The features of the Ferrellel system are a scissors lift and a variable height feature that allows the deck to change height in seconds with no loose legs. The operator reaches under each end, squeezes the lock-pin lever, and raises or lowers the deck to 16, 24, 32, or 40 inches. Quick lock extrusions connect decks together fast with no bolts or screws. One end can be locked higher than the other to produce a ramp. Strong and solid, Ferrellels are engineered to support 160 pounds live load per square foot. The understructure is all-aluminum with no welded joints. The enclosed base provides exceptional stability and distributes weight over a large footprint.
Figure 158 Ferrellel.
UVA F.A.C.T.
When pushing the dolly, watch the actor with your peripheral vision. Look at your stop marks and watch the camera operator.
I have used Ferrellels since I first learned of their existence. It is the Swiss Army knife of tables, platforms, and portable stages. It is super quick to assemble, relatively inexpensive if you consider the time, material, and personnel it takes to build a riser or stage from scratch. If you are smart, and I know you are, use Ferrellels. You will look like a million-dollar technician. It’s the top gun for fast location work.
The combination of features in Steeldeck, as with all systems, represents a compromise between the properties we want a unit to possess—strength, ease of use, portability, versatility—and what is possible in light of constraints such as material and cost. What follows is a list of the main features required of a modular staging system and examples of the advantages of Steeldeck in each area. Priority among these features often depends on the requirements of the customer, so this is not intended to be a definitive order. Some features are relevant to most users most of the time.
Figure 159 Steeldeck.
UVA F.A.C.T.
Have production put ice in actors‘ mouths before they speak; it prevents steam from coming from the mouth for a few moments.
FEATURES OF STEELDECK
Price
Unit prices are very competitive.
4′ × 8′ Steeldeck is less expensive than metric-size decks.
Strength and Weight
Steeldeck achieves a very good strength-to-weight ratio.
A 4′ × 8′ deck weighs only 140 pounds (63 kilograms) and supports an evenly distributed load of more than 6,000 pounds (2,700 kilograms)
Ease of Use
To set up a Steeldeck all the operator has to do is insert the legs, tighten the bolts, and stand the deck up.
The only tool needed is a wrench.
Simple assembly means lower set up and tear down times and costs.
For example, a 40′ × 80′ stage can be set up by four workers in 4 hours.
Versatility
Modular design means stages can be erected in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Stage height can be changed by means of simply changing legs.
Flat platforms, tiers, or ramps can be made from the same standard units.
It is common for customers to ask about alternative deck styles or features as part of their assessment of products. Most such questions are easy to answer. What follow are a few points about alternatives and their relation to Steeldeck. Steeldeck is not suitable in every case.
Steel or aluminum? Steel is less expensive than aluminum. Steel is far stronger than aluminum, but it is heavier. Because the frame constitutes only half the weight of the Steeldeck (the other half is plywood), the difference is less than might be imagined. Aluminum is much weaker than steel. To build an aluminum structure of reasonable strength, one must increase the volume of material used, in the frame or with braces. This erodes the weight advantage and leads to higher costs. Steel is extremely durable, but aluminum deforms easily. Steel is easier and therefore less expensive to weld. A deck made from steel is less likely to be damaged than one made from aluminum. Even if it is damaged, a steel deck is relatively inexpensive to repair.
Which legs? Steeldeck has legs of standard 1½-inch schedule 40 pipe. This has several benefits. Because they are made from standard products, the legs are less expensive than proprietary-brand legs, are stronger, and are readily available.
The steel construction means Steeldecks have a very long life. The nononsense design leaves almost nothing to break or give out with wear. Because Steeldeck is durable, maintenance costs are extremely low. Because they are made from standard materials, tops and legs are easy and economical to replace or change. The use of steel rather than aluminum for the frame allows inexpensive repair should damage occur.
Accessories include stair units, handrails, soft and hard fascias, and a range of casters, couplers, and other accessories. Special items can be manufactured to order.
Steeldecks stack conveniently, and are easy to move with a forklift. They can be stored flat or on edge. The legs can be stored easily. Customized leg racks are available with or without casters. Casters can quickly transform a deck into a trolley. A ratchet strap holds the stack tight, and one person can push them into position.
Triangles, curves, and other shapes can be made to order. Tops are sold with a plain plywood finish, but almost anything is possible, such as flat or nonslip floor paint, phenol resin carpet, vinyl, clear sealant, or even steel mesh in place of plywood.
MIKE’S NOTE: Two words—almost bullet proof—well, three words.