Lindsey Anderson, Andy Brown, Mike Hayes, Niamh Marriott, D.Ann Shiffler, Lewis Tyler
IPAF News Editor
Peter Douglas
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Charlotte Kemp
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Client Success and Delivery Manager Team
Alex Thomson, Ben Fisher, Olivia Radcliffe
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Jeff Gilbert
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Access International is published six times a year (January-February, March-April, MayJune, July-August, September-October, November-December) and has a worldwide circulation of more than 12,000. Access International is only available to subscribers (IPAF members receive a free copy, details available on request). Annual airmail subscription rate US$182, €156, £130.
New approaches
Where is the access industry heading?
The answer lies partly in the pages of this magazine. We can’t promise to bring you the full global picture in every issue, but we like to think we come close with our range of features and interviews.
In this issue there is a real focus on markets and how they are developing, with the notabe inclusion of the access50 – the world’s only listing of the largest access rental companies.
We also explore the grass roots of the industry. For example, starting on page 16, there is an interview with medium sized Spanish rental company Manain, which has made it into the access50 this year with its fleet of 2,200 MEWPs. The company has a different approach to rental and sales that sets it apart from its competitors.
On the subject of interviews, we have an insightful discussion with former IPAF and Sinoboom Europe CEO Tim Whiteman, who has taken on the leadership of Noblelift’s new access division. With long experience in producing MEWPs for others, Noblelift is striking out on its own and has serious ambitions.
IPAF always plays an important role in Access International, and this issue is no exception with a round-up of IPAF’s 2025 Rental Market Reports. Find out how access nations, both old and new, are likely to fare in the years ahead.
Former IPAF president Karin Godenhielm stepped down from her position at the helm of Dinolift earlier this year. As co-owner she plans to play an active role to support the company’s new CEO Petter Rönnlö. Find out their plans for this niche lightweight aerial platform specialist as it seeks to take on the ups and downs of today’s marketplace.
On that note Rönnlö points out that the only certainty in today’s marketplace is uncertainty. Hopefully the information shared in this magazine provides some clarity when it comes to choices companies are making in these uncertain times.
Euan Youdale Editor
or comments should be sent to:
Editor, Access International, Southfields, South View Road, Wadhurst, East Sussex TN5 6TP, UK. +44 (0)1892 786214 euan.youdale@khl.com
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6 NEWS
Herc completes H&E acquisition, Loxam exits Columbia, Southern Europe leads in ERA forecasts, New president for Aichi, Nordic expansion for Easy Lift, Leguan widens French market.
10 TECHNOLOGY SERIES
Electrification is an unarguable direction of travel but it must tie in with other forms of technology like charging solutions and advances in data and AI for it to make real strides.
29 INTERVIEW DINOLIFT
Dinolift announced the appointment of Petter Rönnlöf as its new CEO earlier this year. Here Rönnlöf and former boss Karin Godenhielm share their vision for the years ahead.
MARKET ANALYSIS
16 COUNTRY FOCUS SPAIN
Spain is leading the way in Europe in terms of its economy. AI delves into the country’s market and hears how a middle-sized MEWP rental company there is taking a different approach to the sector.
21 IPAF RENTAL REPORTS
Charlotte Hudson, at IPAF, explores the key findings from the 2025 MEWP Rental Market Reports, including the US, Europe, China India and Saudi Arabia.
24 REGIONAL REPORT MIDDLE EAST
Rental demand in the Middle East isn’t limited to infrastructure spend – but logistics, safety and emissions targets create a complex environment. Lewis Tyler reports.
32 access50
This year’s listing of the world’s largest access equipment rental companies, ranked by fleet size, reflects the latest developments in the global market.
37
INTERVIEW PALFINGER
Palfinger’s leadership share their ambitions for global growth and localized production at one of the leading providers of vehicle mounted platforms.
40
TRUCK MOUNTS
There have been some significant developments in the truck mounted market, including a new entrant and high-end technological launches.
44 NEWS
The latest news and view from the International Powered Access Federation.
46 LOW LEVEL ACCESS
The low level access sector is making advances in terms of uptake, while the growth in the number of micro scissors has also added a new dynamic.
49 INTERVIEW NOBLELIFT
Material handling giant Noblelift has set its sights on the MEWP sector, led by former Sinoboom Europe and IPAF CEO Tim Whiteman
The access50 is unique in providing fleet sizes of the largest MEWP rental companies in the world, combined with industry analysis.
IN BRIEF
■ US-based MEC has announced the opening of its US Eastern Hub, in Greer, South Carolina. The new 56,000 square foot facility marks a major expansion of MEC’s California-based parts and service operations, bringing parts distribution, technical training, and product support services to the East Coast.
■ Genie has appointed Cherrypicker Shop (CPS) as a parts provider in the UK, supporting its machine, parts and service dealer Workplatform. With the appointment of CPS, based in Crook, County Durham, small and mid-size aerial platform companies in the UK will benefit from faster delivery of many common parts from a local warehouse, said Genie, as will infrequent parts customers.
NEW PRESIDENT FOR AICHI
Aichi Corp has appointed company-veteran Shunichi Nakazawa as its new representative director and presiden from 13 June, when the change was approved at the annual shareholders’ meeting.
He replaces Toshiya Yamagishi, the former Toyota Industries executive who has been in charge at Aichi since mid-2019.
Nakazawa was previously a corporate director and managing executive officer at Aichi and has been with the aerial platform manufacturer since 1990.
He has held key management roles including general manager of both the R&D and product development departments.
The change in leadership follows Toyota’s sale of its majority stake in Aichi to Itochu Corp in March this year. Itochu, owner of Multiquip in the US, said it aimed to grow Aichi’s international sales.
Herc completes H&E Equipment acquisition
Herc Rentals has officially finalized its acquisition of H&E Equipment Services, the company announced. Under the terms of the $5.3 billion deal, Herc acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of H&E’s common stock for, on a per share basis, $78.75 in cash and 0.1287 shares of Herc Rentals common stock in a merger that included the assumption of $1.5
billion in H&E debt.
The deal follows a highprofile bidding contest earlier this year which saw Herc outbid United Rentals’ $4.8 billion offer.
Herc’s bid, made under a “go-shop” clause in United’s original agreement with H&E, represented a 14% premium and included a $63.52 million termination fee paid to United on H&E’s behalf.
“The acquisition of H&E accelerates Herc’s proven strategy and strengthens our position as a premier rental company in North America,” said Larry Silber, Herc Rentals’ president and chief executive officer.
The merger, which included four deadline extensions, will see Herc’s footprint grow 35% from its original 451 locations to 613 across North America, AI
BNR regional expansion aided by Noblelift scissors
Noblelift’s Malaysia based customer Ban Ngai Rent (BNR) will this month take delivery of its 1000th Noblelift scissor lift.
The milestone has been reached in just 12 months as BNR, which is a sister company of Kuala Lumpur based Ban Ngai Engineering. It was launched in March 2024 and took delivery of its first Noblelift scissor in June 2024.
Since launching last year, the company has already grown its fleet to 2200 MEWPs and has ambitious plans to rapidly increase that number further at its locations across Southeast Asia. The company already
has operations in Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. BNR is actively exploring opportunities to expand its footprint into Singapore and Indonesia, with plans to establish a presence in both markets within the year.
“Our ambition is for BNR to be one of the top three regional providers of powered access in Southeast Asia,” said Dato’ Ong Joe-U, owner and Managing Director of Ban Ngai.
Noblelift Access Division CEO Tim Whiteman, added, “BNR is one of the rising stars in the access rental sector and will soon take delivery of
LEGUAN WIDENS FRENCH MARKET
Finland-based Leguan Lifts has reinforced its presence in the French market by strengthening its partnership with local distributor FSI Franskan. Having worked closely with FSI Franskan for several years, Leguan Lifts is now investing additional resources to support the distributor with expanded
training, marketing initiatives, and after-sales service infrastructure.
As part of this strengthened collaboration, FSI Franskan now also serves as the official spare parts and service provider for Leguan Lifts in France, providing support and quick access to original Leguan components nationwide.
Part BNR’s fleet of Noblelifts.
some of Noblelift’s first electric booms.”
Noblelift has also shipped more than 400 scissor lifts to South Korea since the beginning of this year, including to rental major Seyeon Tech Rental. AI
NORDIC EXPANSION FOR EASY LIFT
ships.
Easy Lift has formed a new sales and service partnership in Finland with Simeri, which will see the Italian spider lift manufacturer strengthen its presence in Finland and the Nordic countries.
Simeri is already active in the sale, rental, maintenance and inspection of aerial platforms and has now added distribution of Easy Lift products to its portfolio.
Founded in 1995, Simeri is part of the Finnsiirto group and has more than 50 employees, nine branches, and offers a wide range of new and used machines, along with 24-hour nationwide service provision.
The collaboration came into effect in February, with Simeri introducing Finnish rental firms to Easy Lift during Bauma, in April, with the first sales completed over the following months.
Loxam exits from Columbia
Loxam has sold its Colombian subsidiary, Pronto Rental, and exited the South American country. The sale to an unnamed buyer was completed on 12 May and disclosed in Loxam’s first quarter results announcement.
Loxam acquired Bogotábased Pronto in 2017 and it was one of the largest rental businesses in the country. Its fleet comprised aerial platforms, telehandlers and site equipment such as lighting towers and generators. Loxam still operates in Brazil, which it first entered 10 years ago and where it now runs a 25 depot, national operation.
For the first quarter of the
year, Loxam said its construction markets “continued to show no indication of improvement across our geographies”, with resilience in infrastructure but weakness in traditional building and real estate markets.
Total revenues for the quarter were down almost 6% at €584.2 million. EBITDA profit was 7% lower at €190 million.
France remains Loxam’s largest market representing more than 40% of the total. Here, revenues fell 5% to €240.3 million.
Hardest hit were its Nordic markets where revenues fell 11% to €146.7 million. Loxam said market conditions had not changed significantly since the
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start of the year, although the decline in revenue has stabilised. Sales in the rest of the world - predominantly in Europefell by 1.7% to €197.2 million. Revenues grew in Iberia, Brazil and the Middle East, while economic uncertainty continued to impact the recovery of construction in most Western European markets. AI
Australia sets working at height record
A working at height milestone is about to be reached in Australia with the introduction of the Bronto S104HLA - the first 104m aerial access platform in the country and the largest road-legal aerial platform in the southern hemisphere.
Due to Australian road regulations bringing the S104HLA to the market took major engineering and a custom chassis through Offroad Trucks Australia.
While FSI Franskan has already served as Leguan’s official spare parts and service provider in France, but its role is now expanding significantly. In addition to its established presence in the tree care and arborist markets, FSI Franskan will begin supporting Leguan customers across the construction, rental, and
The wind and telecoms industries in Australia are growing, and with them, the need for taller aerial platforms.
property maintenance sectors – markets previously served by another importer.
“We see huge strong potential in France especially on the rental and tree care industries. Our uniform fleet simplifies operator training and streamlines after-sales processes, delivering real value to our customers.”
But, according to Bronto Skylift, there is a problem: high rise aerials aren’t road legal across most states in Australia. With this S104HLA, the project team, which included Bronto Skylift, GFS/Bronto Skylift AUNZ, and Offroad Trucks Australia, set out to change that.
The team reviewed options for six, seven and eight axles that would give the weight capacity required. In the end a custom Tatra T158 16×16 chassis fitted with two extra-wide 445mm tyres on all axles was chosen. This design enabled each axle to achieve a capacity of 10 tonnes.
Easy Lift R210BA on one of Royal Caribbean Cruisers’
Bronto’s S104HLA will be delivered to Quantum Comms in 2026.
The Leguan 195 and 225.
Southern Europe leads way ERA forecasts
Many of Europe’s major rental markets will have to wait until 2026 before seeing a significant improvement in market conditions, although southern Europe, Poland and the Netherlands will continue to see modest to strong growth this year and next.
The forecasts were given by the European Rental Association’s consultant,
IN BRIEF
■ Trackunit has announced the investment from Private Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives (GSA), which now becomes the company’s majority owner. The move signals a renewed partnership between the two companies, following GSA's previous ownership of Trackunit.
KPMG, at the ERA’s annual convention in Dublin.
