Compact kings - how the truck mount is evolving
08 August 2024
Compactness and simplicity, combined with new technologies are the order of the day for modern truck mounted platforms, which are seeing wider applications.
The potential in the truck mount market has driven Palfinger to develop its access platform product line to run parallel to its massive crane division, which forms the basis of the company.
“Our goal is to expand the access platforms into a second strong product line in addition to our main product, the loader crane. That is where our Löbau site plays a very special role,” said Alexander Susanek, COO at Palfinger.
Palfinger’s new Tec Class line will be launched this year.
“Here, we have made investments specifically in product development, know-how and quality. With a larger capacity assembly line and our focus on service, we are now hitting the ground running.”
In Köstendorf, close to the company’s headquarters in Bergheim, Austria, the company has set up a technology centre for access platforms and have continuously expanded it in recent years.
During the past three years, Palfinger has invested more than €14 million in expanding the Löbau site, in the Görlitz region of Saxony, meaning that an area of around 78,000 square metres is now home to a state-of-the-art production hall, an in-house test area, a service centre and offices. A total of around 300 people are employed in Löbau, a fifth more than two years ago.
Since 2023 the site has assembled the large platforms, adding to the light and premium class models. The company also has a strategic focus in the North American region, particularly the USA.
Palfinger’s CEO Andreas Klauser delved further into the subject. “We see significant growth potential in the area of access platforms. The product is extremely versatile and is used worldwide in various industries such as construction, energy, and logistics.”
Electrification will also play an important role in the company’s strategy, with the P 280 CK eDRIVE was one of the first low emissions access platforms on the market.
In addition to the fully electric chassis it is also possible to convert the existing fleet of access platforms to minimum emission operation quickly and easily using retrofittable eDrive battery packs. Because they are battery operated, these machines can work on job sites without a power supply at the same working speed as in diesel mode.
The new TEC Class line to be presented at Platformers Days, among other shows this year will be in the 19m to 28m working height range, which has been significantly improved and visually redesigned, including the expansion of the eDRIVE capabilities. All models are equipped with the option of installing an eDRIVE battery pack as standard.
In addition, numerous performance upgrades have been made and modularity between components has been implemented in order to simplify servicing and make it more efficient. Digital solutions such as improved connectivity and integration into various fleet management systems have also been considered. All new models are also compatible with the new GSR2 regulations (General Safety Regulation).
Production development
Ruthmann is also developing its production, with new assemble lines at sister company France Elevatuer (see the interview with parent company Time Manufacturing’s CEO in this issue for full details of the group’s aims)
Compactness with maximum performance is also Ruthmann’s mantra. It’ latest offerings include the Steiger Ampero TBR 260 E, the new version of the Ecoline 270, and the Steiger T 1000 HF.
The Ecoline 270 is the latest addition to Ruthmann’s line up.
The Ampero TBR 260 E electric truck mount was launched recently during the IFAT 2024 exhibition in Munich.
The fully electric unit features a unique concept where the Iveco eDaily’s battery centrally powers both the driving and lifting mechanisms. This enables silent and emission-free operation on a 5.5 to 7.2 tonne chassis.
There are plans for new hybrid and electric models with enhanced battery life, greater efficiency, and reduced environmental impact. However, as Christian Roß, head of international sales at Ruthmann, points out, while the company has the capability to build nearly all its products on fully electric trucks, the market is not yet ready to buy these combinations. “By investing in research and development, we aim to lead the industry in providing environmentally friendly alternatives that do not compromise on performance or reliability.”
Returning to traditionally powered models, the improved Ecoline 270 was introduced during Innovation Days in Hohenroda, Germany, this year.
It boasts a working height of 27m and a reach of 16m. Despite its powerful capabilities, it maintains a compact vehicle length of 7.53m and allows for setup at an incline of up to 5°. Significant enhancements include a new user-friendly display, protected sensors, and optimized hose routing, making it more robust and easier to operate.
Long-term, says Roß, “Our focus will be on enhancing performance, safety, and environmental sustainability. We also aim to explore new markets and applications for our truck mounts.”
The main challenges in the sector, adds Roß, include maintaining stability, ensuring safety, and optimizing weight distribution while providing longer outreach on a compact chassis.
“We are addressing these challenges through innovative engineering solutions, such as advanced materials, sophisticated stabilization technologies, and comprehensive testing.”
100m launch
Stepping outside of truly compact arena, will be the 100m working height T 1000 HF which will officially launched later this year, although weight optimisation is a major element of the model’s design.
The machine will be highly flexible in operation and built on a 53 tonne standard chassis, making it up to 10 tonnes lighter than other 100m units on the market, says Ruthmann. It builds on the success of the existing 90m Steiger T 900 HF and opens up new application possibilities.
Versatile launches
Also part of the Time Manufacturing group is Versalift.
It has just launched the updated VTL-130-FZ and VDTL-160-FZ modified to fit the new 2024 Ford Ranger pickup, while the new V-200 is mounted on a 3.5 tonne Iveco Daily.
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China trucks China is seeing a rise in demand for truck mounted platforms and according to Raymond Li, Product Manager at Sinoboom, “with an emphasis on miniaturisation, lightness, mobility and flexibility as key desired attributes.” In newer applications such as wind turbine maintenance, the demand for greater working height platforms is also increasing. In addition, electrification, digital management and multifunctionality are also being explored.  The GKS28EL will have blue license plates.
