The differences in water fed poles

(This is an article published in the window cleaning feature of the March ‘09 issue of ‘Cleaning Matters’).

The type and differences in water fed poles related to price is fairly pronounced. What to buy is still a big question for most companies intending to purchase poles. In the past there has been a leaning towards composite and carbon fibre with the emphasis on lightness. However, not all is how it seems.

Few manufacturers are going to expound too much about the ‘detail’ of their products. Therefore, decisions tend to be based on what is produced in literature and the outcome of the occasional demonstration. Unless one has firsthand experience of a particular pole it is difficult to recommend what to buy and it is surprising that some cheaper alternatives are often discounted for reasons that are often misinformed.

Aluminium poles, such as the historical Tucker® pole, have been criticised from the outset. This has been partly due to the clamping system rather than the pole material. Aluminium poles tend to be cheaper but not all offer value for money. The grade of aluminium is important. Generally aluminium flexes well. This can be an advantage as a downward movement will create a bend in the pole which gives a self momentum return or ‘bounce’ which propels the pole skywards without too much arm movement being necessary. It is surprisingly light and those who have had an aluminium pole placed in their hands, often at an exhibition, have been staggered how light the material actually is, with a relative small diameter which assists grip. If you are at the Cleaning Show, this year, visit the Aquafactors stand (F48) and see their UK manufactured pole for yourself.

Composite poles have generally given way to the lighter carbon fibre alternatives. There is a proliferation of choice, but not all match up to the reputation of lightness and stability that is required by poles at higher levels. Carbon fibre materials vary considerably as we found when developing the ‘Aspire’ pole. There are differences in material blend, thickness and type. The way the material is wound and finished is also critical to weight, strength and rigidity. A carbon fibre pole will always have a larger diameter. In general most carbon fibre poles are lighter and remain stiffer and more controllable at height.

We believe that aluminium still has an important place in water fed pole technology. There is no difference in performance up to 11 metres (35’) between the two types of pole. However, aluminium poles can be half the price of carbon fibre. It is at higher levels that carbon fibre comes into its own. It is more manageable and easier to use up to heights of 19 metres (60’). As in any industry ‘you get what you pay for’ and Aquafactors firmly believes, that in a business where safety goes hand in hand with good results, the advice is do not skimp on price when buying the right tool for the job.