Hydraulics & Pneumatics June 2022

HYDRAULICS 26 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS June 2022 www.hpmag.co.uk a camera mount, which would automatically self-level whilst moving the base regardless of terrain. He knew it must be possible, but didn’t pursue it further, simply not knowing who to turn to. “I didn’t know where to start and thought it would be too complicated and way too expensive to make it a reality,” he reflects. Chance encounter One weekend while staying with his family in the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire, Croome had a chance encounter. Holidaying in the same area was Mark Tonks, managing director of Hydraulics Online. The two families’ children had been playing together for most of the day and so the ‘grown-ups’ struck up their own conversations. Oblivious to Tonks’ background, Croome talked about his work as a TV broadcaster and his need for a hydraulic system to solve his manual rigging dilemma. Tonks then naturally introduced Hydraulics Online – explaining how the company specialises in custom-made hydraulic system design. The first prototype Discussions continued to the technical specifications; Tonks gave an idea of cost – which was happily within budget – and arrangements were made for Tonks to see the camera jib in action so that a prototype system could be designed. Back at the office, Tonks turned his focus to a similar self-levelling hydraulic system used within the leisure industry as a starting point for Croome’s design and began work on a software programming solution. A few weeks after placing his confirmed order, Croome’s prototype system was built and ready to be put through its paces filming on BBC Springwatch. Croome comments: “The prototype gator hydraulic mount has worked a treat – keeping the jib level as we repositioned across some pretty uneven ground, then allowing us to raise and lower the jib depending on the shot. It’s back to the engineers for some minor tweaks then back in action in a few weeks.” Only a few minor adjustments were needed to the mercury switches to stop a minor tremble and then the new self- levelling hydraulic mount system was signed off, sealed and delivered. Unique design According to Tonks, the new hydraulically operated mount is a unique design for this type of application, which allows for an auto in-motion self-levelling and height adjusting manoeuvre – all remotely controlled via a panel. The strictest of safety measures have also been taken into consideration with weight distributed over five cylinders. Croome concludes: “We are really happy with our new camera mount from Hydraulics Online. They clearly know their stuff and have created a product which way exceeds all our expectations in terms of functionality and cost. The automatic self-levelling and height adjusting system is now saving us considerable time on each set and it makes the whole experience less stressful too.” www.hydraulicsonline.com