Hello everyone.

My friend was at a site earlier and noticed this MEWP with what appears pantograph on the boom.

He has asked me why and I have no idea.

I would have thought that a MEWP would be worked within a possession which an isolation.

Anyone help me please?

Possibly to ensure they are earthed, even though the OHLE is isolated.

On a similar vein, I believe Eurotunnel are getting some new battery locos that will have a pantograph for the reasons stated. (They are to replace the 0031-0042 series locos).

Hope that helps.

Thank you Maff, appreciated.

My understanding is that Rail Products, Neotec and Platform MEWPS can all now be supplied with an optional pantograph. These digitally record height and stagger of OHLE rather than drawing power from overhead lines. I understand that theoretically, at least some of the these can be swopped between individual machines but from what I have seen, the same machines tend to have these pantographs fitted at all times.

This photo clearly shows one fitted - https://www.ontrackplant.com/photo/txm-7112-99709-912183-9-1

As Nick says, the pantographs are for recording the height and staggers of the overheads only, they are non operational.