Germany’s rental market is expected to grow by 1% this year before recovering to 2.4% in 2026, said Antoine Onilon, manager, corporate strategy at KPMG France. France is forecast to expand by just 0.5% this year before seeing improving growth of 2.5% in 2026. A similar trend is forecast for the UK market, with growth of 1.5% this year followed by 3% in 2026.
The Nordic market will see contrasting conditions, said Seban. Finland is expected to recover strongly this year at 4% growth, with 4.2% forecast for 2026. Sweden and Norway, which both saw sharp declines in rental activity last year, are expected to experience very modest growth or stabilisation this year followed by 3.2%
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
■ Ashtead Group, owner of Sunbelt Rentals, has reported a 4% increase in rental revenues for its 2025 financial year, despite subdued growth in some areas. Rental revenues for the period reached $9.9 billion, while total Group revenue declined by 1% year-on-year to $10.8 billion. Elsewhere, the company reported profits after tax of $2.1 billion. Specialty, the company’s fastestgrowing segment, continued its strong momentum, generating $2.3 billion in rental-only revenue, up 11% on the previous year.
■ Spanish rental company GAM has reported its Q1 results for 2025, highlighting the ongoing role of its Reviver circular economy project in reducing capital expenditure. Launched in 2024, the Reviver initiative contributed to a 17% decrease in CAPEX for Q1 2025, which fell to €13.9 million from €16.8 million in the same period last year. Revenues increased by 9% year-on-year to €73.5 million, supported by growth across the company’s diversified business segments.
■ Kiloutou has reported a moderate increase of 1.2% in revenues for the first quarter of the 2025 financial year. The company said revenues for Q1 reached €298 million, which it described as resilient given the challenging environment of the construction sector. EBITDA also remained fairly flat at a decline of 0.6% to €94.1 million. Revenues in France, its largest market, were down by 1.7%, while its international businesses in Europe were up by 6.0% to €118.6 million. Kiloutou said much of that growth overseas came from the acquisitions of Toolquick Alquiler, Liftisa S.L. and Gloobal Movingrent S.A. in Spain towards the end of 2024.
growth in Sweden next year and 3.7% in Norway.
Denmark has performed better than its Nordic neighbours in recent years and KPMG is forecasting 4% growth in rental this year followed by 4.7% in 2026.
Southern EU markets remain dynamic, said Onilon, with Italy, Spain and Portugal all seeing growth rates of between 4.5% and 6.5% this year and all exceeding 7% growth in 2026. Portugal will lead the way with a forecast 8.7% expansion of rental activity next year.
The Netherlands and Poland occupy the middle ground in growth terms, with both forecast to see 3.5% rental growth this year followed by 3.7% and 4%, respectively, in 2026.
“What we can see is that 2025 is going to have the same
PEOPLE NEWS
Sinoboom UK has announced the appointment of JOHN CHANDLER as its new UK General Manager. Chandler is previously from Blade Access, JCB and Genie.
UK-based Star Platforms has appointed MICHELLE
TIMMS as its new Group Financial Controller. Timms was previously at Nationwide Platforms – part of the Loxam Group, where she held several senior finance roles.
as 2023 and 2024 with overall in the Eurozone a GDP growth that is going to be quite weak, under 1%”, said Onilon, “And this can be explained overall by a general geopolitical and economic situation that is tough, with huge uncertainty.”
ACCESS SHARE INDEX (ASI)
Matching expectations
The industry continues to innovate in efficient electric equipment and related products as concerns rise that that the fight against climate change is being put on hold by governments and a changing attitude of the public.
It is a situation that may put pressure on OEMs to find solutions that make electric equipment both ecofriendly and practical to use, with the help of wider advances in charging systems, autonomy and AI.
In May France’s organisation for sustainable equipment CAMD - whose members include Kiloutou, Salti, Bouygues Construction, Manitou, JCB, Volvo and Haulotte - called on the construction industry to redouble its focus on the green transition.
Speaking at the CAMD’s 7th Sustainable Equipment Meetings in Nanterre Olivier Colleau, President of Community at the organisation and CEO of the Kiloutou Group, said, “Ten years after the Paris Agreement, the treaty that was supposed to mark a historic turning point in the fight against climate change has fallen apart.
The move to an environmentally friendly world may be hampered by modern politics but the industry also has a role to play.
“Economic, political and geopolitical upheavals have changed the game. We are seeing a decline in ecological thinking.”
Ecological concerns
Colleau is worried that 2025 could be the year it all starts to unravel. “It’s a fact that if I compare the situation we have today and the situation, we had two or three years ago, we are not living in the same world,” says Colleau. “Two or three years ago there were positive gains towards decarbonisation and ESG. It’s clear that now it seems to go the other way.”
Michel Denis, CEO of Manitou Group and Vice-President of CAMD, emphasised the importance of joint action to tackle climate change and referenced the retrofit project carried out with Kiloutou and Bouygues Construction. The partnership has converted diesel powered telehandlers
From left: Michel Denis, Manitou Group President & CEO; Olivier Colleau, Kiloutou Group President; Adrien Vacherand, Outdoor Rentals Manager, Bouygues Construction; and David Deslots, Project Director Equans France.
IMAGE: MANITOU
PHOTO: BECKY SCHULTZ
to electric, with a 40% reduction in CO₂ emissions.
Manitou and Kiloutou Group is now putting the first unit into operation on a trial basis at Europe’s largest hospital construction site in Nantes. The test shows it achieves an average reduction of 40% in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the manufacturing and use of combustion engine equipment, and a 25% reduction in the total environmental score.
It marks the first time a combustion-
power, is
construction site.
Denis said, “We still have a few months of testing to solidify our confidence, but the project is truly promising. We confidently envision the potential of retrofitting, in line with our commitment to making the circular economy a cornerstone of our CSR strategy.”
It seems that the move to an electric future is not just about government support and expanding fixed charging infrastructure, a wider eco system of engineering and digital technology is required to bring it to fruition.
Visionary jobsites
JLG is bringing all these together with its latest concept equipment which was shown at parent company Oshkosh’s Investor Day in June at the New York Stock Exchange.
The Galileo is an autonomous electric concept machine that combines all the capabilities of a boom lift and a rotating telehandler.
Complementing Galileo is the Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) that autonomously delivers portable charging solutions. JLG has expanded that concept with the Autonomous Mobile Charging Robot (AMCR), which has an onboard energy bank to bring wireless charging directly to job site equipment, and was also shown at the Investor Day.
Both are combined with JLG’s existing ClearSky two-way fleet management and communication programme that uses cloud-based and AI-powered technology to improve productivity, uptime, and profitability.
was created as part of a vision of future job sites where machinery provides more efficiency by integrating electrification, automation and connectivity.
Like JLG’s all-electric DaVinci micro scissor lift and the E313 telehandler, it eliminates hydraulics and lead acid batteries, providing zero hydraulic leaks, zero battery replacement with a goal of zero wasted time.
It combines connectivity and telematics applications into one location alongside over-the-air and remote capabilities to assist with machine lockouts, geofencing parameters and other operational settings.
Equipped with JLG’s ClearSky Smart Fleet two-way connectivity solution, the AMCR system functions similarly to a home vacuuming robot, autonomously detecting when charging is required and dispatching the AMCR to complete the task.
High manoeuvrability and redundant sensing capabilities allows the AMCR to seamlessly navigate complex job site environments.
engine telehandler converted to electric
being used on a real-world
Galileo
JLG’s Galileo multi-use mobile elevating work platform, which can be used as both a telehandler and a boom lift, alongside the Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) charging solution.
The electric Manitou MT 1840e.
Dingli’s stand at Bauma.
XCMG’s hybrid XGA20H.
ELECTRIFICATION TO AUTONOMY
Charging systems
Another example of how electric equipment and charging are becoming intrinsically linked through design was Manitou Group’s expanded electric range of telehandlers at Bauma.
The two new MT 1440e and MT 1840e electric telehandlers are powered by a lithium-ion 63 kWh battery that allows the machine to work for a full day. According to the company the electric system improves the total cost of ownership by 75% compared with combustion models.
Equipped with an integrated 9 kw charger, the two models are also compatible with the new Manitou 30 kw rapid charger.
The pair have lifting heights of 14m and 18m respectively, and a load capacity of up to 4 tonnes. The maximum outreach is 13m.
The new external 30kWh fast charger is compatible with the company’s full MT range of telehandlers and has been designed for easy transport and installation. In addition, it meets requirements of different markets with country-specific adapters.
Manitou is not the only OEM investing in advanced charging solutions. Haulotte, Genie, Skyjack, to name but three, have also introduced solutions that Access Briefing has previously reported on.
Another example at Bauma was Dingli’s debut of its mildhybrid technology, including 22m and 18m scissors. The company sees hybrid as a practical option in countries which are keen to expand their zero-emission offerings but are not in a position to roll out full electric fleets.
working conditions, the lithium battery will provide additional torque output, saving energy and offering optimum power output.
XCMG displayed its new hybrid XGA20H articulating boom lift at the show, which offers an electric engine with a dieselpowered range extender. The model has a large load capacity of 320kg and is suitable for indoor and outdoor working conditions. The range extender gives 20 days of full use.
Expanding on that hybrid philosophy, general construction equipment technology is evolving quickly too. Perkins’ new battery unit is designed to mimic a diesel engine in both form and function. It ‘tricks’ machines into thinking it’s business as usual, making electrification easier and cheaper for OEMs.
The system is designed to be plug and play, meaning that it can be dropped into a machine and work with all the components and electronics as a diesel engine would. It consists of a Perkins battery along with inverters, motors and on-board chargers packaged up into the compact drop-in unit.
Paul Muller, technical sales manager of UK-headquartered Perkins, explains, “The power unit itself interfaces in exactly the same way as an engine does. So, we still have a key switch input to it. We have the unit control, and the battery power unit can output an oil pressure signal, even though there’s no oil in it, as some machines need to see the oil pressure before they’ll allow the machine to work,” says Muller, referring to how the unit imitates an engine.
“And what that means is that OEMs can continue to build their diesel-powered machines, as there is still a large market there, but it also allows them to have electric as an option.”
As such, the advancement in battery packs for electric equipment will be key to the efficiency of equipment.
The mild hybrid solution allows the lithium battery to be used as a starter battery, meanwhile, the engine can also charge the battery during daily operation. In complex
hensive
Perkins 2600 Series engine on display at a Perkins press event in London.
Digital leaps
Remaining in the wider construction segment, Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe used Bauma to present an autonomous solution with its Landcros One, a concept excavator that combines AI, remote operation, and multiple power options.
The machine introduces what Hitachi calls a “phygital” approach – combining physical controls with digital interfaces to create a more intuitive operating environment.
The concept is designed with three operating modes: manual (with AI assistance), autonomous (for repetitive tasks), and remote (allowing operation from off-site locations). It also supports electric, combustion, and hydrogen power systems.
The main thinking will be how construction site needs and equipment can integrate more closely with digital tools and processes.
At Bauma Case Construction presented a concept for an autonomous electric compact wheel loader.
The electric Impact machine is based on its eCWL 12EV wheel loader and replaces the traditional operator cabin with remote
control functionality via a dedicated control lounge.
The design is intended to support operation in challenging environments and weather conditions, while also offering a more accessible solution for operators with motor impairments.
The concept includes an integrated perception system that uses real-time data to support machine operation, along with semi-autonomous features for digging and dumping.
The journey into AI will also be one that oncreases safety, as well as ease of operation. Dieci introduced an AI-based vision system dedicated to rotating telehandlers at Bauma.
The first of its kind on rotating telehandlers, the Hi-Vision System was shown on the new Pegasus 100.29, and is available across the Pegasus Elite range.
The system is designed to help prevent risky situations and human error through reducing blind spots, assisting with stabilisation, lifting manoeuvres and warning of obstacles, people, or dips in the terrain.
The robust architecture consists of a central unit with dedicated software, six high-definition cameras, providing a 360
degree view up to 30m and three Lidar (light detection and ranging) units, enabling threedimensional mapping of the surrounding area.
