Bison appoints APS for new X-Step

Access Platform Sales (APS) has been appointed by Bison Products to act as the UK distributor for its new X-Step low-level access platform.

The UK firm showcased the new X-Step platform at the Executive Hire show, which took place in Coventry in early February.

According to APS, X-Step is a user-friendly and robust alternative to steps and podiums, for reaching working heights of up to 3 m. Powered by a compact, sealed 24V rechargeable battery, the X-Step has no hydraulics, which eliminates the danger of oil leaks. Being battery operated, it also has a virtually silent operation.

“The X-Step is a completely new concept which fits below conventional push-around scissor lifts, and is a really safe and efficient alternative to podiums and steps for a variety of facilities maintenance and internal construction activities,” Richard Tindale, sales & marketing director for IAPS Group.

Weighing just 75kg with the guardrail detached, the X-Step is lightweight, making it easy to transport. With stowed dimensions of 0.9m x 0.7m x 0.5m, it can fit in the rear of most cars or small vans.

The X-Step has a lift capacity of 140kg. Standard features include non-marking wheels and auto-locking brakes to prevent movement of the platform while elevated, plus storage for a spare battery.

The distribution agreement follows the merger of APS and Independent Parts & Service (IPS), to create IAPS Group, the UK’s largest full-service distributor for powered access platforms.

IAPS Group has three divisions: Independent Parts Specialist (IPS) for parts, Access Platform Sales (APS) for sales of new and used aerial lifts; and Platform Service & Repair (PSR) providing mobile service engineers for on-site support and workshop-based major repairs and refurbishment.

IAPS already distributes a number of leading brand names, including Genie, Hinowa, Omme, Youngman BoSS and Niftylift.