Scott Krieger, Genie’s telehandler senior product manager, explains details about Genie’s GTH-5519 compact telehandler. Photo by Michael Roth, rer

Representatives from more than 30 rental companies, primarily national players and aerial specialists, attended the Lift & Access Showcase & Symposium this week in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Nearly 50 manufacturers were in attendance, including about 20 manufacturers of aerial work platforms, compact telehandlers, track-mounted lifts, boom trucks and mini-cranes, that presented extended “walk-arounds” giving in-depth presentations on their machines. The manufacturers offered personal in-depth demonstrations and took the machines through a muddy obstacle course to show off their capabilities.

The well-attended “symposium” aspect of the event covered diverse topics including “Tier 4 Engines: Deciphering Fact from Fiction;” “OSHA Crane Regulations and their Effect on the Rental Industry,” which explained how the new regulations defined telehandlers as “cranes” for certain applications. Ron Overton of Overton Safety Training explained a wide range of regulations that will impact rental companies that rent telehandlers. Other seminars were: “The Hard Facts: Rebuilding Equipment vs. Buy New” presented by construction expert Mike Vorster, a Virginia Tech professor who explained the costs of labor, warranties, re-sale values and tax implications.

Another seminar was held on telematics, sharing real-world case studies, pitfalls and questions to ask when selecting a telematics product. A crane rodeo was also held.

Manufacturers offering presentations included; Elliott Equipment Co,; Gehl; Genie; Haulotte; Innovative Equipment; JLG Industries; Maeda USA; Manitex; Manitou; Manitowoc; MEC; Niftylift; Reachmaster; Skyjack; Snorkel; Spydercrane; Teupen USA; and Xtreme Manufacturing. Event sponsors included Pathway Polymers; Ritchie Bros.; Acme Lift Co.; AmFor; SolidBoss Tires; Tiresocks; Equipment Safety Services; John Deere; NiftyLift and OEM Controls.

More than 120 pieces of aerial equipment were exhibited at the Showcase.

Partial overview of Showcase’s exhibit area taken from a Haulotte scissorlift. Photo by Michael Roth, rer