Concrete skips are a key piece of equipment on most building sites and one of the many products that Gough Engineering builds for the construction industry. Gough Engineering builds two basic types, the most common is the Banana skip which is idea for working on a construction site where concrete is required to be directed while being placed or placed close to a wall. The other type of skip is a bottom discharge type which shares similar construction and features as the banana skip. This type is suited to the prefabrication of concrete products and can be loaded in the vertical or horizontal position.
The lifting frame is position about the centre of gravity of the load so that the concrete flows easily once the control gate is opened. The construction of both sections of the skip are round with the lower section of the Banana skip being a oblique cone. What this means is that while the construction appears to be more complex that a square sided skip it is easier to keep clean and wear does not affect the strength of the skip as the welded joints are at a minimum.
The most notable use of a Gough Engineering Banana skip was on the Otira Viaduct Project when the skip was suspended from a helicopter to build the support columns, as well one was recently supplied for work on the Cooks Island.
Banana skip can be supplied in three sizes 0.53, 1m3 and 2m3 capacity. The skip is mounted on a frame that provides stability while loading, the lifting frame is positioned about the centre of gravity of the load.
The release gate can be controlled from the rear or front of the skip and has a lock to prevent accidental discharge.
Bottom discharge skips can be supplied in two sizes 1m3 and 2m3 capacity.
The skip can be loaded in the vertical or horizontal position, this is useful in situations where the mixer discharge height is low.
The discharge from the skip is vertical which make this skip suitable for low slump concrete mix used in the pre-fabrication industry.