Safety alerts
When it comes to the use of AI, the system alerts the operator to the presence of people within range of the vehicle, displaying them in real time on the on-board display for safer manoeuvring. A tailor-made function for Dieci vehicles detects and alerts the operator to the presence of obstacles or people in front of the outriggers during manoeuvring. Another tailor-made function identifies any unevenness, holes or manholes in the outriggers’ extension zones, and warns the operator in order to prevent any incorrect or dangerous manoeuvres. AI
The Dieci Lidar system. IMAGE: DIECI
10a Edizione
25‑27 Settembre 2025 Stand M115‑N132
25‑27 Settembre 2025
Spain is one of the healthiest markets in Europe for rental companies, as it is for the wider construction sector and the country’s economy.
It is a happy situation compared to nations further north in the Eurozone, many of which are experiencing tough conditions domestically, following good growth leading up to the 2020s.
Nevertheless, rental companies operating in Spain are still affected by a host of continent-wide issues like the war in Ukraine, tariffs imposed on Chinese MEWPs entering the EU and the increasing cost of new equipment. Then there is the day-to-day competition with other rental companies in the immediate area to contend with.
One such company is Manain, which operates along the coast of the Catalonia region of Spain and has found an operating model that sets it aside from its competitors. “We are not a normal rental company,” explains the company’s owner Albert Borràs.
Making its
How does a medium-sized rental company in Spain set itself apart from the competition? The founder of one such company Manain explains all.
Apart from rental the company focuses on trading new and used MEWPs, which now accounts for 50% of the business.
MEWPs also makes up a significant majority of Manain’s rental fleet. There are 1,400 aerial lifts in the fleet, and 2,000 in total, with the rest comprising telehandlers, excavators, generators and dumpers, among others.
Albert Borràs, founder of Manain.
fleet very often.
“We sell new or even used machines that are around one year old, so we have to buy a lot too. It is not easy because it means we have to invest a great deal and we have a higher capex than other normal rental companies.
It was not always that way. Borràs formed Manain in 2003. Back then the company was a generalist rental and repair specialist before moving into access in 2005.
“It was the last product that we put in our fleet and now it is the most important. We had already been doing sales in access, which was doing very well, so it was easy for us to focus our rental fleet on access also.”
Steady growth
Today the company focuses its rental business along the coast of Catalonia and in the main city of that region Barcelona, where it has four depots in total, while its sales division operates worldwide.
As Borràs describes it, today Manain is a middle-sized rental company in the country and plans to stay that way.
Between 2016 and 2020 the company went through a growth spurt, expanding anywhere up to 45% year-on-year. This was followed by the appointment of a CEO three years ago, then last year the company opened its second depot in Barcelona - “To do the logistics properly in Barcelona you need two bases.”
In recent times the main focus has been on the core business and steady growth of up to 10% per year. “We are quite happy - we are growing slowly but that’s what we want - that’s are our target. We have professionalised the company a lot - you can’t grow 30%-40% every year,” says Borràs.
Manain’s average MEWP rental fleet age is four or five years old, with much of its equipment manufactured in 2023 or 2024. “We sell a lot, so we are also renewing the
“It is also difficult to juggle all these elements because you are moving machines around all the time.”
While the model can be logistically challenging and requires constant financial investment there are clear advantages.
“Most other rental companies have older fleets and it makes it easier for us to win projects as many customers are becoming more demanding. Some customers will not work with rental companies that have older machines.”
Borràs adds, “It is not something we can use to raise the prices, which is shame, but we can get customers that others cannot. Also, if you renew the fleet as often as we do, then you have the latest technology and the latest safety elements.”
Manain’s equipment in use at Kronospan’s manufacturing plant located in Tarragona.
own mark
Remaining medium
According to Spanish aerial platform association Anapat there are anywhere between 300-400 rental companies in Spain and around 65,000 units of access equipment operating in the country in total.
And as Borràs explains the largest of those are international giants such as Loxam, Mateco and Kiloutou, alongside homegrown major GAM. Beyond those there are a large number of medium sized companies and even more with 500 units or below in their fleets.
“I think the main difference with the big companies is that they have very wide coverage and are focused heavily in making efficiencies across their networks. But they are not as fast at taking decisions on the ground as the smaller and medium-sized companies,” says Borràs.
“They also have major accounts with large customers that work across the country, that a middle-sized company from a local area would not generally work with, along with maybe 50 depots or more, whereas middle sized competitors have between four and six.
“But in many other ways I think we are quite similar.”
Sales solution
The sales division of Manain accounts for half of the business, alongside refurbishment, which is also an important third element.
“We sell mainly to other rental companies, a large amount of which is in
the domestic market, but we sell a lot in Europe depending on the product and internationally, like south America and even some in Asia.”
Last year the company sold around 500 almost new machines. This year it will be a similar number but there will be an increase in the number of used-machines versus new.
“So, we are a rental company, but we sell our own fleet, and we buy equipment from other larger rental companies in Europe to resell.”
The company has traditionally bought its new MEWPs from Manitou, Haulotte, JLG and Genie, and in recent years, like many renters, has invested in equipment from Chinese rental companies, partly attracted by their lower prices.
That is set to change, due to the newly imposed anti-subsidy and anti-dumping
tariffs, says Borràs. “The Chinese prices will now rise to the same as the US and European brands. So, I guess we will carry on as before with the older brands. But we do have a stock from the Chinese companies that we will continue to use in our fleet or sell.
“I think it will be difficult for the Chinese companies after they sell their stock that they brought in during 2024, and that will not last for many months.
“But, who knows, maybe the tariffs will be dropped in two- or three-years’ time. They may build factories outside of China so that they are competitive again.”
And on a wider level Borràs notes, “Overall, Europe is quite quiet and during the next year we hope the economy improves and the economy rises again, then the rental companies are able to buy in big quantities and everything will be good.”
New era in Europe
Comparing the traditional brands from the US and Europe with the relatively new suppliers from China, Borràs comments,
SPANISH MARKET IN ANALYSIS
Many of Europe’s major rental markets will have to wait until 2026 before seeing a significant improvement in market conditions, but southern Europe is an exception, according to recent forecasts by the European Rental Association’s consultant KPMG.
During the ERA’s annual convention in Dublin, held in May, KPMG’s Martin Seban said Southern EU markets remain dynamic, with Spain, Italy and Portugal all seeing growth rates of between 4.5% and 6.5% this year and all exceeding 7% growth in 2026. Portugal will lead the way with a forecast 8.7% expansion of rental activity next year.
“A second positive impact is massive public investments,” added Seban, “The European financing plan, which started in 2021 and should end by 2026. Overall, it’s a massive financing plan. We are talking about almost €800 billion that should be spent across Europe. And if we look at it in some countries,
such as Spain, Portugal, or Italy, for instance, it will contribute to more than 10% of GDP.”
Looking back at 2024, the general construction sector in Spain was doing better than much of the rest of Europe.
The Committee for European Construction Equipment (CECE) said in its 2024 annual report that Spain, along with Italy showed resilience last year, with modest growth in residential construction of 2.1% growth – a much more positive result in that sector than much of the rest of Europe.
Spain’s non-residential construction sector performed well too, with a 7.3% increase, driven by rising demand for modern office space.
The country also benefited from Next Generation EU funds, which enabled the launch of long-delayed infrastructure projects.
Anmopyc, Spain’s association for manufacturers, echoed those sentiments, although it cited a labour crisis
in the country amid a lack of work permits for foreign workers, and an increase in material costs as dampeners on an overall buoyant set of conditions.
Among a host of new civil works in the country during 2024 were rail and road projects, and these are set to rise through 2025, along with an increase in house building.
If there is uncertainty in the market it comes towards the end of the Recovery Plan in 2026 which has been a major investor in public works. Although, undaunted by this, Anmopyc forecasts a 3.5% sector increase over the year.
In June this year, Spanish rental company GAM reported a revenue increase in its first quarter results of 9% year-onyear to €73.5 million.
“Thanks to our circular economy model, we have managed to extend the useful life of machinery and reduce CAPEX consumption by 17%,” added the company.
collection of Manain’s MEWPs.
“Western manufacturers have put their prices up due to higher component costs and the Chinese due to the tariffs.
“I think the western brands have to focus on technology because the Chinese brands are far more advanced with their production technology, meaning the cost of production is lower for them - not because of the labour costs but because they have the technology in the production lines.”
In contrast the majority of companies in Spain are growing. “I think all the middlesized rental companies in Spain are doing well and the smaller ones too. It’s not crazy but it’s growing.”
Despite its relatively positive position Spain is being buffeted by the winds across the rest of Europe. “We are in a time of turbulence with prices and that is the same for most of the brands. Things are still going well here but probably not as well as in the last two years.
“Production prices have risen and equipment prices are high – last year they rose a lot. I think 2025-26 will be a time of change so let’s see what happens.”
Therefore, Borràs believes it is sensible to remain cautious. Rental rates in the country have remained flat for the last five years despite the buoyant economy. “I don’t know what will happen if the economy slows down a bit in Spain, I guess rental prices may go down too.
“One of the big challenges is labour. The machines are easy to buy but finding people to make them work is not easy - that’s one of the main challenges that we have in the future. We don’t have technicians, it’s not
Manain covers the Catalonian region with four strategically placed depots.
easy to find sales people, and it’s the same in other parts of the business. That is what stops the growth.
“One solution is to have machines that breakdown less and keep going – the access market is not fully mature in that way yet.
“I always compare it to car rental companies where you don’t normally have problems, but with these machines you do. The technology has to improve and we have to get used to using that technology without the need for so many technicians.
“To do that we have to improve our processes and lose as little time as possible. If you compare it to how we worked 10 years ago our company is more efficient and we have to keep working hard at that, especially at this time with a lack of labour.”
To overcome the labour shortage, many companies are investing in telematics and fleet management technology, but for Manain it is not that simple, mainly due to the quick turnover of its fleet.
“We do invest in telematics. But we are not a normal rental company; we replace half of our fleet nearly every two years, so it’s difficult to invest in telematics then take it out.”
Raising the rates
If the company was not bucking the trends of the average rental company enough, it has also set its sights on the stagnant rental rates in the sector – and is raising them, albeit slowly.
Borràs explains, “We are raising the prices each year – not a lot but a little bit, especially for machines that have a high utilisation rate. Maybe after a few years they will be 10% higher. As a company, we would prefer to raise prices a little bit than try and gain more of the market.”
It is this cautiousness that is also holding Manain back from growing their fleet size quickly going forward. “Why would you put another 1,000 machines into the market if you don’t have the people to support them and you have the financial risk of those machines.
“Let’s see what happens. I know there are some companies taking that risk and if the market remains good and the economy grows then that’s perfect but if it slows down then you can be in trouble. This is what happened in Spain and the rest of Europe in 2008, so you have to keep the balance.”
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2025 in analysis
Charlotte Hudson, Communications Manager at IPAF, explores the key findings from the Federation’s 2025 MEWP Rental Market Reports.
Produced in partnership with Ducker Carlisle, the International Powered Access Federation’s (IPAF) 2025 MEWP Rental Market Reports provide a comprehensive look at global powered access rental trends, including insights from Europe, North America and Asia.
In 2024, the MEWP rental markets in both Europe and the US continued to grow in revenue, fuelled by sustained demand, increased rental rates, and inflationary factors. However, the pace of growth has begun to slow amid rising uncertainty, according to the latest analysis conducted for IPAF by Ducker Carlisle.
While Europe’s MEWP rental market continued to grow in 2024, the pace of expansion slowed notably compared to 2023. Modest rental rate increases, stabilised utilisation, and a more cautious approach to fleet expansion characterised the year across most countries.
In contrast, the US market marked the end of its recent high-growth cycle. High interest rates and reduced construction investment contributed to cost pressures, limiting rental rate increases to just 1%. Utilisation declined, and fleet growth plateaued, indicating signs of market saturation.
As the MEWP rental sector sits at the intersection of public and private investment cycles, it is increasingly affected by global geopolitical tensions, ongoing inflation, and variable construction spending.
These pressures are beginning to weigh on overall market performance and future growth potential.
Europe focus
The European MEWP rental market saw a 3% revenue increase in 2024, reaching €3.5 billion.
While this reflects continued growth, it fell short of earlier expectations due to rising interest rates, inflation, and delays in public infrastructure projects.
Dynamic growth was
strongest in Denmark, Italy, Norway, and Spain.
Fleet expansion slowed to just 2% – adding approximately 8,000 units – as rental companies took a more cautious approach amid shorter equipment lead times, market saturation, and uncertainty in construction. France’s fleet remained flat, the UK contracted by 2%, and Italy and the Netherlands also saw slower growth.
