Skyjack assists with whale fossil

Skyjack recently partnered with Ontario-based Ontario Rental Supply (ORS) to donate an aerial work platform to the Aquatarium, a nonprofit based in Brockville, Ontario, Canada.

The Aquatarium, an experiential learning center featuring fish and other aquatic animals and plants set to open in the fall of 2015, received the SJ16 vertical mast lift as part of Skyjack’s 30 FOR 30 PARTNERS campaign, which celebrates the company’s 30th business anniversary.

“The SJ16 was ideal for helping at the Aquatarium because of its size,” said Bill Rogerson, executive director, the Aquatarium. “We are using it to install light fixtures, wiring and audio visual equipment. Once we open, it’ll be used to help maintain those technologies and a lot of it is mounted at 19 feet (5.8 m) high, so it will come in very handy.”

Whale of a time

One of the most interesting projects the SJ16 helped with was mounting a Beluga whale fossil at 19 feet (5.8 m) in the Creation area, which highlights how the nearby St. Lawrence River has saltwater origins. More than 10,000 years ago, Beluga whale could be found just 50 miles (80 km) away from Brockville’s shores, according to Rogerson.

“From my perspective Skyjacks are like the Kleenex of the aerial work platform world. When you want a tissue you ask for a Kleenex, when you need scissor lifts, you ask for Skyjack, so it was a pretty easy choice for us to lease one in the past,” Rogerson said. “Now we are grateful to own one because we’ll have flexibility to use the SJ16 whenever and wherever we want. Plus, I’m sure it will result in cost savings in the future.”

The vertical mast lift has a working height of 21 feet, 7 inches (6.58 m) and maximum weight capacity of 500 pounds (227 kg). It also offers a lightweight design that provides operators with low ground pressure and floor loading, a zero-degree inside turning radius and a traversing platform for added reach.

Compact but mighty

“We have a busy exhibit space and having the SJ16, which is easy to maneuver, and the fact that we can cantilever the platform over some areas is extra helpful,” Rogerson said. “Another huge bonus is that we can fit it in the elevator. While the bulk of the installations are on the third floor, we’ll need to use it on the first floor as well.”

The Aquatarium, which aims to inspire curiosity in the 1,000 islands of the Ontario region, expects to attract between 40,000 to 50,000 visitors a year.

ORS matched Skyjack’s contribution and helped deliver the SJ16 to the Aquatarium. Headquartered in Ottawa, ORS also has a branch in Brockville. The company has over 100 years of combined construction equipment rental and business management experience.

“Like Skyjack, we believe in giving back to the communities that have supported us,” said Pat Kelahear, general manager at ORS Rents. “We are happy to be a partner with Skyjack on such a good cause and look forward to the Aquatarium opening in Brockville in fall.”