Network Rail Power Ascender Demonstration
Network Rail Power Ascender Demonstration
REAX and Skylotec recently delivered a hands-on power ascender demonstration day with Network Rail teams at Grateley Station, giving workers the opportunity to test the Skylotec ICX and ACX in realistic climbing and access scenarios.
The goal wasn’t simply to demonstrate the equipment. The day was designed to help teams understand where power ascenders could support real operational challenges across different working environments and how REAX can support that process through training, demonstrations, hire, servicing and operational advice.
What quickly became clear throughout the day was that seeing the equipment in person and getting hands-on with it completely changed the conversation.
The teams were intrigued and they weren’t disappointed.
Hands-On Experience Matters
One of the biggest challenges with introducing new access technology is helping teams understand where it genuinely fits into real-world operations.
Power ascenders are a perfect example of this.
On paper, it’s easy to focus purely on specifications, lifting capacities or battery life. But the real value only becomes obvious once teams interact with the equipment themselves and begin applying it to their own operational challenges.
That’s why we recommend a practical demonstration day, giving your teams the opportunity to properly test the equipment in realistic environments and understand where it can add value to your operations.
Get in touch for a demo↗︎ or email: equipment@reaxltd.com
At Grateley Station, workers from different operational backgrounds had the opportunity to climb with the Skylotec ICX, handle the equipment directly and test how it behaved in realistic conditions.
Rather than simply watching a presentation, teams were encouraged to:
- Operate the equipment themselves
- Manage ropes and positioning
- Move around branches and obstacles
- Test handling and control
- Explore different movement techniques
- Challenge the equipment in realistic ways
Confidence in the device grew quickly once people got their hands on it.
That shift from curiosity to understanding is exactly why practical demonstrations matter.
By the end of the session, conversations had evolved from:
“Why would we use this?”
to:
“Where could this help our teams?”
Real-World Applications Discussed
One of the most valuable parts of the day was hearing operational teams discuss where power ascenders could potentially support their own work environments.
The discussions covered a wide range of use cases, including:
- Embankment access
- Bridges and viaducts
- SRT operations
- Remote access situations
- Difficult-to-reach structures
- Trackside operations
- Rescue and recovery considerations
For many teams, fatigue reduction also became a major talking point.
Traditional rope access and climbing operations can place significant physical demands on workers, particularly during repeated ascents or long-duration access work. Power ascenders can help reduce some of that strain while still allowing teams to maintain control and safe rope management practices.
Importantly, the discussions throughout the day weren’t about replacing rope access skills or simplifying technical work.
Instead, the focus was on enhancing operational capability.
Power ascenders are tools that can support workers by improving efficiency, reducing physical fatigue and allowing personnel to arrive at their work position with more energy available for the task itself.
That operational mindset was something the Network Rail teams quickly recognised.
Putting the ICX Through Its Paces
The demonstration environment itself provided a great opportunity to properly test the Skylotec ICX in realistic climbing conditions.
The teams didn’t hold back.
Workers moved through branches, tested positioning, manipulated the device around obstacles and explored how the ascender behaved during practical movement scenarios.
This was exactly the type of interaction REAX wanted to encourage.
Because the reality is that equipment only proves its value when it’s tested in environments that resemble actual work situations.
The ICX handled the demands of the session extremely well, and the feedback from teams throughout the day was very positive.
The REAX team were also highly impressed with the adaptability and rope handling skills demonstrated by the workers on the day.
Many of the attendees were quickly able to understand:
- Rope positioning
- Device control
- Movement efficiency
- Work positioning considerations
- Safe operational handling
That level of operational thinking created some excellent conversations around future applications and how the technology could integrate into different teams and workflows.
It also reinforced an important point:
Successful implementation of powered access systems relies heavily on training, understanding and operational competence.
That’s why REAX provide ongoing support beyond simply supplying equipment.
Why Demonstration Days Matter
One of the strongest takeaways from the Grateley Station event was how valuable practical demonstration days can be for operational teams.
When workers can physically interact with equipment in realistic conditions, conversations become far more productive and meaningful.
Instead of theoretical discussions, teams begin assessing:
- Workflow integration
- Safety improvements
- Efficiency gains
- Fatigue reduction
- Rescue implications
- Training needs
- Operational practicality
That’s where we add value.
Our role isn’t just supplying equipment. It’s helping teams understand:
- Where power ascenders fit
- How they should be used
- What training is required
- What limitations need to be considered
- How systems can be implemented safely
Need a Power Ascender Demonstration for Your Team?
We provide a complete support package for Skylotec power ascenders, including:
- Skylotec ACX & ICX Training
- Equipment Hire
- Sales & Operational Support
- Equipment Servicing & Inspection
- On-Site Demonstration Days
If your team would benefit from a hands-on demonstration or trial opportunity, get in touch with REAX to discuss how power ascenders could support your operations.
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Looking after your kit
Even the best kit needs regular inspection and servicing. we have a team of fully trained PPE inspectors who can take the worry out of the process. Our servicing team are fully certified to carry out the servicing requirements for many of the leading rescue devices currently on the market.