Rental rates rose modestly by 1%, led by Nordic countries (2–3%), but pricing remained
under pressure in core markets like Germany and France. Average utilisation held steady at 64%, though regional differences persisted. Growth was seen in Italy and the Nordics, while more mature markets reported declines.
Following a strong investment rebound in 2023, fleet investment fell 6% in 2024 as companies focused on renewal over expansion. While Chinese OEMs offered competitively priced machines, newly introduced tariffs in the second half of the year began to limit their market penetration.
US highlights
The North American MEWP rental market experienced a notable shift in 2024, as its high-growth cycle ended. Revenue increased by just 1% year-on-year, signalling a plateau following three years of rapid expansion. A subdued final quarter, coupled with high interest rates, rising material costs, and broader economic uncertainty, weighed heavily on the market.
Fleet growth halted, with the total MEWP fleet holding steady at around 857,000 units – marking the first year without net expansion. Utilisation declined to 71%, returning to more typical levels after the overheated conditions of 2023.
Rental rates rose by only 1%, and companies prioritised utilisation and cash flow over price increases. Investment also dropped significantly, falling from 13% growth in 2023 to
Source: Ducker Carlisle for IPAF
Source: Ducker Carlisle for IPAF
just 5% in 2024, with firms shifting toward fleet renewal and more cautious planning.
As the market enters a correction phase, only modest rental rate growth and limited fleet expansion are forecast over the next two years.
China, India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
In 2024, the Chinese MEWP rental market experienced a significant downturn, with revenues declining by 19.6% year-on-year. Following several years of rapid expansion, the market has entered a correction phase driven by oversupply, reduced demand, and intense competitive pressure.
Fleet growth slowed considerably, and both utilisation rates and rental prices fell sharply. Despite continued investment from some of the country’s largest players, the overall
market environment turned challenging as rental companies grappled with falling margins and weakened project pipelines. This shift marks a new chapter for the Chinese MEWP rental sector – transitioning from breakneck growth to a more mature, competitive, and costsensitive phase.
In India, however, the MEWP market grew by 32%, driven by a 24% increase in fleet size and a 4% rise in utilisation. This growth is largely due to the expanding use of MEWPs in construction projects, driven by their operational
efficiencies compared to traditional forms of access, like scaffolding and manual labour.
In 2024, Saudi Arabia’s MEWP rental market also grew, by 33%, driven by a 18% increase in fleet size and a 2-point rise in utilisation. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a long-term government initiative to transform the country, is fuelling a construction boom through megaprojects such as NEOM, Qiddiya, the Red Sea Project, and the Riyadh Metro. This surge in activity is reshaping market dynamics, attracting new rental players and incentivising existing players to expand their fleets to meet rising demand.
Global outlook for 2025
In 2025, the European MEWP rental sector is set for modest recovery, with stabilising or slightly improving conditions across major markets. Germany and France anticipate small rebounds following sharp construction downturns in 2024, driven by public investment and easing interest rates.
Southern markets like Italy and Spain are expected to outperform, supported by EU recovery funds and infrastructure projects. In the Nordics, growth will be uneven, with Denmark and Finland faring better than Sweden and Norway. Meanwhile, rental activity in the Netherlands is expected to remain steady at mid-singledigit growth levels.
In the US, the subdued
ACCESS THE REPORTS
trend is expected to continue over the next two years as the sector enters a correction phase. Fleet growth projections suggest only a marginal increase of about 500 units, as rental companies adopt a more measured approach.
Meanwhile, companies anticipate a return to a more typical rental rate growth of around 2% per year, in line with equipment cost trends. AI
Gulf growth
Earlier this year, it was revealed that Saudi Arabia awarded approximately US$148 billion worth of contracts in 2024, the highest total ever recorded by a single country in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
This, from a MEED report, comes as no surprise. Megaprojects like Diriyah, The Line, and The Red Sea Project ensure a steady flow of opportunities.
And, as Paul Rankin, managing director of Nationwide Platforms and chief operating officer of Loxam Powered Access Division, explains, demand in the Middle East is coming from many directions.
“There are two main sectors which are the backbone of the Middle East,” he says. “Firstly construction, there is a growing population in the region and the current infrastructure across the GCC is poor, whether it is the building of roads, hospitals, schools or infrastructure to support emerging sectors, the demand for equipment to support the development needs is enormous.
“Secondly, across the region they are the major suppliers of both oil and gas to the world. Approximately 17 million barrels of oil are pumped each day across the region, and the gas industry is big across the region but particularly so in Qatar.”
Another factor driving demand, he adds, is tourism, which has driven demand for rental equipment within the aviation industry.
So too is its young and growing population, which has attracted many large sporting events in recent years.
Keeping up with demand
Dayim Rentals in Saudi Arabia agrees, noting growth in oil and gas, logistics,
Rental demand in the Middle East isn’t limited to infrastructure spend –but logistics, safety and emissions targets create a complex environment.
Lewis Tyler reports.
entertainment, and facility management.
It says that construction, NEOM projects and major events are also key drivers.
The company says, “Telehandlers, boom lifts, generators, lighting towers and air compressors are currently the most requested. The demand for material handling and access solutions has risen sharply due to complex construction site requirements and safety standards.”
To keep up with demand, the company is expanding its fleet, focusing on electric scissor lifts, low-emission generators, and largecapacity forklifts.
“We’re also increasing our telematics integration to support fleet tracking and predictive maintenance,” the company adds.
However, the opportunities of increased projects come with certain caveats. As with previous peaks in demand in the early 2000’s and late 2010’s, these periods can have a knock-on effect in terms of the supply chain that goes beyond investing in fleet.
Cost inflation has also historically been a factor and has caused some to consider buying equipment rather than renting.
Rankin, who has worked in the Middle East since 2004 – first at Johnson Controls before joining Rapid Access in 2014 – agrees that the supply chain can be disrupted during times of high demand.
He says, “The demand
for rental equipment across the Middle East is huge – so much so that the supply chain cannot keep up with demand, whether for products, people, or anything else.”
Another factor is that many believe that the region wasn’t prepared when it was awarded major events such as the World Cup in 2022 and 2029 Asian Winter Games, although Rankin adds that projects such as these mean that “demand for rental equipment in the region will be there for years and years to come.”
Customer demands
The diversity of these projects also means that demand for equipment in the Middle East covers many segments, from pumps to earthmoving equipment, gensets to Mobile Elevating Work Platforms.
One company tapping into that is pump specialist Andrews Sykes Group, which operates depots across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Yemen.
As Tom Lane, general manager – Middle East, Andrews Sykes, explains, the boom in projects is pushing customers towards rental.
He says, “In the UAE, ongoing
Tom Lane, general manager – Middle East, Andrews Sykes.
IMAGE: ANDREWS SYKES
infrastructure upgrades, real estate developments, and the push for smart cities are driving consistent equipment requirements.
“Meanwhile, in Saudi Arabia, Vision 2030 projects are creating massive opportunities in construction, energy, and utilities. We’re seeing strong activity in both markets, with customers increasingly leaning on rental as a flexible, scalable alternative to ownership.”
In terms of its own fleet, while the company tells IRN that it offers what it describes as a core offering, it also offers tailored solutions to meet demands at a local level.
Lane adds, “Our fleet strategy is built around versatility and adaptability. We maintain a robust core offering while tailoring specific asset groups to suit regional nuances – for example, sand-resistant dewatering pumps in KSA or low-noise HVAC units in urban UAE areas.
“Our ability to pivot based on sector trends, client requirements, and seasonal fluctuations allows us to serve diverse markets without compromising on service speed or quality.”
It’s not just customer preference that requires companies to be adaptable, he adds, but also regulations.
“Regulations can vary significantly between the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other
Gulf markets. These include differences in emissions standards, safety certifications, and import requirements.
“We mitigate these challenges through proactive compliance, a strong local presence, and by maintaining a fleet that meets –and often exceeds – the most stringent requirements in the region.”
Sustainability shift
These regulations are pushing customers towards environmentally friendly equipment, according to Lane; “Particularly in the UAE, where government initiatives and sustainability targets are more advanced.
“We’re already deploying electric submersible pumps and other hybrid equipment for urban and environmental projects. In Saudi Arabia, interest is building, especially among international contractors who are implementing global ESG standards.”
Dayim Rentals also notes a growing shift in customer expectations, especially in projects where environmental requirements are more stringent.
“Interest in electric and low-emission equipment is growing – particularly in urban projects and events where regulations are stricter,” a spokesperson says.
“While adoption is still in its early stages compared to Europe, clients are beginning
to request greener alternatives, and we are adapting our offerings accordingly.”
The company adds that sustainability is becoming a key factor in customer decisionmaking across the GCC.
“With governments placing more emphasis on ESG compliance, we’re incorporating more eco-friendly options into our fleet,” they explain.
Meanwhile, Rankin offers a tempered view on sustainability demand but expects growth soon.
“The countries are very clear on what their environmental policies are and the importance of sustainability to them,” he says.
“However, the actual demand we see today is limited. I expect that to change in the next one to three years as these policies become more deeply embedded and move from ambition to implementation.”
He notes that sustainability priorities vary widely depending on the customer; “It plays a much bigger role for larger global or European businesses operating in the region, similar to what we see in the UK.
“Then you have sectors like aviation and maritime, which historically had significant environmental footprints. These sectors are now serious about reversing that trend and reaching net zero. They have the capacity to drive the agenda and bring about industry
The size of the whole site at Diriyah is approximately 14km². IMAGE: DIRIYAH
change, which is often later adopted by others.”
Regional challenges
While regulations may differ from country to country, Rankin believes that the “GCC is quite good from the perspective of ease of doing business.”
He says, “From country to country there are small nuances to getting machines moved across the region, but there isn’t really a challenge from the regulatory environment.”
He does, however, highlight safety as a key challenge, which still lags behind more mature markets.
“We have an innovations team within our business who are solely focused on improving the safety of operators when working at height, and we provide our wellmaintained machines with these innovations for our customers as part of our Value Proposition in the region.
“But sadly, not every rental company is like us, and not all customers maintain the high minimum safety standards that some of your larger, global businesses demand. There is a lot of catching up to be done across the market for it to become a safer industry.”
Nevertheless, Rankin remains upbeat regarding the opportunities for growth, particularly around economic diversification and reduced reliance on oil and gas.
“There are some super powerhouses in the region that are really looking to the future and transforming their countries to diversify sources of income in recognition that the future of the oil and gas industries cannot be sustained.”
From the perspective of Dayim, other operational and market-driven challenges are also front of mind.
“Key challenges include fluctuating project timelines, regional regulatory differences,
supply chain delays for equipment, and intense price competition,” a spokesperson says. “However, strong relationships, reliability, and value-added services are helping leading players like us remain competitive.”
They also highlight the complexity of regulatory compliance across borders.
“Varying safety and emissions standards across GCC markets mean we must stay agile and compliant with each country’s specific requirements. We manage this through strong local partnerships, dedicated compliance teams, and adaptable operational models.”
PHOTO: NIGEL VIA ADOBESTOCK
THE NEXT GENERATION OF BOOM LIFTS
Today’s urban job sites can be challenging environments due to lack of space and uneven ground, as well as rising costs and stricter environmental restrictions. A new generation of articulated boom lifts is required to navigate this territory – with compact dimensions, rough terrain capabilities, emission-free performance, and reduced running costs. Enter the EC450AJ Compact from JLG.
Designed in Europe and manufactured in Italy, this lithium-ion batterypowered machine is a perfect example of how JLG is constantly assessing and developing new solutions to match the needs of an evolving market. “By adding value to this compact and lightweight model with rough-terrain capabilities and advanced technology, we have created a valuable solution for zeroemission and noise-controlled job sites,” says Nicola Sacchet, EMEAI Product Manager for Boom, Scissor and Vertical Products.
Lightweight and compact
As the EC450AJ Compact is only 2 m wide and has true zero tail swing, it offers excellent manoeuvrability on site, and can operate and park in the most confined spaces. And as one of the lightest models in its class, it is flexible and inexpensive to transport on a standard truck bed – two units can fit on to a low-bed trailer. In stowed position, the jib can be tucked under the main boom to further shorten the total machine length to 4.82 m.
