OneFifty used two Multitel Pagliero articulated truck-mounted platforms to tackle the particular access challenges posed by the structure of the Bristol Planetarium in central Bristol.
The compact dimensions, boom geometry and the articulated jib of the MZ 250s made it possible to reach even the most difficult surfaces with precision, while also reducing interuption times in a busy public area.
A fully reflective curved surface, a geometry that makes access to different parts of the building particularly challenging, and the need to work in a public area in the heart of the city. Cleaning the Bristol Planetarium is a highly specific operation in which the choice of aerial platform plays a key role, not only in reaching the surfaces to be treated, but also in minimising the impact of the work on the surrounding area.
To carry out the job, OneFifty, a UK exterior cleaning company specialising in cleaning and maintenance work at height, used two Multitel MZ 250 articulated truck-mounted platforms simultaneously. Both machines are permanent members of the company’s fleet.
OneFifty was already very familiar with both the building and the operational characteristics of the MZ 250, having previously carried out cleaning work on the structure. Having both machines available at the same time therefore allowed the company to organise the operation even more efficiently, working on several areas and significantly reducing the time spent on site. This was particularly important given the Bristol Planetarium’s location in a busy public space.
A geometry designed for complex access
Mounted on a 3.5-tonne truck with a wheelbase of just 3 metres, the MZ 250 combines compact dimensions and manoeuvrability with a maximum working height of 25.10 metres and a maximum horizontal outreach of 14.35 metres with 80 kg in the basket. With the maximum basket capacity of 250 kg, outreach is 10.35 metres.
More importantly it is the specific boom geometry that makes the MZ 250 particularly suitable for jobs such as the Bristol Planetarium. The articulated boom system, combined with the jib, provides a wide working area and allows the operator to reach over and around obstacles in order to position the basket precisely next to the required surface. The possibility of working below ground level down to -2.5 metres further increases positioning flexibility.
This freedom of movement is further enhanced by the 400° turret rotation and the self-levelling 1.40 x 0.70 metre basket, with 90° + 90° rotation. This combination is especially effective when, as in the case of the Planetarium’s curved surface, the operator must continually adjust position and angle while maintaining the correct distance from the structure.
The compact installation is another major advantage in urban applications. The short wheelbase and limited overall dimensions make it easier to access and position the machine in areas where manoeuvring space is restricted, combining high-level performance with agility on the ground.
A well-established presence in the OneFifty fleet
The use of the two MZ 250s in Bristol confirms the well-established relationship between OneFifty and Multitel UK. The British company currently operates two MZ 250s and one MZ 350 and uses its Multitel platforms whenever the requirements of the job allow.
The first MZ 250 joined OneFifty’s fleet in 2022. The machine’s performance and versatility led to the purchase of a second unit in 2023, while in 2024 the fleet was further expanded with an MZ 350, a 35-metre articulated platform developed according to the same design philosophy as the MZ 250.
“The Bristol Planetarium was a challenging cleaning project because of its shape, mirrored surface, restricted access and busy city-centre location. We own and operate two MZ 250s as well as an MZ 350, and we use our Multitel platforms whenever possible. Their versatility and manoeuvrability make them ideal for working in difficult locations like this, giving us the access we need while keeping disruption to a minimum. Multitel platforms consistently meet most of our access requirements, making them a reliable part of our fleet,” says Andy Morris, Founder ans Director of OneFifty.
The work carried out at the Bristol Planetarium highlights one of the key characteristics that has contributed to the success of the MZ 250 on the UK market: its ability to combine compactness, outreach and articulated boom geometry in a 3.5-tonne platform, making it particularly suitable for cleaning and maintenance work at height in urban environments and around complex architectural structures.
About Multitel Pagliero
Founded in Saluzzo (Cuneo), Italy, in 1911 by the Pagliero brothers, Multitel Pagliero has grown from a small coachbuilding workshop into an internationally recognised industrial company specialising in the design and manufacture of truck-mounted aerial platforms.
With innovation at the heart of its development, the company has been a pioneer in advanced technological solutions, designing safe and efficient machines capable of meeting a wide range of requirements for working at height.
Today, is present in the main international markets with a comprehensive product range and a strong commitment to industrial excellence.
Partener Principal
MATEK Build Smart