Genie's boomlift product manager Phil Harvey and telehandler product manager Luke Webber discuss the growth of the telehandler market and the latest trends in the overall high-reach equipment category.

RER: Tell me about some of the latest trends in high-reach equipment, both inside and outside the cab.

Harvey: For the boomlifts, some of the latest trends in high-reach equipment are more efficient electric propulsion systems, more sophisticated control systems that utilize multiple microprocessor modules, and machines that can be customized easily to meet differing global requirements and preferences.

Webber: For telehandlers, we continue to see a growing demand for compact and 10,000-pound capacity telehandlers. Just a few years ago, you didn't see very many compact telehandlers on jobsites. Now you can find them on nearly every one. Fueled by the explosion in construction of five-plus-story buildings, the growth of larger telehandlers is largely based on the need for a single machine that is maneuverable, versatile, productive, simple and reliable.

In North America, we definitely see favoritism for the larger telehandlers. It's partly due to the construction industry building taller structures, such as condominiums, as real estate prices climb higher and higher. It's also due to some telehandler owners trying to achieve 80- to 90-percent machine utilization.

What types of features and benefits are customers asking for on high-reach equipment?

Webber: Also, I would add that our customers are mostly asking for features that provide the benefit of:

• Lowering the cost of ownership
• Improving operator efficiency
• Improving the resale value

Specific telehandler options/features that would support these might be foam-filled tires, work lights, road lights, auxiliary hydraulics, enclosed cab, 4-wheel drive and 4-wheel steer with a tight turning radius.

What types of new technologies, enhancements and features are on the horizon for the next generation of high-reach equipment models?

Harvey: New technology, enhancements and features for boomlifts will most likely include advances in hydraulic components, more efficient and cleaner propulsion systems, and on-board diagnostics. These advancements will allow manufacturers to fulfill the customer need for simpler and more reliable machines.

Webber: For telehandlers, like boomlifts, there will most likely be advancements in hydraulics, as well as advances in engines and drivetrains.

What has led to the enormous growth of telehandlers?

Webber: Along with the rapid growth of the North American construction industry and the need for telehandlers to support this growth, we have made an ongoing effort to educate our customers on the versatility of these machines and how much they can improve the productivity on every construction jobsite.

What do you think the rental industry can do to promote aerial safety on jobsites?

Harvey: Rental companies can promote safety by putting internal programs in place to ensure that their equipment is truly rental-ready. Among other things, this means that the product has had all of the inspections that the manufacturers' service manuals require; all safety features, including decals, are present and fully functional; and any damage to the machines that would compromise safety has been repaired.

Additionally, rental companies can actively work with their customers to ensure that they are “rental-ready” as well. This includes training on the proper use of the equipment. It may also include working with jobsite safety officials to make sure they have processes in place for monitoring equipment while in use.