A whole wide world

Even if there is a danger that this year's World of Concrete exhibition will be diminished because of its proximity to Conexpo – not to mention The Rental Show – the annual event will still retain its status as the gathering place for buyers and users of hoists and mast climbers.

That status means that this year, as previously, many of the world's big rack and pinion equipment manufacturers will again be exhibiting new machines. It also, as before, will have a good number of telehandler manufacturers, including Pettibone, which is actually concentrating on the World of Concrete show and not attending Conexpo.

In the hoist business, visitors will be making tracks to Hydro Mobile's, because the Canadian manufacturer has reached an import agreement with European manufacturer Raxtar, which makes a range of “rental-friendly” construction hoists. The owners of Raxtar, one of whom is John Blok, actually own their own hoist rental company, so You would think that they would know what makes a good rental product.

Beta Max, a US company that specializes in importing European hoists, will feature its Max Climber 6000P Passenger Hoist System. The system has a lifting capacity of 6,000 pounds and can hold a maximum of 35 passengers. The cabin is 156 inches long and 59 inches wide by 96 inches high. Available in single or dual cabin configurations, the lift can travel up to 1,000 feet high at a speed of up to 180 fpm.

Canada's Fraco Products, meanwhile, as well as showing some of its mast climbers, could also have a newly developed transport platform. This will be a bigger model than the De Jong platforms that it is importing to North America. Capacity on the new lift could be as high as 8,000 pounds.

Meanwhile, Bennu Parts & Service, the authorized manufacturer of Bennu mast climbing platforms, says it will show a new, continuous-climb, self leveling, two-tower platform that is compatible with all Bennu accessories.

On the telehandler side, Pettibone says it will not be attending the other shows this year so be sure to visit its booth at WoC, where it will show its new Traverse T10056. This unit has a maximum lifting capacity of 10,000 pounds and a maximum lift height of 56 feet. The company will also be hosting the Telehandler Skills Challenge this year, with its Traverse and Extendo models used for the event. Be sure to visit the outdoor event. The company will also be offering operator training the day before the show and on the last day.

Meanwhile, according to Ryan Ford, product specialist at Manitou North America, the company will have a “full product line up” at the event, however he says the company's new massive 36,000 pound MHT 10160 telehandler will most likely not be at the show. However, look for its updated MRT 2150P rotating telescopic handler. Its enhancements include a Tier III Mercedes intercooled turbo diesel engine and a larger cab. The unit offers 10,000 pound capacity with more than 67 1/2 feet of lift height (forward reach of 59 feet, 8 inches), as well as continuous rotation and frame leveling for easy load placement.

Expect to see Gehl, Mustang, JLG, Genie, Skyjack's acquired ZoomBoom models, Xtreme Manufacturing and New Holland making appearances with their respective handler models.

In aerials, Bil-Jax will be bringing its new X-Boom 45AX articulating boom. This unit has a 51 foot working height and 27 feet of maximum outreach. Its weight is less than 4,580 pounds. The boom has 45% gradeability, travels at 3.5 mph and four-wheel drive capability. Hydraulic outriggers have replaced the standard heavy counterweights. The company says the model can be set up in 30 seconds. According to its Vice President of Sales Chuck Hutchinson, the 45AX and 36XT, both of the X-Boom models, just began production in early January.

WoC is a massive show, with 1,700 exhibitors lined up, so there will be a lot more to see than just telehandlers and mast climbing platforms and hoists. Enjoy your visit.