 The ARVA GIRAFFE:
The World's Most Unique Work Platform Finds Home in Boston's Big Dig
St. Thomas, ON January 31, 2002
By Arva Industries
Imagine a work platform that's larger than most swimming pools, rises 23', and carries 20,000 lbs. including 10 workers and rotates 360 degrees and you'll appreciate the uniqueness of the ARVA GIRAFFE.
Two GIRAFFES are at work in the Big Dig in Boston. It was designed so that vehicles could still pass it on both sides in the tunnel. Prior to the GIRAFFE, the infrastructure work was being done using many scissor lifts. This system was limiting in light of the demanding schedules. There had to be a better way. Paul Buco, Project Manager of McCourt Obayashi, and his team, scoured the market for a solution. The only one they found was more of the same: more scissor lifts and more people. This was not acceptable.
Paul called on ARVA Industries of St. Thomas, Ontario the same firm that proved themselves with their Ceiling Module Erector. Fred Smith of ARVA was presented with the problem and the solution framework. The machine had to cover a large area once in place and had to work at various heights from 10' to 23'. McCourt Obayashi needed it to carry many people with tools and materials. The company didn't want another machine, such as a stand-by work platform, to lift people to working heights. And, if that wasn't enough, electric and hydraulics for power work tools had to be available at any height or degree of rotation. Ease of transportation was included in the design criteria. Translation: it had to ship on one low boy which meant that it couldn't be any higher than 13'-6" when loaded nor wider than 10'. Rounding out the specifications was the need to have the machine ready to go to work upon arrival.
In typical fashion, Fred Smith, President of ARVA Industries, told Buco, "We can do it!" Fred and his partner, Vern Eck, sent down drawings of what they had in mind and McCourt Obayashi gave them the go ahead.
The ARVA Engineering team designed the GIRAFFE fulfilling all the restrictions outlined in the solution framework. But ARVA added in more flexibility and versatility by allowing different platform configurations: 17' x 40', 17' x24', or 10' x 24'. Precise placement is available with drive and steering options including 4-wheel crab. The GIRAFFE can be controlled with plug-in controls at either end of the work platform or from the underneath carriage. An optional radio control system is also available. The hydraulically operated, telescopic stairs make access easy anywhere from 10' to 23'.
The first GIRAFFE went from talking to concept to manufacturing to working in the Big Dig in 6 months.
The fire protection people also had similar challenges. This company sprays fire protective foam on the ceiling. They ordered The ARVA GIRAFFE Work Platform to solve their problem.
Today, other companies are looking at the GIRAFFE for bridge repair and maintenance. This machine will help them be more productive and profitable since most departments of transportation are dedicated to performing the right repair at the right time. Other companies are looking to use this innovative work platform in laying wire mesh on ceilings prior to shot-creting in mines and tunnels. The people of ARVA can see their GIRAFFE in building airport terminals, large scale ceiling electrical work, and in spraying and painting large ceilings.
Other designs are in the works including a platform that reaches 39'.
ARVA Industries has been solving productivity and other problems since 1980. This company produces innovative solutions for the military, mining, transportation, utility, and infrastructure industries. ARVA also provides engineering consulting. Companies call on ARVA for hard to find parts. The company also has a thriving business of re-building and repairing all types of cranes. This business unit also re-certifies the cranes it repairs.
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