Another advantage of the EC450AJ Compact is that it has the best steer and boom swing radius in this category. It has an industry-leading outreach of 8.9 m, a working height of 15.9 m, and an up and over height of 6.85 m. Additional features to support visibility in low-light conditions include the optional light system that illuminates the floor around the machine and an illuminated platform control panel. These features assist operators when loading, unloading
and navigating obstacles in dimly lit environments.
Rough terrain capabilities enhance versatility
Providing excellent traction on rough terrain, the new EC450AJ Compact boom lift has a 4WD AC electric drive system and oscillating axle. It also has two-wheel steering at the front axle and can operate on slopes up to 45% for site transportation and 5° when elevated, for greater access and maximum versatility. “Four-wheel-drive performance is standard on this model,” explains Nicola, “as are non-marking, non-directional rough terrain foam-filled tyres.”
Additional key features of the EC450AJ Compact include 355° turntable rotation, and 250kg platform capacity. The new three-entry platform gives operators more flexibility on the job site. The basket can be removed without touching the control column, which significantly reduces repair times and complexity.
Industry-leading technology such as JLG Skyline enhanced operator protection and the ClearSky SmartFleet telematics system are included as standard. The latter is a robust, purposebuilt solution that was designed by JLG using customer feedback and has more than 25 features to make fleet management tasks easier and more efficient.
The platform of the EC450AJ Compact also benefits from robust, ergonomic and user-friendly JLG platform controls. “This means that no additional training
is required for JLG-trained operators,” says Nicola.
Zero-emission performance
Equipped with 10 kWh lithium ionphosphate (LFP) batteries as standard, the EC450AJ Compact has all the power required to perform on today’s job sites. For extended run time and peace of mind in challenging environments, it also has an option to extend to 20 kWh.
“LFP lithium batteries use one of the safest chemistries in the industry. They are virtually maintenance-free and offer a long life cycle,” says Nicola. The batteries are tested to last the machine’s lifetime and have full warranty support, resulting in a reduced total cost of ownership.
The batteries are quick and easy to recharge using the standard 230VAC
1-phase on-board battery charger and optional 400VAC 3-phase charger. When both charger options are fitted, charging times are further reduced. The location of the on-board battery charger ensures there is no risk of coiling the charging cable while slewing the turntable.
The lithium batteries are also equipped with integrated heaters to enable charging and efficient operation in sub-zero temperatures. “In order to maintain optimum battery health, the lithium batteries are restricted from charging below 0°C, so heating must be quick and efficient,” says Nicola.
The integrated heaters quickly bring the battery cell temperature above zero, enabling it to be charged. “The quicker we warm the battery, the sooner it can be charged, resulting in less downtime and higher productivity,” he adds.
Improved efficiency comes from the AC electric-driven hydraulic pumps, which when coupled with the state-of-theart AC drive system, provide enhanced autonomy.
See the EC450AJ Compact here:
100% Safe, 0% Risk
0 ladders, 0 scaffoldings. Works in spaces up to 4,9 m height, covering the most part of jobsites. Eliminates risks of falls from traditional equipment, leading causes of occupational accidents.
Versatility Without Compromises
0° turning radius and 35% of overcome gradeability. Unlimited access to tight spaces, eliminating the temptation to use dangerous ladders.
Doubled Productivity, Halved Risks
1 operator – 1 platform: unmatched autonomy and speed. Zero seconds to reposition means zero moments of risks. 50% of time saved compared to ladders and scaffoldings.
30 Years of Reliability
Spare parts in 48 hours. Equipment life of 30 years. 100% long-term after sales support.
ROI 200%
Average payback time of only 2 years, €50-€80 annual maintenance costs per unit and
Dinolift
announced the appointment of Petter Rönnlöf as its new CEO earlier this year. Here Rönnlöf shares his vision for the years ahead.
A new way forward
Hot off the heels of a varied career across a range of industries Petter Rönnlöf took over the reins at Dinolift in March this year from Karin Godenhielm, who will continue to play an important role at the Finland-based lightweight MEWP manufacturer as owner and board member (See the box story for more about Godenhielm’s plans).
Rönnlöf brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the role, with this being his first foray into the access business.
“I am a sales guy,” explains Rönnlöf, as he sits back on a chair in a meeting room at Dinolift’s stand at Bauma – the world’s largest construction show, which took place in Munich duirng April.
“I have been in sales of quality Finish products for the last 30 years, including 15 years in the construction industry.”
That decade and a half was spent as Sales Director for building materials giant Paroc, before moving on to a pair of much smaller companies as their CEO – one of which was spa manufacturer Oy Nordic Spa, and the other a diving specialist.
“Being CEO of those two smaller companies gave me a chance to use the knowledge I had from a much bigger company with several thousand employees in relation to processes and efficiency on a larger scale.”
Varied experiences
While those latter two firms may seem miles away in terms of their relationship to the access sector, Rönnlöf believes there are valuable insights that can be brought from both.
“I was at both of them during a transition period, with one of the ambitions being to get more international presence and build up the dealer networks.
“So, they were very different businesses, but they have their similarities, especially in the sense that we [at Dinolift] have an international presence but we want to grow that.
“[And] it was dealer driven, not a rental driven business [like access], but the production process was surprisingly similar – you have a lot of automatization through
Petter Rönnlöf has taken over from Karin Godenhielm.
welding and robotics but you also have manual operators involved.”
Rönnlöf adds, “Now, looking back, I realise that I have always been working with high quality Finnish produced products, which is an advantage. It’s easier when you work with high quality products, as you are dealing with long life cycles and you are secure in the knowledge that there is value throughout the chain.”
Thankfully Rönnlöf will have the support of Dinolift’s Board of Directors, chaired by Aki Laiho, who commented, “Dinolift is investing in continuous improvement in quality and operations, including new technologies and sustainable practices to meet the evolving needs of our customers and the industry.”
It was this commitment to strengthening the company based on quality that brought Rönnlöf to Dinolift. As he explains, “The right people knew Dino and those same people knew me and they put the two of us together.
“Really, the decision from Dino’s point of view was whether it works to have someone from outside the industry, because, although I would not say this is a closed business, a lot of people in it have been in the business for a very long time.
“But the role really clicked with me as soon as I heard what the board wanted to do, and the strategy.”
Planning the journey
Although Rönnlöf cannot yet share Dinolift’s full strategy for the years ahead, there are key links to his previous experience in refocusing organizations. “It is about the journey of where we want to take Dino in the future. Customer focus is a big part, along with operational excellence and securing the company’s culture, along with and its core values and understanding where we want to be in five years’ time.”
Expanding on that customer driven focus, Rönnlöf continues, “If you look at the rental business it’s important that you provide good service and aftermarket support. Customers want a product that after 10,
20,30 years still has some value.
“This, of course, is nothing new but having this sort of logic in our thinking will be very important.”
Asked what the culture of Dinolift is, Rönnlöf replies, “I get that question quite a lot. We have a very friendly environmentfriendly in business and friendly within the company.
“People care for each other and that’s something that is a very good foundation to start with. There are also very open discussions internally and externally, which is something I like very much.
“I am very communicative; I like to talk and want to be open with what we are doing.
“That mixed with a profound understanding around quality - we are never going to be the cheapest. And although quality is not enough on its own it is something to build upon.”
Building on strengths
The next stages of develpoment, following quality, are safety and operational excellence. “I believe the foundations are there at Dinolift, the understanding is there and now somebody needs to put that into action.”
Rönnlöf also makes clear that he has not taken up the role of CEO on a short-term basis - to make the required changes then move on.
NEW PRODUCTS
At Bauma, Dinolift introduced the newly-updated Dino 280RXTE Long Range boom lift, along with the slim version of its Dino 120TLB that was introduced to the global market at the show, following its first appearance in its home market of Finland last year.
The 280RXTE Long Range is upgraded from the all-electric RXTE series to feature an extended 580AH AGM battery that delivers significantly enhanced runtime – up to two times the operating time of previous versions.
Engineered for silent, zero-emission performance, the model is ideal for sites with emission or load restrictions, ensuring robust drive and boom operations while supporting environmental sustainability targets.
The Dino 120TLB was first launched at FinnBuild last year and is the latest compact addition to the manufacturer’s telescopic trailer family.
Designed for easy towing and smooth manoeuvrability, it combines a lightweight design with highperformance capabilities. The model is ideal for challenging job sites where precision and agility are paramount.
“It’s a long-term position. We are not in a hurry, and we have a good foundation to stand upon. We don’t have any big problems; it’s just about making the right decisions and putting those into practice.
“You also need to have the right team around you – nobody can do this alone –and you need the whole company with you.”
A VIEW FROM GODENHIELM
Karin Godenhielm has had an illustrious career in the access industry, having been at the helm of Dinolift for the last 15 years, following the retirement of her father Lasse, who acquired the company in 1997.
In 2022 Godenhielm became IPAF President, having joined the association’s council in 2010, almost a decade after her father ended his stint as president in 2001.
Now Godenhielm has handed over the reins to Petter Rönnlöf who becomes CEO, and while remaining an owner of the company alongside her sister, Karin plans to seek other challenges. However, she will not step back from Dinolift completely.
As Godenhielm explains, the company implemented an ownership structure plan in 2021, with the idea of introducing a CEO to run the company by 2025.
Reflecting on her own decision to move on from the leadership role, Godenhielm says, “As an owner it’s really important that we have the right leadership.
“I will be an active owner, and we are in the handover phase. In the summer I will consider my next steps and look at future ventures.”
Sharing her insights as to the direction Dinolift will take, Godenhielm adds, “We want to look at possible cooperations and maybe make acquisitions in areas where we are strong.
“We want to invest in growth and remain relevant.
“It’s a complex business environment at the moment. We can’t rely on things being the same as they were two years ago or five years ago. We need to broaden our product segment, but we can’t be everywhere.”
However, the plan is for Dinolift to remain as a niche access product producer. “We want to remain a niche manufacturer. It does not make sense to go head-to-head with the huge competition out there [with large volume products like scissor and boom lifts].”
Expansion is certainly part of that strategy and although the product range will be looked at, there are no specific details of new equipment yet, other than a commitment to the lightweight space, where Dinolift has carved out its identity.
“I think it’s too early to talk about the product roadmap. I have some ideas already about where I would like to go based on my evaluation of the segment and its needs and which segments are growing and what segments are not growing,” says Rönnlöf.
“The lightweight concept is still a core part of Dinolift. I do not see any reason for changing that – that’s what we are known for and what our operation is built on.
“We have very flexible production where we can produce, more or less, whatever we want to. We make a lot of the components in-house, compared to many other competitors, so in that sense we are flexible. But we have to also be realistic about what we can do efficiently.”
One thing is for certain, adds Rönnlöf, is the need to adapt to the times. Referring to US President Donald Trump, who had just announced a range of global tariffs when this interview took place at Bauma, Rönnlöf concludes, “That is also something that I will try to bring to the company, that the only sure thing is that we will have change – one thing that is going to be stable in instability, whether we like it or not.”
The Dino 280RXTE Long Range boom lift was on show at Bauma.
There has been a change at the very top of the table this year as the global access rental market steadies itself for a new era, following difficult economies, tariffs and more.
TOP 50 FLEET SIZES
Spreading its
United Rentals remains the world’s largest equipment provider thanks to its massive general rental fleet, but China’s Horizon Construction Equipment has overtaken it in the access50, marking a striking change to the top position in the table. Bearing in mind that before 2017 there were no Chinese rental companies in the listing, Horizon’s rise over rcent years is truly impressive.
This year’s increase for Horizon and now third-placed Huatie has come despite the tough market conditions in China, where
1
wings
there has been an economic downturn, aided by a real estate crash and a stagnant access sector. This is reflected by the marginal growth of other China-based rental companies in the list, when compared to their massive year-on-year increases in the past.
Huatie’s near 39% fleet expansion has resulted from the company’s huge resources, which has led to it acquiring 54% of all
MEWPs sold in China over the last year. Horizon’s resources have allowed it to continue its investment and seek growth across the border in Southeast Asia, where it is having a major influence on those rental markets. For example, Horizon acquired Malaysia-based TH Tong Heng Machinery earlier this year, which has been a staple in the access50 over the last five years with its fleet of 1,200 MEWPs.
