Heluchain Energy Conveyor Chains Reaching New Heights: Energy Chains for Truck-Mounted Aerial Work Platforms

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Mobile work platforms take people to places that would otherwise often be inaccessible. A reliable power supply for control systems and hydraulics is essential—but it also poses significant challenges due to ever-increasing distances and limited installation space. Market leader Ruthmann relies on robust, high-performance, and pre-assembled energy chains from Helu for this purpose.

Whether it’s maintaining massive wind turbines, performing precise tree trimming over narrow city streets, or cleaning the facades of high-rise buildings: Ruthmann’s aerial work platforms are always in demand when the job gets tough. Their operations take them to places people cannot otherwise reach—to lofty heights and over deep chasms. To ensure that everything functions safely, reliably, and smoothly, these mobile machines must be designed with comprehensive expertise down to the smallest detail and manufactured to strict quality standards.

In this challenging sector, Ruthmann ranks among the most successful and innovative providers on the market—and can draw on a wealth of experience: The company, headquartered in Gescher-Hochmoor, North Rhine-Westphalia, traces its roots back to 1901. Ruthmann developed its first aerial work platform in 1954 under the brand name Steiger, which is still used and recognized today. Since 2021, the specialist has been part of the globally active Time Manufacturing Company, an international group of aerial work platform manufacturers with approximately 2,500 employees, which includes not only Ruthmann but also the brands Versalift, France Elévateur, and Movex.

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Increasing Working Height And Reach

The Steiger series is one of Ruthmann’s flagship products and is widely regarded as synonymous with truck-mounted aerial work platforms. As the product family continues to evolve, milestones are repeatedly achieved that push the boundaries of what was previously possible: “Our largest machines now reach working heights of up to 330 feet and offer outreach of more than 130 feet,” explains design engineer Nico Wessels. Such giants were used, for example, in the restoration of Paris’s Notre-Dame Cathedral, which burned down in 2019. “But we also regularly equip our smaller models with new innovations to further improve their functionality and versatility.”

Most of the aerial work platforms manufactured in Gescher-Hochmoor are more compact models with working heights of around 100 feet. The work platform is mounted on the cargo bed of a 8,000- or 17,000 lb truck. Customers include municipalities, construction and trade companies, energy providers, and commercial vehicle rental firms. “Every aerial work platform features a controllable work basket that can be moved to the desired height and position using a hydraulically driven telescopic boom,” explains Wessels. A stable and fail-safe supply of electrical and hydraulic power is essential for this—after all, users rely on the reliable operation of the work platforms, especially at great heights.

Protection Against Mechanical Stress

The electrical control cables and hydraulic hoses are concealed inside the hollow steel sections of the boom and run all the way to the work basket. To protect them from mechanical stresses such as abrasion and bending and to prevent them from becoming pinched or kinked, they are securely housed in energy chains. These guide the sensitive components in a controlled manner with every movement of the boom, thereby preventing damage that could lead to costly downtime and even safety risks. “For these critical assemblies, we have relied on Helu," reports Wessels. The specialist in electrical connection technology supplies Ruthmann with the required energy chains exactly according to its specifications as a ready-to-connect complete solution, already filled with the appropriate cables and hoses.

The demands placed on the chains are high: maximum stability with minimum weight. “We design our booms to be as light as possible in order to achieve better performance,” explains Wessels. “Of course, the energy management system also plays a role here.” Due to the limited installation space, the chains must also handle tight bending radii—even with unsupported lengths of several meters. They should also be able to withstand temperatures ranging from 0 to 120 °F without issue; after all, the aerial work platforms sold worldwide are used in both freezing cold and tropical heat.

The Ideal Balance of Stability And Weight

Helu provided a tailor-made solution for this demanding application with the Heluchain Plastic Link 4-PK. The form-fitting plastic energy chain impresses with its wide range of applications and is suitable for both long travel distances and high speeds as well as for long unsupported lengths and tight bending radii. Ribs in each link increase lateral stability and contribute to improved guidance of smaller cable diameters. “The chain offers an excellent balance between stability and weight, making it virtually predestined for this application,” emphasizes Helmut Grzybowski, Sales Manager Solutions at Helu and a long-standing contact for Ruthmann.

The cables installed in the energy chains feature an oil-resistant PUR outer jacket and are UL/CSA-certified. This means Ruthmann does not need to differentiate between applications in the European Union and overseas. The system is delivered pre-assembled and only needs to be mounted on the boom and connected—saving valuable time. “Even for repairs and maintenance, we replace the entire assembly instead of individual cables or hoses,” adds Wessels. “It’s simpler, more efficient, and our customers are back in operation faster.” However, the replacement is primarily a precautionary measure due to the hydraulic hoses used; actual damage is rare.

High-Level Delivery Performance

Helu also impressed the decision-makers at Ruthmann with its reliability. “Their delivery performance is consistently high—something that’s far from a given,” says buyer Christoph Dierker. The products they need are usually available on short notice and delivered on time. “And when we do need something new, such as for the further development of one of our models, the dialogue with Helu is always constructive and straightforward,” adds Nico Wessels. “We’re glad to have such a competent partner by our side who provides us with comprehensive support for any questions regarding energy supply.”

HeluChain energy chains have proven themselves in use so far, and this extensive experience is being incorporated into the ongoing optimization of the entire system. That is why Ruthmann is confident that this successful partnership will continue into the future. “We know we can rely on Helu’s quality and service,” Wessels affirms. “And that benefits not only us, but also our customers.”

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