VERTICAL MASTS
18
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INTERNATIONAL
JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2014
“load capacity is a big issue in markets with
load sensing in particular - having sufficient
capacity is important to get the right amount
of operators and tools up to the worksite with
you. So, Platform size and capacity are gaining
importance in all mature markets.”
At the more compact end there are also
challenges. Ms Engstrom, comments, “As more
and more ladders are being removed due to
regulations or jobsite requirements, customers
are looking for safe access at lower heights.
Customers are looking for compact machines
that can be easily transported and setup by one
person. These lifts are used for maintenance
and light duty construction and need to be
simple to use in a variety of applications.
Expanding applications
As mentioned, masts are finding more
applications. Ms Torras Xalma says most
of ATN’s products are currently used in
maintenance in buildings, warehouses,
shopping centres and other stores. “But we
receive new applications and demands, for
example, using PIAF machines in cold stores
thanks to their fully hydraulic concept and
translation system, or in the case of PIAF, on
tracks, used for pruning trees.”
Ms Engstrom expands on that point.
“Customers and end users are becoming
more educated and are expanding the limits
of where machines can be used, in all kinds
of applications. For example, customers are
asking more detailed and specific questions
about floor loading as they have a better
understanding of the jobsite requirements.”
Snorkel is selling more into facilities
maintenance and retail applications in
developing markets. “For example,” says Mr
Delgado, “A new shopping centre in Cyprus
recently purchased a Snorkel SPM20 self-
propelled mast lift.We are finding much
more awareness of safer working at height in
non-construction sectors within these emerging
markets.”
Education is one of the key challenges in all
emerging markets. “Making users aware of the
advantages, including the safety advantages,”
says Mr Ford. “The safety advantages of using a
work platform will see expansion in emerging
markets, especially at the lower end.”
For example, “With the push around there
is a lower cost and there is less work from a
resource perspective.”
ATN is working to introduce its machines
in Asian countries, including China and
Singapore. “In China, for example, labour
costs are increasing quickly. So, Chinese
enterprises prefer to invest in machines which
are becoming more reliable and cheaper than
labour. On other hand, Singapore, is very well
developed, giving many opportunities.The lack
of machines in these countries, gives ATN a
possibility to introduce itself in this market.”
Overall Manitou says the market for masts
in Europe over the year as been relatively flat,
“But it is increasing outside of Europe.”
Breaking down the product types, a
spokesman for Haulotte explains, “For masts
with jibs, Europe is the growth market, in
North American market has already seen a
good increase. For fixed masts without jibs,
North America is the most important market
and Asia is registering a good growth.”
Ms Engstrom adds, “The self-propelled
market seems to be seeing more growth than
manually propelled. The Asia Pacific regions,
including China, have growing markets at this
time specifically in self propelled.”
Replacing ladders
Even in Europe, it depends on the country. Ms
Torras Xalma says, “In France mast booms are
not considered as a niche product, they are used
for industrial maintenance, shopping centres
and for light construction duties.
Other countries such as, UK, Scandinavian
countries or Germany, mast booms find their
place thanks to working at height legislation,
which has pushed to rental companies to invest,
seriously, in the sector.”
Ultimately, the main driver for growth in
the vertical mast sector continues to be the
removal of ladders from jobsites. Ms Engstrom
explains, “This is causing users who previously
were unfamiliar with aerial products to evaluate
how they are getting to height safely. This is
true in both developing countries as well as
those that already have complete offerings of
aerial work platforms.
She adds, “Markets will continue to develop
at both higher and lower heights on products
with a small footprint. Simple, cost effective
vertical mast products will continue to develop
at low heights to replace ladders.”
AI
Steel erection application
for Manitou 100 VJR.
Snorkel demonstrates its
versatility in a shopping
centre ceiling-height
repair application.
A Genie GR-26J in
warehouse duties.