Domestic investments
However, there is still room for others in those markets. Take Ban Ngai Rent (BNR), also based in Malaysia but with interests >
THE SURVEY
■ This survey was carried out via an e-mail and e-cast campaign in the two months leading up to the publication of this list. Companies with MEWP fleet sizes above 1000 units were asked to provide quantities of each platform type in their fleet, along with the other details shown in this listing.
■ Where figures are not available, an estimate has been made based on industry and regional trends.
across Southeast Asia, which entered the listing for the first time this year and has investment heavily over the last 18 year. These insights into how the emerging markets in Southeast Asia are developing is reflected somewhat by the Turkish rental companies that have also seen very positive growth this year. In 2024 they accelerated their equipment investments in
anticipation of market growth. Easy access to credit from competing manufactuterers and distributors helped accelerate those investments.
Looking across Asia, India is seeing an upward trend too as a result of a fastgrowing economy with a large number of infrastructure projects. While the country’s largest access providers still tend to be
LARGEST FLEET % GROWTH
subsidiaries of international companies, there is a steady development in its domestic rental firms, like Mtandt, which has a considerable rise in its fleet this year following a major focus on investment.
However, India MEWP fleet is not set to grow at the same rate as it has in China over the last eight years but there is a clear move towards rental of aerials and a large number of smaller exisitng companies that do not have the minimum fleet size of 1,000, which is required to appear in the listing.
Europe & North America
Turning to the traditionally mature markets of Europe and the USA, the fortunes of those in the listing convey market conditions. The likes of United Rental, Sunbelt Rentals and Sunstate in the US are seeing steady growth. This reflects the American Rental Association’s (ARA) recent revised forecast that rental growth will continue but at a slower pace than previously estimated. This trend has been bucked by Herc, up in sixth place this year
from ninth in 2024, following its recent acquisition of H&E Rentals, another major access fleet owner in the US.
The acquisition story was the talk of the industry in the first quarter of this year as Herc put in a higher bid for H&E just when it seemd the deal had been clinched by United Rentals.
You may notice there a couple of new entries from the US this year. It reflects our continuing efforts to make the listing as comprensive as possible, which includes adding pre-existing companies to the list as they beome apparent.
Northern headwinds
The widespread downturn in Europe’s economies in recent times is reflected by generally modest or negative growth for those companies operating there.
Earlier this year the final anti-dumping and -subsidy tariffs on Chinese products entering the EU were finalised.
With many China-based producers importing large numbers of kit to the continent before the duties struck, some rental companies took advantage of lower cost equipment while it was available.
In addition, an ever improving supply chain since the end of the Covid pandemic has improved the availability of equipment.
It is possible the fleets of European renters, particularly those based to the north of the continent, where the economies were at their worst, may have seen further drops in their fleet sizes if it were not for these factors.
It is also worth noting that markets in Southern Europe, particularly Spain and Portugal, have experienced buoyant
economies. In that matter, there is a new entry from Spain this year Manain Elevació, (see the interview with the company’s owner in this issue).
Considering the uncertainties in the world, this year’s access50 remains hopeful and reflects the opportunities that remain in the global access rental sector, much of which is still maturing or in other cases just getting started. AI
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Palfinger’s
leadership share their ambitions for global growth and localized production.
Experience and solutions
Palfinger’s aerial work platform division is ready for expansion, not just in its product line but in its production footprint too. And like many other manufacturers it is facing the challenges and uncertainties of the modern era with a focus on localization, which will see it increasingly manufacture in new regions for those regions.
Palfinger is well known for its loader cranes and produces a range of other equipment with platforms making a significant proportion of the total.
Access is an increasingly important product line for Palfinger, say Alexander Susanek, the company’s COO, and Walter Haberl, its Product Line Leader for Aerial Work Platforms, speaking to Access Briefing at Bauma in April, “and we want to grow it.”
“We have a strong production and service network and capabilities that we have built over the years with our cranes, so we can take a lot of this knowledge and experience to bring platforms to the next level.”
Strength in diversification
Europe is of course a strong focus for Palfinger’s platform business with its main production site in Löbau, Germany. “We have been investing heavily there to develop capacity and bring production to the next level.
“What is really important from a strategic standpoint is diversification. We see that as a big strength to make our company more resilient. We do not want to depend on one or two product lines alone or one or two regions, so we want to diversify not just
Palfinger COO Alexander Susanek (right), and Walter Haberl, Product Line Leader Aerial Work Platforms.
Palfinger’s stand at Bauma 2025. IMAGE: PALFINGER
across product lines, but across regions too.
“When we saw weak demand in Europe, we could compensate for it because we were strong in North America and our marine business, which is a worldwide business, developed very strongly in revenue and profitability.
“We also have other product lines, like truck mounted forklifts for example, and presented a complete new range in the last two years. So, we will have some good pillars to place our business on, especially in these times when we don’t know what will happen next.”
Access equipment will play a vital role in Palfinger’s diversification policy. “The platforms business is a very strong business and a very big business. It’s a flexible product that can be used for many applications.”
As mentioned, regional production is also key aim of the company.
“For us it is very important to be close to market. Generally, we follow the philosophy of producing in the region for the region, and in these uncertain times that proves to be a strength.”
LATEST LAUNCH
Among the facilities is its North American plant in Oklahoma City, US, where it builds platforms for the local market.
Production focus
There is a renewed focus on the site, including a reworking of the product portfolio. “There is more to come, and strong focus on developing the plant itself. We have a lean initiative and have taken big steps to increase efficiency in production and increase quality, as well as investing a lot in our service network.
“The product offering is one thing, and production is another but being close to the customer is crucial.”
The company has more than 1000 employees in the US and four production sites, as well as a strong sales and service network. “So, we feel like a US company. We produce in the region for the region and of course that includes our in-house production and extents throughout the whole supply chain.”
One reason for the importance in local
Palfinger was introducing a new range of 3.5 tonne GVW hybrid truck mounts at Bauma that replaces the previous series in this weight category.
Covering 19m to 28m working heights, the range introduces a newly developed modular component system, and are all electric drive ready, allowing customers to opt for a hybrid variant or a heavier all-electric chassis.
“We have put a lot of effort into performance improvements and modularity making maintenance easier than ever,” said Alexander Susanek, COO at Palfinger.
“In 2024, we reopened our German Löbau site as the European hub for our aerial work platforms, with a strong focus on the new TEC range. To support this, we have optimized key parts of our manufacturing lines, enhancing production efficiency and accelerating the development of our expertise on-site.”
The four-model telescopic TEC range, which can be mounted on trucks up to 10.5 tonnes, was represented on the company’s Bauma stand by the PT 28 T and PT 22 TJ, making their debut.
The range topping PT 28 T offers fully electric operation of the platform while reaching a working height of 28m. The PT 22 TJ, installed on an Iveco eDaily, is highly compact and offers an innovative jib designed for flexibility and precision, making it suitable for urban and industrial applications.
Palfinger’s battery pack option enables electric operation of the platform for a typical workday.
With this, the truck engine remains switched off during operation, thus lowering emissions and noise levels.
Additionally, it opens up the potential to use the equipment in cities with strict emission regulations or for indoor use.
The other two model in the range includes the PT 25 TJ, Palfinger’s most powerful 3.5 tonne platform with its increased lateral reach, and the PT 19 TJ on a 4.25 tonne Ford eTransit, which is set to be officially launched in the future.
The PT 22 TJ, part of Palfinger’s TEC range. IMAGE: PALFINGER
production for vehicle mount manufacturers is that most require a locally-produced chassis that meets road regulations, among other factors, in any specific country.
There are plans to expand in Asia too, with a new plant in India.
“India is one of the growth markets of the coming years and platforms will be an important part of that.
“It has a very vibrant economy with a lot of growth potential so we decided to start an operation there. We have sold products in India for many years and we have a sales team which is well established and know the market very well.”
The company’s investment in the new India production site will be roughly €25 million. “We are currently looking for the appropriate plot of land and then we want to start quickly.”
This would see work starting in the following months, with production beginning in 2027. The products will be loader cranes, aerial work platforms and hookloaders.
“I spent sometime in India recently and when you drive though the cities you see big investments in infrastructure, and you see a lot of platforms as well, including many of ours.
“We are convinced that being a local manufacturer opens a lot of doors in India - you are close to the market and people appreciate it if you work close to the market.”
Service and reliability
The products produced there will mainly be for the Indian market although there will be an opportunity to export to other countries in continent too. Crucially, there will be no major changes to product design to make it fit for the Indian market.
“We have some opportunities for other markets in Asia but really we are trying to focus on India. What we do see is that a lot of our products are already interesting for the Indian market. Therefore, you will see some localization in their design but you will not see a whole new product line.”
When it comes to potential competition from Chinese manufacturers, as has been seen in the self propelled sector, there is confidence that quality will win over price.
“We have a very strong product offering. It is not just about the purchase price alone so. Customers expect performance, reliability, and service to provide uptime at a high level and you cannot deliver that with a cheap product. We have a strong service network close to our customers supporting them in their business.”
There have been some interesting developments in the truck mount market in recent months, including OEMs that are widening their scope in the market or entering it for the first time, as well as new products in the hybrid and electric sectors.
In February it was confirmed that Tadano had acquired US-headquartered Manitex, which may be best known for its cranes, but also produces a significant range of truck mounted platforms in the US, as well as owning Oil & Steel, with its spiders and vehicle mounts.
Now Tadano, which has a huge presence in the Japanese truck mount sector, aims to capitalise on the international opportunities that these acquisitions offer by developing more truck-mounted aerial platforms aimed at overseas markets.
“The truck mounted space for us in Japan is very big. We do a really good job, and if you think about the synergies between the companies, I think we can expand our presence in that space,” Dean Barley, president and CEO of Tadano America, Tadano Mantis and Manitex International told Access Briefing
Barley, president and CEO of Tadano America, Tadano Mantis and Manitex International.
and hopes to compete with the current producers in the continent.
The company chose the 70m working height segment to start its journey, with the first model in the new TE Series.
There have been updates galore in the truck mount market in recent months.
“We have a lot of truck mounted products in Japan that we don’t bring to the US. So, I think Manitex gives us a really good footprint in that market.”
“I think the combination of the two companies [Tadano and Manitex] - the technology, the product and the high quality that Tadano produces, gives us an opportunity to expand our footprint globally.”
Bauma debut
Entering the truck mount market for the first time this year was spider lift specialist Teupen. The Germany-based manufacturer was acquired by US utility lift and service OEM Altec in April last year. At Bauma Teupen presented it first truck mount that will be aimed at the European market
The 71.6m working height TE720 model was launched at Bauma in April.
The series will be expanded with further models offering different working heights, probably around four units, said the company, and positioned in the high-performance truck mounted platform segment. The TE Series, said the manufacturer, will be produced at Teupen’s Krefeld, Germany facility.
The Teupen TE720 was developed so that operators can work with the machine without requiring extensive training. Alongside Teupen’s own control system, users can choose from several industrystandard controls, allowing operators to work with the system they know best.
It is also designed for demanding applications, with the working height complemented by an outreach of up to
42m with a basket load of 100kg. At the maximum basket capacity of 600kg, it achieves an outreach of 32m.
Thanks to a compact design, weighing in at under 32 tonnes with a total vehicle length of 11.8m, the unit can be operated without special permits.
One of the main points is the 32 tonnes chassis, either a Scania, MAN or Volvo, allowing it to be driven on roads with a standard permit. This theme of making products transport friendly is one we are seeing increasingly in new truck mount designs across the industry.
The TR720’s lower boom section features four telescopic extensions, providing up-andover reach of 46m, while a below ground reach of 17m enables use in challenging environments. A 220° jib and a dual 220° rotatable basket further increase flexibility.
The machine’s angled outriggers allow for a full 360° working envelope, enabling unrestricted outreach in all directions.
Premium answer
Also solidifying its presence in the premium market is Multitel Pagliero with its own answer to the 70m working height sector with the MJE710, which it also launched at Bauma.
The 70.6m working height truck mount
Dean
Teupen’s new 71.6m working height TE720, launched at Bauma.
Ruthmann’s T 570 HF Hybrid at the Hermannsdenkmal in Detmold.
has numerous new features and can also be mounted on a 32 tonne GVW truck. The unit was on a Volvo FMX 8x4 Tridem truck at Bauma.
Its working height is paired with outstanding outreach capabilities of 28.50m with 600kg in the basket, 33.70m with a 280kg load, and 37m with 100kg.
