Aspen launches lightweight bridge inspection unit

US manufacturer Aspen Aerials has launched a new, lightweight, bridge inspection unit. The Aspen B-32 comes on a lightweight truck so that it can be used on weight-restricted bridges.

As the vehicle is less than 26,000 lb (11.7 tonnes), the B-32 can also be driven on a standard driving license, rather than a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

Standard features include two turntables, three booms and a hydraulic platform extension.

Set-up operation and system monitoring can be done from inside the truck cab. A Graphical Terminal Interface, including a colour display showing unit operation and individual function performance, monitors the unit’s parameters, hydraulics and enables simple troubleshooting.

Two rotating turntables plus multiple articulating booms allow the inspectors to deploy off either side of the truck. Turntable 2 also comes equipped with a hydraulic levelling system.

The Aspen B-32 has also been designed to work overhead. With boom 1 in its upward position, the other booms can clear the group and full overhead reach can be obtained.

The two-man, 450 lb (204 kg) capacity platform is equipped with a hydraulic vertical extension allowing engineers to move easily up into tight areas for a close up inspection.