New Products

Scaffolding system brings key gains to contractors

The world’s largest system scaffolding manufacturer, Layher, is launching the next generation of its highly successful Allround® scaffolding system into the UK market.  

The introduction of Layher Allround® Lightweight (LW) combines proven performance with key benefits – ranging from lower weight and enhanced load bearing capacity, to an innovative ‘AutoLock Wedge-Head®’ function which, says the company, will provide greater safety and speed during both erection and use.

The introduction of the new system into the market in this country follows its debut at the recent Bauma Exhibition in Munich, where Layher exhibited some 30 new product developments and innovations.  The system met with widespread acclaim, not least because it offers clear advantages to both scaffolding companies and workers alike. 

“On its introduction in 1974, Layher Allround® was immediately recognised as a major leap forward in the industry,” comments Layher’s UK Managing Director, Sean Pike.  “Centred on the versatility and strength of the Allround® rosette connector system, it has long been acknowledged for its strength, safety and effectiveness in use.  Now, we believe this latest development builds on this track record and offers additional advantages that will be recognised by everybody in the field.”

The new Layher Allround® LW system includes both standards and a choice of ledgers and transoms – all of which have been developed with the benefit of a €10 million investment into research and the manufacturing plant at Layher’s production facility in Germany.  At its heart is the use of special high grade tensile steel which, in turn, has allowed wall thicknesses to be reduced from 3.2mm to 2.8mm with a consequent reduction in weight, yet with no compromise to component strength.  Indeed, the strength of some components has actually increased.

“The standards are a prime example of the new approach as they are now formed from a single forged piece rather than comprising two components crimped together,” explains Sean Pike.  “This means even greater load bearing and a tighter connection with the option of pinning joints at either 90° or 180° a further key factor.  Importantly, the same standards can now be used for both supported and suspended structures with no separate spigots required.  This minimises the number of differing components needed, not only saving time, but also money.”

The Layher Allround® LW design also features an option of either O- or U-transoms – both of which gain from a greater bending moment.  Again, weight savings arise from the thinner wall thickness, while the increased strength also means that the 0.73, 1.09 and 1.4m U-transoms do not require reinforcement and are thus 25% lighter.  Another, patented, unique design feature is the new reinforced, high tensile 1.57, 2.07, 2.57 and 3.07m U-transoms.  These offer 100mm of additional head room when compared to existing U-bridging transoms – essential on large base-size structures or on multi-level decked birdcages.  In the case of the O-ledgers, weight savings of up to 1.6kgs are realised, yet with an increase in bearing stress capacity of 24%.

“The AutoLock Wedge-Head® function is a further key feature of the new Layher Allround® LW design,” continues Sean Pike.  “The wedge is now angled forward before connection which means it descends automatically into the rosette as it comes into contact with the standard, placing it in a safe, positive position for final fixing.  This method means that scaffold erection can now be easily achieved by one installer rather than two – optimising manpower usage – while, significantly, the new design also delivers an increase in load bearing capacity.”  He also points out that factors such as these will make it easier for contractors to distinguish the genuine Layher product from so-called ‘look-alike’ alternatives.

Apart from the benefits that these developments bring to both erection procedures and the use of the scaffolding, the company also highlights other key advantages of the Layher Allround® LW system.  These range from markedly reduced erection time – Layher can show a saving of over 10% for a typical birdcage structure – to more effective transportation resulting from the lighter weight of the components.   “A reduction in transportation weight of up to 13% can be demonstrated which, given that 80% of scaffolding costs are related to loading, unloading and erection, can add up to a significant saving,” adds Sean Pike.  

In the long term, he points out, the easier handling that this weight saving produces can also have a dramatic input on scaffolders’ well-being.  “A MAP report in 2012, undertaken for the insurance sector, which looked at professions with men with high rates of ‘incapacity’ (occupational disability), saw scaffolders at the top of the rankings with 52%,” he says, “so any reduction in weight or simplification in handling will clearly have a beneficial impact.”  

The benefits of the new system are endorsed by family shareholder, Georg Layher – 

“We believe that the Layher Allround® LW system – which is fully compatible with our existing Allround® design – not only brings significant benefits to users, but also acts as an excellent demonstration of our commitment to innovation and progress,” he says.  “Our major investment in both the design and manufacturing equipment associated with the new system is a direct result of our emphasis on the importance of research and development.  Significantly, this has included close co-operation with our steel suppliers to achieve the optimum material specification. 

“This is an important step forward for both Layher and our customers who, we believe, will enjoy an enhanced competitive edge.  It is also one which endorses our commitment to creating ‘More Possibilities’, and will enhance our continuing success in the markets that we serve worldwide,” concludes Georg Layher.

For further information visit www.layher.co.uk