66
PRODUCTS AERIALPLATFORMS
IRN JUNE 2014
QUALITY.
Many are cheaper -
none are better.
©MartinHahn / Fotolia.com
Bungay, business development manager of podium
manufacturer Youngman. “There was a substantial
uptake, but then the industry realised youhad tobe
just as competent and trained in this equipment as
with a podium. Therefore that peak has come and
gone.
“However it did kick start the micro powered
access sector, which is now big. But I do not think it
will take over from podiums.” Although, he adds, “I
do see a move away from stepladders. The Work at
Height Regulations has seen a reduction in ladders
and amove to low level accesswithguardrails.”
Power Towers introduced its non-powered Picolift
vertical mast last year and the response so far has
been has been impressive, with 1000 units bought
by the UK’s Nationwide Platforms and 1000 going to
Hire Station. The Pecolift is a 3.5 mworking height
pusharoundwith a patented storedpowered system
that enables the operator to wind the platform up
and down easily. Safeworking load is 150 kg for one
person and tools.
The Pecolift looks to be spreading its wings with
interest from DK Rentals in Belgium, a subsidiary of
Nationwide owner Lavendon Group. There is also
potential frombig contracts in theMiddle East.
Hybrid Access Platform is the UK and Ireland
distributor for CustomEquipment’spoweredHy-Brid
machines. The HB-P 3.6, HB-P 4.5 and the HB-P 5.0
pusharound models, a 5 m working height model,
being the company’s latest launch. It says the
product allows it to target customers it was finding
difficult to get, i.e. medium sized rental companies
that want a one-size fits all machine.
The machines are desirable for those wanting
height under 19 ft (5.8 m) and are looking to take
market share from podiums, towers and taller
scissors. “If you have a 19 ft (5.8 m) machine you
have a genuine chance of crushing. If you have a
12 ft (3.7m) machine that’smore appropriate to the
worksite, then it reduces thechanceof crushingand
that’s beginning to come on to the radar of health
and safety,” said aHybridAccess Power spokesman.
Earlier this year Bravi launched the Sprint, an
update of its longstanding powered low level Caddy
vertical mast. It’s aimed at the retail, housing and
industrial markets and is sold through material
handling dealers, such as forklift dealers. Last year
at material handling exhibition ProMat exhibition
in Chicago, sales manager Marina Torres said there
were more than 300 leads for the Caddy. “So we
decided to restyle it for that market. The UK and
US are now our biggest markets, with the material
handling sector growing 10%, maybe even 20%.”
To demonstrate the US’s mounting interest in low
level access, JLG has introduced the LiftPod FT140,
initiallyaimedat theUSmarket. Topping the LiftPod
range, it offers a platform height if 14 ft (4.3m) and
a 20 ft (6.1m) workingheight.
It is designed as an alternative to ladders and
scaffolding and, when disassembled, it fits in the
back of a pickup truck, van, or SUV.
The FT140 is powered by a new dual 36V lithium-
ion battery system and has a work tray holding up
to 33 lbs (15 kg) of tools andmaterials, with a total
platform capacity of 330 lbs (150 kg).
“The JLG FT140 offers an affordable AWP solution
to workplace height challenges, especially when
compared to traditional access lifts,” said Randy
Marzicola, JLG Industries director of channel
development.
IRN
MEC’s 6092RT is the largest scissor to be
manufactured inNorth America.
Bravi recently launched the Sprint, an update
of its longstanding Caddy vertical mast.
