Telescopic aerial lifts have been an important piece of equipment in most rental fleets for years. These types of lifts are ideal for overhead maintenance work as well as performing small material handling applications, and are an inexpensive method of accessing heights up to 40 feet. When considering a new telescopic lift for your rental fleet, there are two types to choose from: push-around and self-propelled.
Push-around
Push-around telescopic lifts have been manufactured for more than 30 years. They are typically designed to lift one operator and his/her tools. Common applications include changing light bulbs in schools, universities and factories, outdoor lighting maintenance, acoustical work, industrial overhead maintenance, stocking shelves, hanging signs in airports and malls, and more.
Most manufacturers offer models with working heights from 20 to 40 feet. These units move straight up and down with the use of a hydraulic cylinder. They are constructed of either steel or aluminum, and are mounted on non-marking casters, which allow them to be rolled on a tiled floor without inflicting damage. Platform capacities range from 300 to 350 pounds, and most roll through a standard doorway. Telescopic lifts are typically powered by battery or electric AC power. Battery power is the most popular because it allows the operator to use the lift in applications where there is no access to electricity.
Some models offer a tilt-back feature, allowing the customer to tilt the lift on its back and into the back of a pick-up truck for transportation. Other common features include a 110V outlet at the platform for power tools, toolbox, fluorescent tube holder, and a small cage, which will allow the operator to work up through a ceiling tile. Another option for many telescopic lifts is an auditorium kit. This kit allows the customer to operate the lift above permanent seating (in a church or movie theater) without removing the seats.
Market growth
A growing market for telescopic lifts is to use them in place of rolling ladders in warehouse, racking and retail markets. This application allows the user to lift more products with a single lift cycle. By having a platform capacity of up to 500 pounds, the task becomes quicker and safer when using one of these “stockpickers.” Another advantage of these lifts is that they are narrow enough to allow fellow employees or customers access to the aisle while stocking shelves.
Self-Propelled
Self-propelled telescopic lifts are another type currently on the market. The advantage of a self-propelled lift over a traditional telescopic lift is that the operator can drive it from the platform at any height. By being self-propelled, the operator can drive to several applications while the platform is still raised, increasing work efficiency. Working heights range from 15 to 25 feet. They typically have a longer base than telescopic lifts and have platform capacities up to 500 pounds. Most models available can be driven through a standard door, are battery powered, and have non-marking tires/casters. Common applications include stocking shelves, lifting material, taking inventory and HVAC installation.
When selecting the next telescopic lift for your rental fleet, you should ask yourself the following questions:
- Which of my customers will use this lift?
- What will those customers be doing with it?
- Do I need a push-around or self-propelled lift?
- What is the maximum working height and platform capacity needed?
- Does the telescopic lift comply with the appropriate ANSI code?
By answering these five questions before you purchase you will select the correct model of telescopic lift to serve your customer base. And once the addition to your rental fleet is in operation, be sure to provide proper use and safety instructions to the customer before each rental.
Yoder is the sales manager for Workforce/Bil-Jax Inc., Archbold, Ohio.
Ingersoll-Rand
The VR-1044 telescopic material handler from Ingersoll-Rand Co. has a 10,000-pound lift capacity and a maximum lift height of 44 feet, 3 inches with a forward reach of 29 feet. The unit features an overall height of 95 inches, which allows it to carry a load under an 8-foot overhang. The ergonomically designed cab offers the customer easy access to all controls.
www.ingersoll-rand.com
610/882-8800
RS # 140
Genie
With working heights from 106 feet to 131 feet, Genie telescopic booms feature an outreach of 75 to 80 feet and a lift capacity up to 750 pounds. The S-100/105 and S-120/125 models offers four-wheel drive with four-wheel steer. The units also feature extendable axles, which can be hydraulically operated from the platform.
www.genielift.com • 800/536-1800
RS # 141
Bobcat
Transporting hard-to-handle materials is made easier with the new Bobcat farm grapple. When attached to the company's utility fork, Bobcat buckets, and construction and industrial buckets, it provides additional handling support. Hydraulic controls make the farm grapple easy to operate, and a single, double-acting hydraulic cushion cylinder tightly grips materials. The grapple design allows the operator to position the forks or bucket close to fences or walls.
www.bobcat.com • 701/241-8740
RS # 142
Komatsu
The first rubber-tired material handler from Komatsu America International is designed for scrap and general material handling applications. The 306-horsepower PW400MH-6 features switch selectable grapple or magnet operation, front axle steering and an easy-access cab. Standard is a two-piece Young boom with a maximum reach of 55 feet. A 25 kilowatt Baldor DC hydraulic-powered generator is onboard to power larger magnets for increased payload per cycle.
www.komatsuamerica.com • 847/970-5830
RS # 143
Pro-Tech
A new attachment for telescopic handlers provides a durable material handler for use at construction sites. The material handling box from Pro-Tech can be used for site clean-up, material loading/unloading, demolition removal, lifting tools or equipment and trash removal. It is also available in custom colors and made using heavy-duty construction.
www.snopusher.com • 888/787-4766
RS# 144
IMT
Iowa Mold Tooling Co. expanded its material handling line with the 24562 hydraulic loader, designed primarily for handling wallboard materials. According to the company, the unit offers the longest reach in its class at 62 feet, 4 inches and a lift capacity of 1,950 pounds at its maximum horizontal reach. Both linear controls at the top seat location and wireless remote controls come standard on this hydraulic loader.
www.imt.com • 641/923-3711
RS # 145
Gradall
The Model G6-42P material handler from Gradall features a new operator compartment design that offers 22 percent more cab room. The new wrap-around instrument panel is designed to allow for monitoring of all vital machine functions. It is capable of lifting loads of 6,600 pounds and has a maximum lift height of 42 feet. For further versatility, the three-section boom can be equipped with various attachments, including tilt carriages, buckets and an aerial work platform.
www.gradall.com • 330/339-2211
RS# 146
Bil-Jax
The SkyRider 15 can be used in place of three separate lifts: a stock picker, a personnel lift and a material lift. It provides access to overhead fixtures and stocked shelves. Manufactured with forklift pockets and tie down for easy transport, the SkyRider 15 is drivable at full height. The automatic charger and battery indicator is located on the base. The unit can be driven 24 miles and complete at least 110 lift cycles with the platform fully loaded on a single charge, the company says.
www.biljax.com • 800/527-5333
RS # 147
Lull International
Offering an 8,000-pound operating capacity and a 42-foot maximum lift height, Lull International's 8K-42 fixed boom telescopic handler provides contractors with versatility and consistency, the company says. Complete with standard automatic fork leveling, hydraulic joystick controls and a three-section fully synchronized slide boom, the 8K-42 is able to guide the load smoothly, ensuring steady material placement.
www.lull-international.com
651/454-4300
RS # 148
JCB
The High Lift Loadall telescopic handler from JCB has a 6,000-pound capacity to full height. The new 506C HL is similar in outward appearance and design characteristics to the company's 506C but is equipped with a heavy-duty frame and longer three-stage boom to hit a maximum height of 42 feet. Forward reach is extended to 27 feet, 5 inches with a maximum 1,500-pound load all while working with no water or foam tire ballast. For block layers, the handler allows operators to place materials on the sixth level of scaffolding without moving to a higher capacity machine.
www.jcbna.com • 888/742-5522
RS # 149
