Johnston compact sweeper rises to clean-up challenge

VTM, Johnston Sweepers’ distributor in Holland, was set an unusual challenge recently, which has led to the sale of a specially modified CN 200 compact sweeper to Heijting.

Heijting had been asked by Electrabel, a Suez company, for a solution for cleaning out ships delivering coal to a Dutch power station.  Once the coal is unloaded it leaves a black, dusty residue which, until now, has been cleaned up with a Bobcat mini wheel loader, assisted by several people with manual brooms – a process which takes ninety minutes. 

In response to the challenge to improve on this, VTM sent in a Johnston Compact 40 to demonstrate how a sweeper could speed up the clean-up process.  The biggest logistical problem was getting the sweeper into the ship, but this problem was soon overcome with the aid of a telescopic crane, and the result was that the whole ship was cleaned up in just 20 minutes!

Following further successful tests, Electrabel awarded Heijting a 5 year contract to clean all their coal boats in Nijmegen harbour, and a brand new Johnston CN200 has now been delivered through VTM to fulfil the contract.

The new sweeper needed one special modification, however - tow hooks fitted to each side to assist with the craning!

For more information contact Joyce Hack – Marketing Communications:   Tel: 01306 884722.