Hitachi Valve Access Platform

An exercise in collaboration

Our CDEC Process of Consultation, Design, Engineering and Construction services was implemented for this project. See how the project turned out to be.

The Challenge

A major iron ore company located in the Pilbara was using a Hitachi EX5600 Excavator shovel. Behind the shovel were hydraulic valve points that needed to be accessed for maintenance. There was a 1.8 meter space from the ground to the valve points which made them difficult to access. To solve this problem, an access platform was required.

The Consultation

The client had worked with Bend-tech on other projects and approached them knowing the expertise they would provide. A consultant from Bend-tech attended the site to review the issue more closely and discuss solutions. It was decided to design a custom mobile platform which could be safely and easily moved around. This was designed with 8 steps with non-slip treading, removable safety handrails and a self-closing gate..

The Design

Below are some of the initial designs drawn on site for the solution Bend-tech and the client were working towards. Following the site visit, 3d render drawings were done and sent to the client.


They then asked for the ladder design to be changed to a fixed top hinge with a 3 section top ladder and 2 section lower ladder that folded back onto the front deck so it was re-designed.

The Engineering

Following the design approval from the client, the project was moved into engineering where the design was tested to ensure structural integrity and that it met Australian standards. During this phase, the platform design underwent a finite element analysis which is a computerized method that predicts how a product reacts to physical forces such as vibration and heat. Specifically tested was safe working load limits.

The Outcome

Once the engineering certification was signed off, the platform was put into production. Using local expertise and their own bending and fabrication facilities, Bend-tech built the platform to meet Australian engineering and safety standards. The platform was delivered in a short space of time to accommodate for a scheduled shutdown.