe operation is always the number one priority. Operators should be properly trained and carry out pre-use inspections to ensure the unit is positioned on firm, level ground, with the castor brakes applied before use. Equipment should never be used if damaged or incomplete, and regular inspections should form part of your maintenance programme.
Another word on the Desksurfer 42, and that is that the winch should never be viewed as a shortcut. Likewise, the 35's manual platform adjustment isn't a disadvantage when it's used within the correct procedures, as each model has been designed around safe working practices rather than speed alone.
Ultimately, the best choice is the one that allows your team to carry out work safely, efficiently and consistently every single day. If you're unsure which Desksurfer best suits your workplace, Ability International can help assess your working environment and recommend the model that fits your operational needs.
If you require the manually adjusted Desksurfer 35 or the winch operated Desksurfer 42, contact Ability International for all of your work at height needs.
Image Source: Envato