Equipped with four extendable stabilizers with double extensions, the MJE710 offers a maximum stabilization area of 8.10m.
Built entirely in Multitel’s Manta Italy production facilities, the unit at Bauma was still undergoing testing and the company added that there are already plans to extend the range to four models.
The MJE710 has a clean design thanks
to an innovative internal cable and rope system, eliminating the risk of damage from obstacles or falling debris.
The aerial section consists of three main booms. The first boom features five sections, four of which are extendable via a ropedriven extension system.
The three-point lever articulation is fully integrated into the main boom, ensuring smooth movement coordination with the second boom and allowing for a seamless 180° range.
Electric in demand
These eye-opening developments in the sector were accompanied by another impressive design, that being Bronto Skylift’s 56m working height all-electric truck mount, also shown at Bauma – the first of its kind at this working height.
The new truck mount is based on the tried-and-tested S-XR range from Bronto, specifically the S56XR.
The aerial platform’s software has been modified to fit an electric PTO, to save energy during operation for longer working periods and keep the operator notified on battery charge status.
The combination of electric platform and chassis was created in partnership with Swiss cleaning services company Rohr and Volvo Group subsidiary Designwerk Technologies AG, which is a pioneer in electric vehicles and has supplied the truck chassis.
“We are pleased to be able to offer our customers an environmentally friendly alternative without compromising on performance,” said Dominik Keller, Global Access Segment Director at Bronto Skylift. “This is an important step towards a more sustainable future for the industry. Rohr AG’s initiative was key in creating this product and we thank Designwerk for successful collaboration.”
Patrick Dörge, Chief Operating Officer of Rohr, said that in Switzerland more and more large cities are demanding low-CO2 behaviour from their service providers. “In the future, our customers will demand electric vehicles across the board, a trend that we have been observing for several years. With this project, we are showing that we are taking a pioneering role in low-emission solutions.”
Environmental designs
There were more green energy innovations from Ruthmann at Bauma with the Steiger T 570 HF Hybrid.
The 57m working height model is designed with a powerful battery system that
is unique in the performance class. With an outreach of 41m and a 600kg basket load, this machine shows that real power can also be sustainable, said the company.
The T 570 HF Hybrid is part of a new series that extends from the T 510 HF to the T 750 HF.
The MC 8x2R electric truck developed by Designwerk Technologies offers four axles with three steered axles for optimum manoeuvrability, and a 500 kWh battery capacity, which guarantees full power over an entire working day for travelling and working without CO2 or noise emissions.
An example of its capabilities comes with its use for customer Begemann’s Mietlift, which operated the T 570 HF at the Hermannsdenkmal in Detmold – a monument located southwest of Detmold in the district of Lippe, in Germany. Its mission was to drape an oversized jersey in the colours of football team DSC Arminia Bielefeld ahead of the DFB Cup final against VfB Stuttgart.
The T 570 HF attached the 9m high and 7.2m wide jersey, made from 130 square metres of fabric, safely to what is the highest monument in Germany.
The project was initiated by the Bielefeldbased company Schüco – in honour of the cup final and its 50-year partnership with DSC Arminia.
Road going
Lower down the working height spectrum there continues to be developments in the highly competitive 3.5 tonne segment, where manufacturers are attempting to make the most of weight limits allowing operators to drive on the raod with a standard licence.
The new Multitel MJE 710.
IMAGE: CTE
The 23m chassis mounted CTE ZETA 23.
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This year CTE launched new models, including the new Zeta 23 articulated truck mounted platform, mounted on Iveco, and the B-Lift 18 HD telescopic platform, available in an electric version, mounted on an eDaily, and a diesel version, also mounted on an Iveco.
The CTE Zeta 23 articulated boom lift, which joins the CTE Zeta 24 J model, offers 23m of working height and optimised performance. Features such as fixed, straight down stabilisers and the company’s S3 EVO control system, combined with a boom configuration designed to maximise performance over the entire working area, make it particularly suitable for the rental sector and ideal for any application, said the company.
From Socage comes the forSte 19A Speed, which is mounted on the lower
FULL RECOVERY
UK-based pick-up and van mount producer CPL, part of the Klubb group, has launched a recovery division, along with its first product.
CPL Recovery was inaugurated at the Tow Show, which is also based in the UK during September last year.
Making its debut on the stand was the CPL-50; a robust recovery truck designed for UK car breakdown service provider RAC, and CPL’s first major client.
weight Piaggio Porter NP6, with a 2,800kg GVW, although the entire Speed series is aimed at a total GVW of up to 3.5 tonnes. It can provide up to 18.7m in working height and a lateral outreach of 12m with a basket payload of 230kg, with two operators and additional material.
The lightweight platform, made of high strength steal, is designed to be easy to use. Its compact size makes it perfect for working in hard-to-reach places and spaces with limited movement, making it a good choice for projects in urban centers and historic areas where other vehicles cannot reach. It is also easily adaptable to individual needs of the customer thanks to its low installation weight on the Piaggio truck and offers a wide range equipment and safety options.
Challenging terrain
Moving into the utility segment Movex is further extending its chassis offering to complement its van mount and pick-up mounted range, which apart from typical end user jobs like power grids, is also suited to the rental market, says the manufacturer.
The 3.5 tonne GVW TLRx range, designed for rental and urban maintenance, is made up of three models from 16m to 20m height.
Designed to be lightweight and highly manoeuvrable, these platforms are designed to simplify operations, even in the most challenging environments.
The range topping 19.9m working height TLRx 20 has a maximum outreach with
The model was designed specifically for the UK market, which requires a vehicle with a rear body that is as low to the ground as possible. This is to prevent damage to low vehicles.
While this is the main feature of the CPL-50, the company, which operates a state-of-the-art facility in Northamptonshire, UK, is in conversation with various Recovery companies to provide relevant designs for their needs.
Mark Sawyer, CPL’s Commercial Director, said, “It was fantastic to attend the Tow Show for the first time. We met many industry leaders hungry for reliable, innovative recovery vehicles, and we’re here to deliver exactly that.”
Feedback from UK raod rescue company the RAC and exhibition attendees was very positive, Sawyer added. “We’re excited to continue learning and improving our offerings for the recovery sector.”
stabilizers of 11.1m, with a basket load of 230kg or two people and turret rotation of 450 degrees.
The 1000V insulated polyester basket has a full opening and dimensions of 1300mm x 780mm x 1150mm.
Offering two telescopic boom sections, they contain a cable chain in the telescope and four hydraulic stabilizers and electrohydraulic and sequential control.
The TLRx range’s modular option allows the platform to be customized to suit specific needs.
France Élévateur, which owned Movex, until both brands were acquired by the Time Manufacturing company, also had a new chassis mounted lift at Bauma.
Again, aimed at utility work, the 17.2m working height 172 CPL is a carriermounted platform that is insulated to 1,000 volts.
Offered with a customizable workshop cell where more than 1.5 tonnes of material can be transported, the machine also has a telescopic 140° articulated boom, as well as a basket load of 265kg that can accommodate two people. Again the machine has been designed to accommodate a certain level of driving licences, in this case C1, which is a step up from the standard car driver’s B1 licence in Europe. There is also an electric platform option. AI
PHOTO: CPL
The CPL-50 is the first launch in the new CPL Recovery division.
Part of Socage’s Speed range, the forSte 19A Speed.
The Movex TLRx 20.
The 172 CPL from France Élévateur.
info@ipaf.org
+44 (0)15395 66700 www.ipaf.org/contact
Accidents involving mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) may not always make headlines – but every incident, whether minor or serious, holds crucial insight that can help prevent future harm. At IPAF, we believe transparent and consistent accident reporting is the cornerstone of improving safety in the powered access industry.
The critical importance of reporting accidents involving MEWPs
recognising that reporting incidents isn’t about blame, it’s about learning.
Since launching our global accident reporting initiative in 2012, we’ve seen a steady increase in data submissions. This growing participation reflects a shift in industry culture – companies are
IPAF DIARY
Each report contributes to a broader understanding of where, how, and why accidents happen. It allows us to identify trends and common factors –be it operator error, equipment misuse, or site conditions –that we can address through targeted safety campaigns, updated guidance, and
IPAF will host or participate in the following events. Full details are at www.ipaf.org/en-gb/upcoming-events
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VERTIKAL DAYS 2025
10-11 September 2025
Location: Newark Showground, Newark, UK
IPAF ELEVATION
enhanced training materials. Our 2025 Global Safety Campaign, for example, was shaped directly by an increase in reported overturn incidents over recent years.
Yet despite progress, underreporting remains a challenge. We urge all users, rental companies, contractors and manufacturers to treat accident reporting as a nonnegotiable safety practice, not
just for major incidents, but for near-misses and minor events too. These are often early warning signs that, if left unaddressed, can lead to much more serious outcomes.
Reporting is simple, confidential, and can be done via our Accident Reporting Portal. Every submission helps improve the safety of everyone in our industry.
Together, through transparency and shared responsibility, we can reduce risks and save lives. AI
■ Reports can be made here: https://ipafaccidentreporting.org
IPAF has updated its familiarisation of MEWPs leaflet, F1: Familiarisation, and accompanying Andy Access poster, available in all core languages.
■ Find out more and download the leaflet here: www.ipaf. org/en-gb/resource-library/f1familiarisation
IPAF named finalist in Association Success Awards 2025
IPAF has been named a finalist in the Association of Association Executives’ 2025 International & European Association Success Awards.
Shortlisted in the “Best Association Publication” category for the 2024 Global Safety Report, IPAF was one of four finalists in the awards that recognise excellence and innovation among associations across Europe and beyond.
The Global Safety Report is a data-led analysis of incidents involving mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) around the world. The report, now fully digital, is produced annually by IPAF’s Safety & Technical department and their International Safety Committee (ISC).
Brian Parker, IPAF’s Head of Safety & Technical, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to see our report recognised by
the Association of Association Executives and would like to thank the members of the ISC for their time and effort in analysing the anonymised accident data that forms the backbone of this publication. Thanks also to our members and diligent people around the world who continue to report their accidents via the IPAF Accident Reporting Portal or anonymously.
“Our goal is always to make powered access safer, and being
shortlisted for this award reinforces the value of the work we do.”
The 2024 Global Safety Report also recently received a finalist nomination at the 2025 Trade Association Forum Awards in the UK, underlining its impact across the sector.
You can read the 2024 Global Safety Report here: www.ipaf.org/en/gsr2024
The 2025 Global Safety Report will be published this month. AI
Highlights of the IPAF Rental Market Reports 2025
To mark the release of the IPAF Rental Market Reports 2025, we’ve recorded a special webinar exploring the latest global trends in powered access rental markets.
What to expect:
■ Headline trends across Europe, North America, and Asia
■ In-depth regional analysis with a focus on the Spanish rental market
■ Discussion on what 2025–26
may hold for MEWP rental Speakers include:
■ Peter Douglas, CEO & Managing Director, IPAF
■ Euan Youdale, Editor, Access International
■ Ksenia Striapunina, Analyst, Ducker Carlisle
Don’t miss your chance to gain insights that can help guide investment, strategy and growth in the coming year. Watch now:
IPAF Webinar: Highlights of the IPAF Rental Market Reports 2025 | IPAF AI
NEW MEMBERS
IPAF welcomes the following new members. Full contact details are in the Membership Directory at: www.ipaf.org
ASSOCIATION
Canadian Rental AssociationCRA, Canada
CONTRACTOR / INDUSTRIAL USER
Atlantic Building Restoration Ltd, Canada
Collen Construction Ltd, Ireland
John Paul Construction, Ireland
HIRER / RENTAL
Alayan Rentals S.P.A, Italy
Eagle Platforms & Training Ltd, United Kingdom
INDEPENDENT INSTRUCTOR
Daniel Stacey, United Kingdom
Dipankar Rai, United Kingdom
MANUFACTURER
ALLTEA srl, Italy
Almac Atlantic Ltd, United Kingdom
Els Lift Makina Sanayi Ticaret Anonim Şirketi, Turkey
Gemini Power Hydraulics Pvt Ltd, India
SAFETY PROFESSIONAL
Kirk Emge, United States
Muhammad Umer, Saudi Arabia
Wesley Broomfield, Canada
SERVICE / COMPONENT
SUPPLIER
DTL Access Ltd, Isle of Man
The Crane Pad Ltd, United Kingdom
The Safety Standard, Canada
TRAINING
Cater Clean Solutions T/A CCS
Group, United Kingdom
Cursum AG, Switzerland
Ensa North America, United States
Finnsiirto Oy, Finland
Sama Al Sharq Inspection
Company T/a SASIC, Saudi Arabia
Skillpoint Training LImited, United Kingdom
TradeTechs Northern Ltd, United Kingdom
Seeing expansion
Part of Tubesca-Comabi’s product line.
