InfraStructures - February 2009 - Terex Acquisition of Hydra Platforms Enables Roadbuilding Segment to Work Closely With the Bridge Industry

Terex Acquisition of Hydra Platforms Enables Roadbuilding Segment to Work Closely With the Bridge Industry

The acquisition of Hydra Platforms Mfg., Inc. by Terex Corporation last April, gives the bridge building and restoration industries more equipment options from a single source. Pairing Hydra Platforms with the well-known Terex® family brand of Bid-Well allows Terex Roadbuilding to offer contractors and departments of transportation the leading line of self-erecting, under-bridge access equipment in addition to bridge pavers, work bridges and texture/curing machines.

“The partnership of Bid-Well and Hydra Platforms creates an incredible value chain for the company and industry,” says Rob Drew, site director for Bid-Well, a Terex Company. “Whether it’s for bridge construction, inspection, repair or utility work, we now offer the industry more equipment solutions for a wider array of applications.”

Used by DOTs, bridge contractors and engineering firms worldwide, Hydra Platforms offers a true platform design throughout the entire line for under-bridge access. The line consists of seven hydraulically operated, self-contained units that offer quick and simple set up. Two trailer-mounted models – the HP 32 and HP 35 – offer platform lengths of 9,8 and 10,7 m, while five truck-mounted units – the HPT 43, HPT 52, HPT 55, HPT 60 and HPT 66 – deliver from 13,1 to 20,0 m platform lengths.

A patented, fully adjustable tower separation system sets Hydra Platforms equipment apart from other units. This exclusive feature incorporates hydraulically adjustable cross linking arms that allow operators to adjust and move the outside tower toward the bridge fascia or extend it over obstacles without repositioning the truck or trailer. This system also uses a crossover access platform with rails, allowing operators to safely access the unit’s tower and under-bridge platform.

The hydraulically erecting platform deploys in five minutes, saving time at the jobsite. Ladder access to the under-bridge platform is fully enclosed inside the tower for unmatched operating safety. All Hydra Platforms models occupy only a single lane to keep traffic closure to a minimum. The truck units are self- propelled on the bridge, allowing operators to reposition the unit directly from the platform.

“By offering quality equipment designed with safety in mind and backing it up with good service, we’ve been able to build Hydra Platforms into a household name,” comments Garth McGillewie, Jr., director of Hydra Platforms. “Being paired with Bid-Well and with the power and recognition of Terex behind us, we look to serve many more customers in the global market.”

Bid-Well, who earlier this year introduced the first-ever bridge paver capable of paving up to 61,0 m, is the leading manufacturer, seller and service provider of bridge and automatic roller concrete paving equipment in the United States. The line consists of the model 2450, 3600 and 4800 bridge pavers; the 5000, 6000 and 7000 model street, highway and airport pavers; the 7000 canal and slope paver; model 2418, 3424, 3430 work bridges; and the TC-360 and TC2400/3600 texture/curing machines.

Source: Terex Corporation