In March 2024 the company released two models in China, the GKS28L and the GKS28EL. Both have blue license plates, which applies to 4.5 tonne or GVW weight and a length of 6m or less, and can be driven with fewer restrictions. They have been developed with a high level of 90%. Modularization between products. Both have an operational height of 28m, horizontal reach of 14.8m, and up to 17m in the rear. The innovative GKS28EL combines a diesel-powered truck with a lift, which can switch between diesel and electric, enabling quiet, green and low-cost operation, which are important factors for the company‘s customers. Further blue license truck mounts with higher reach will be launched to replace models previously restricted to larger and heavier vehicles with yellow license plates, that have more restrictions on where they can be driven. |
The V-200 is a high-performance telescopic lift that comes with automatic stabilization as standard, and is installed on either the Iveco Daily or MB Sprinter.
In transport position, the V-200 is less than 3m tall, with a working height of 20.4m and a horizontal reach of 14m, while the wide working diagram provides versatility for operators.
The impressive maximum bucket capacity of 300kg allows up to two operators to carry a good deal of equipment and tools with them. Constructed from high-strength steel, both the V200 and the subframe are lightweight yet robust, offering ample spare payload to install additional Versalift hybrid systems like the e-Tech lithium battery pack system.
The Versalift automatic stabilization and levelling system enhances safety and makes stabilization manoeuvring hassle-free and can be performed from the bucket or from the optional control panel located at the rear of the vehicle.
The company is constantly looking into the most modern fabrication methods to make the lifts as light and compact as possible.
In addition, the company says its receives a lot of requests for 100% electrical solutions, with vehicles with the longest ranges being favoured. “With the e-Tech range of battery packs we can offer a hybrid solution for all of our lifts and we already offer installations on several fully electrical chassis and vans.”
Engineering challenges
CTE agrees that the main challenges in the industry is engineering, designing and manufacturing lighter structures to maintain stiffness and resistance to fatigue. The company is achieving this through its latest product, the ZETA 24 J, launched it at the GIS Expo in Italy, last October.
Set up on a 3.5 tonne GVW chassis it has an articulated boom which allows maximum performance across the work area, and ideal for world of rental. It is also the only double articulated platform with jib, says the company, that can position the basket close to the ground for easy access.
CTE’s light, compact Zeta 24.
The 24m model pairs with the smaller Zeta 22, that was introduced in 2022, and completes the updated range of double articulated pantograph lifts, with three section telescopic boom and fly jib, building on the concept of the original Z model of the 90s, while integrating the EVO management system.
A narrow jacking stabilizer is designed combines with an up & over that are impressive, considering the small footprint of the narrow jacks, offering to the operator great versatility as well as excellent working envelope.
Its main features: 24 m of working height, 10.5 m of outreach and a basket capacity of 250kg. Going forward CTE is concentrating on new EU regulations in terms of GVW, without compromising performances of the MEWP.
There will also be a focus on installing the 20m working height electric-powered MP20EV on a new electric chassis, as part of the company’s Green project.
CTE’s plan is also to redesign and redefine MEWPS over 3.5 tonne, introducing the EVO system on heavy duty units. Below 3.5 tonnes, there will be a focus on electric and hybrid.
Italian design
GSR’s 240 PX.
GSR, which specializes in easy-to-use equipment, most recently launched the 13.15m working height B270T Comfort XEE - a telescopic platform installed on a 3.5 tonne vehicle. The high-performance machine in terms of height and outreach is designed to be very simple to use while remaining faithful to the company‘s design principle of robustness and reliability.
A new van mounted version with 14m height will be released soon. There will also be new fittings designed to be common to truck mounted models, which themselves are constantly evolving technically in terms of safety and energy saving.
“The challenge is the search for new technologies that increase performance and are easy to manage for our customers,“ said the company.
On the green energy side, the company said it is focused on this and will take on the challenge of producing an electric model in the near future. And trends are towards very low consumption internal combustion engines, or endothermic engines, “which are being talked about a lot at the moment.“ Hydrogen engines are also on the rise, says CTE.
Confined designs
Compactness is a focal point of Oil & Steel too with its recently introduced Snake 16 and Snake 24FB at the GIS show in Italy last year and the Snake 26 at the company’s open house in June this year.
The easy to use Snake 16 from Oil & Steel.
The Snake 16 is denoted by a compact 4.85m length and 1.86m width in transport position. The in-shape stabilisation width is just 1.75m.
Designed to be easy-to-use it has one unrestricted working area of 220kg and hydraulic controls with telemetry and remote diagnostics
The Snake 24FB has a flat basket for roofers, and in shape stabilisation, combined with a 13m outreach, 250kg load. Advanced features include return home and position save and load. An advanced HMI basket console with 4-inch colour display, emergency controls on the frame, 7 inch colour display on the turret as optional, with all main parameters available for the operator, along with automatic stabilization as option, are all features.
The latest launch is the Snake 26, with automatic stabilisation as standard, and designated as a sturdy unit with narrow stabilization, H-shape outriggers and variable stabilization.
Advanced electronic functions include return home and position save and load and the previously mentioned display and controls.
Range topping introduction
Coming up soon will be the new range topping telescopic Scorpion 18, which completes the 3.5 tonne range, with electric controls, H outriggers and variable stabilisation as standard, the advanced HMI and electronic functions, as well as telematics and remote diagnostics.
Looking forward the company is also uncertain of the future of electric chassis, although is more convinced about electric lifts. “We have mixed signals from the market after an initial period of interest from customers, the demand has practically disappeared.”
“As far as hybrid machines are concerned, we are extending the application of the batteries to more models and at the same time working on the characteristics of battery packs themselves - compactness, cost, characteristics.”
New thinner higher strength materials are also in the mix, for different machine geometry and articulation.
Advanced designs are also on the menu for greater strength and less deformation and compactness in transport position, as well as compact stabilisation even at the expense of flow performance especially important for southern European markets.