The low level access sector is making advances in terms of uptake, while the growth in the number of micro scissors has also added a new dynamic to the market.
As evidence of its growth into working at height applications where traditional forms of scaffolding have been used, UK-based Power Towers, which is part of the JLG group of companies, signed a supply deal with Tubesca-Comabi, to represent its low level access products in France.
Tubesca-Comabi, part of the Frenehard & Michaux group, is the leading provider of traditional access equipment to the French market, including ladders, scaffolding and mobile towers.
Power Towers manufactures powered and non-powered MEWPs with a working height up to 5.5m and the initial stock order will be delivered to Tubesca-Comabi in the third quarter of this year.
Richard Puglia, Business Development Director at Power Towers, said, “We are very happy to have an access equipment manufacturer of the quality of Tubesca-Comabi as a partner in France to commercialize our solutions and grow our distribution channel.”
Micro lifts
An area that we are also seeing an increase in, alongside the wider low level access segment is micro scissors.
Insights into a growing niche of the access equipment market, where compact is key.
JLG has launched the newly rebranded ES1330M and ES1530M electric scissor lifts, previously the ES1330L and ES1530L, which join the ES1930M, expanding JLG’s micro-sized scissor lift lineup in North America.
Micro scissors are ideally suited to a new era of low level and restricted access applications such as in data centres as well as hospitals, libraries, museums and commercial facilities. They are also well suited for fit-out and finish work like painting and installing HVAC, electrical, fire suppression, IT infrastructure and signage.
Both models have a platform height of 13ft (indoor/outdoor), platform capacity of 500 lb, measure 30 in x 56.2 in and have a zero turning radius.
The ES1330M has a platform capacity of 1,984 lb and can have up to two people in the basket, while the ES1530M has a 1,940 lb capacity and a one-person occupancy.
Key features include zero turning radius, fixed rails that fit through standard doorways and a leak containment system is now standard.
A growing range of optional accessories are available, including an enclosed, four-rail integrated mid-rail deck, which is coming soon, a hostile environment package, a multi-display indicator to quickly view the machine’s battery life and any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), SkySense enhanced detection system and lithium-ion batteries.
Micro scissors are of course offered by a range of manufacturers from the high volume scissor and boom lift sphere, including Genie, Skyjack and Haulotte, with those
new
products having been published in previous issues of this magazine.
Natural expansion
A specialist in low level access Axolift launched its first scissor lift in 2024, an ultra compact pusharound model.
The P300 was the first of a new range designed to pass easily through standard doors. Its 4-wheel chassis, includes two wheels with unidirectional brakes and an automatic parking brake when elevated.
The
ES1530M micro scissor from JLG. IMAGE: JLG
The Axolift Elift 350 has been renamed Elift 3.0, representing its platform height.
KEY ACCESSORIES
Bravi Platforms has released the results of market research conducted by Introspective Market Research, which demonstrates the global need for low level access equipment.
The research shows that 48.07% of global construction sites have ceilings with a maximum height of 5m, (with the exception of civil housing projects, representing 33% of overall construction projects), an aspect that affects equipment choices.
Moreover, 92.72% of the equipment sold between 2017 and 2023 and used in these types of projects is not designed to operate at these heights.
The data highlights the importance for rental companies to offer solutions suitable to the needs of construction sites, said Bravi, able to guarantee safety and operational continuity.
On the other hand, for contractors, the use of units conceived for restricted spaces is crucial to improve efficiency and reduce the risk.
Most recently Bravi has announced a series of updates to its products and accessories.
Bravi’s famous Leonardo HD has received a range of upgrades.
The company’s core Leonardo HD model has had a capacity increase from180kg to 230kg. This has been achieved without changing the unit weight, which remains at 560kg.
The upgrade is particularly useful for applications requiring Bravi’s range of accessories, including the Solo-Gyps, for plasterboard installation, and the Small-E inspection device. Joining the accessories is the new Pipe Rack, which allows loading and the transport of pipes up to 90kg.
To improve operators’ experience in the picking sector, there has been a major upgrade to the Bravi Sprint, both structurally, with a new chassis equipped with reinforced corners and bumpers, and through two new accessories.
“Part of our growth strategy to become a leading manufacturer of low level access (LLA) products is a continuous expansion of our product portfolio” Said Massimo Grossele, CEO of Gromet/Axolift.
“Compact scissor lifts are a natural expansion of our current LLA product portfolio, and we are starting with the P300 push around model, and thanks to the modular design the same chassis can be used for a self propelled version.”
Most recently the company upgraded one of its core vertical mast lift products, the Elift 350, which has been renamed Elift 3.0, representing its platform height.
New custom designed and manufactured electronics are better than previously, as well as being more user and service friendly, as is the access to the controls and hydraulics.
Ground clearance of the updated model has been improved to offer 10mm. A new joystick, which has been re-positioned in the cage, makes the unit more user friendly
ELS will sell Custom Equipment products from July.
and intuitive to drive.
Besides that, there is also a new design of the traction system, reducing the risk of damage to drive motors.
The Elift also comes standard with forklift pockets, while the mast has been re-designed and now uses maintenance free ball bearings instead of plastic slide bearings, reducing friction and wear.
Turkey-based access equipment manufacturer ELS is preparing to sell lifts from its low level access sister company USbased Custom Equipment. Both companies have been acquired by ASKO holding, which is also based in Turkey, over the last couple of year and they are now aligning their product portfolio.
The equipment, which is primarily scissor lifts, will be branded as ELS from July this year for the European market. ELS also offers its own low level access micro scissors. The new Junior 6.5 SP micro scissor was on its stand at Bauma and complements the existing Junior 5.5. An 8m working height micro scissor will follow soon, says the company. AI
ISTANBUL
Manufacturers, distributors, leasing companies, financial institutions, support product and service providers, and end users will come together at Autodrom Istanbul, Istanbul’s prestigious venue for events. THE COUNTDOWN STARTS FOR MEWP INDUSTRY’S SUMMIT IN TURKIYE!
Media Sponsors
Steering its own course
Material handling giant Noblelift has set its sights on the MEWP
sector with a new powered access division, led by former Sinoboom
Europe and IPAF CEO Tim Whiteman.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary in operation this year, Noblelift is a US$1 billion company with over 5,000 employees and is listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. The company boasts subsidiaries in Germany, France, the USA, South Korea, Malaysia, and Vietnam, and now has big plans in the access sector.
Tim Whiteman, who started in his new role as CEO of the division in January this year, was formerly CEO at Sinoboom BV, the manufacturer’s European subsidiary, and before that CEO and Managing Director of IPAF for more than 15 years. Speaking to Access Briefing at Bauma, he said, “We have very ambitious plans. We may not yet be the biggest, but we aim for a very personalised service and to ramp that up very quickly.”
This Whiteman explains will not be too difficult thanks to Noblelift’s extensive experience in manufacturing, alongside its intelligence systems division offering highly sophisticated automated warehousing systems for the likes of Amazon.
MEWP production experience
On top of that the company has a rich history of MEWP production for other OEMs and has produced thousands of electric scissor lifts and other handling products for major industry players. While many of these partnerships remain confidential, Noblelift’s capabilities are already integrated into various global brands.
Noblelift is now set on making its own
name in the highly competitive MEWP market. “Today we a have range of scissor lifts but with a huge array of options and are able to give customers a personalized experience,” says Whiteman.
The line incorporates six electric scissor lifts, five of which were showcased at Bauma. And, this is just the beginning, as there are plans for a full line of scissor lifts ranging from 5m/16ft to 16m/53ft working height.
In addition, a pair of electric articulating booms with 11m/36ft and 16m/53ft working heights are currently in testing. Future models will include telescopic booms and spider lifts.
Among Nobelift’s current line-up is a telehandler, with some standout differences. “It has a rough terrain forklift chassis so it’s smaller, compact and lighter than a traditional telehandler which for some people is exactly what they want,” explains Whiteman.
All powered access products are currently manufactured at Noblelift’s dedicated facility in Malaysia, with additional capacity available at the company’s plant in China. Both factories have been operational for over a decade and are strategically positioned to navigate global trade regulations.
As Whiteman points out, an advantage of having a factory in Malaysia is that units
produced there are subject to a relatively low 4.5% import duty to the EU and 24% to the US market, compared to those imported from China. This is due to the tariffs introduced to MEWPs produced in China entering the EU and the US.
Asked why Noblelift has chosen to launch its own access division now, and display its products at Bauma, Whiteman answers, “Noblelift has reached a stage where we are a very financially stable company, and we have the funds available to invest and start a new product line based on our experience.”
Despite the increasingly competitive environment for access OEMs, Whitman believes there is space for another manufacturer with a customer centric approach. “There is room for a manufacturer that brings new ideas, and we have
We have very ambitious plans. We may not yet be the biggest, but we aim for a very personalised service and to ramp that up very quickly.
Tim Whiteman, CEO of Noblelift’s Powered Access Division since January this year, photographed at Bauma.
quite a significant advantage because we manufacture in Malaysia and can offer good terms.
He adds, “But I think there is a big shake up in the European Union and the US and while it is competitive, prices are moving in an upward direction.”
Measured growth plans
While the powered access division is already being considered as a third pillar of the group, alongside material handling and intelligent systems, growth will be taken step-by-step and there are no immediate
expectations to equal them in terms of revenue in the short term. “That will be a huge task,” says Whiteman, “I would be quite happy if we just brought it up to a significant part of the company in the next couple of years.”
Noblelift is also an expert in lithium and wider green technologies, notably in its forklift and pallet products. “There has been a lot of work done there already and we are going to transfer that know-how and that technology to the MEWPs,” says Whiteman, “And there are going to be some new developments based on our knowledge.”
When it comes to the development of MEWPs, Whiteman adds, “We also have a rapid improvement program and benchmark our products against competitors.”
Now the company is bringing its advanced lithium systems to its scissor lifts and will focus on all-electric access equipment going forward, with both its new articulating booms being fully electric.
Of course, there is more to being a successful access OEM than products and technology. As any experienced access professional will know, after sales service is a crucial part of the equation to keep
JOIN
customers coming back.
The answer lies in Noblelift’s existing subsidiaries in Chicago, Hamburg and near Bayonne which are able to provide service and support and are complemented by Noblelift’s extensive international network of distributors for its material handling division. “We have a network that provides support today with experienced technicians and facilities in place to provide training and spare parts.”
“I know people say the powered access business is different to others, and that’s correct, so we are going through the process of speaking to our existing dealers to find out which ones are able to support powered access and where we need to find other partners.
“For the major rental companies, we will be working directly with them.”
When it comes to personnel, Whiteman is equally confident that the company will have the right people in place. At Bauma he said there had been numerous conversations with professionals in the access industry. “We are recruiting people that are well known in the business,” he adds. “Watch this space.” AI
Noblelift’s current range of scissor lifts.
TAKING CONSTRUCTION TO THE NEXT LEVEL.
269,000 net square meters of exhibits / 139,000 attendees / 2,000 exhibitors / 150 education sessions MARCH 3-7 / 2026 / LAS VEGAS / NEVADA
No matter what sector of construction you’re in, you’ll leave CONEXPO-CON/AGG with new ideas, new relationships, and new opportunities to grow your business, and your place within the industry. This isn’t just North America’s largest construction trade show, it’s taking construction to the next level.
REACHING NEW HEIGHTS
We strive to exceed your expectations and help your business succeed with our world-leading lifting and access equipment that is renowned for reliability, efficiency, innovation and safety. Our team is standing behind you, no matter where in the world you are, to ensure that your Tadano products perform in every environment and in every situation.
With an eye on the future we are expanding our horizons, optimizing our strengths and driving green innovation. We constantly develop and evolve our products, services and solutions to add value whenever possible.
When you choose Tadano, you’re taking your business to the next level and reaching new heights.
