Versatile cleaning machine gets a flying start at Stansted
January 1st 2006

A new ride-on sweeper scrubber dryer from Nilfisk-ALTO is off to a flying start at London Stansted Airport, where it is keeping a big aircraft maintenance hangar spotless

The LPG-powered A TS 46 operates in and around the six bays where engineering staff of SR Technics UK look after narrowbody Airbus and Boeing aircraft. With its 1524rnrn sweeping path and 1170mm scrubbing path, the machine can clean up to 9360sq.m an hour, travelling at 8km/h.

SR Technics UK facilities manager, Dave Griffiths, says: "Aircraft Maintenance is the basis of flight safety, so clean working conditions are essential in the hangar. The new ATS 46 enables us to maintain a high standard of routine cleanliness - and to deal quickly and efficiently with special floor cleaning needs."

The ATS 46 is a versatile machine that can operate as a sweeper or a scrubber dryer - or both functions at the same time. Designed for highly productive cleaning, it is easy to operate and highly manoeuvrable. Its 283 litre hopper for swept dirt and 265 litre solution and recovery tanks permit generous operating cycles in most environments. Nilfisk-ALTO's AccuTrack squeegee system ensures that the machine leaves only a clean, dry trail behind it.

There is a choice of power sources for the ATS 46: 63hp petrol/LPG, 37hp diesel or 36V battery. A similarly powered variant - the ATS 53 - offers a wider cleaning path, enabling this machine to cover up to 10 800sq.m an hour.

The SR Technics UK machine was supplied by Nilfisk-ALTO agent, Trafalgar Cleaning Equipment. Nigel Edgington, Trafalgar Sales Manager, says the ATS 46 is well suited for its role at Stansted. "It is a robust and fast performer, delivering an excellent finish over large areas," he says. "Nilfisk-ALTO is one of the few manufacturers with a machine of this class."

Trafalgar, based at Horsham, distributes and supports a wide range of cleaning machinery across the UK and Ireland. It also manufactures specialised machines for local and export markets. It had previously supplied a smaller scrubber dryer to SR Technics UK, for use at London Gatwick. SR Technics UK is part of the world's largest independent provider of engineering solutions for airlines and other aviation companies. The Diamond Hangar at Stansted is 24 672sq.m and the main UK facility. SR Technics UK also has a component repair facilty in Spain, a component distribution facility at London Heathrow, and a network of more than 25 line stations throughout the UK, Scandinavia and mainland Europe.

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