Holland Lift to launch low cost electric scissor range

Although best known as a producer of premium-priced, larger sized scissors, Menno Koel, Holland Lift's sales director and part-owner, told AI that he wanted the company to be known as a full range producer, even if demand for small electric scissors is currently down.

Mr Koel said the new HL series - with prototypes ready in December and a full launch planned at Bauma - will be priced at about 30-40% below that of its current equivalent models. He said the key to the new two wheel drive, 450 kg/325 kg cage capacity lifts would be a "no restrictions" design, drivable at full height inside or out.

"We spoke to rental companies and asked them what they wanted", said Mr Koel.

The range will comprise two models 9.8 m working height models with 1.0 or 1.4 m widths, and two 11.7 m units with the same width options.

Mr Koel said there would still be demand for the company's existing higher capacity, higher specification scissors in these size ranges.

Mr Koel said that Holland Lift had so far managed to ride out the recession, with sales in 2009 likely to be the same as those in 2008. For example, he said demand for its massive 34 m unit had continued throughout the year, with three sold in the UK alone by dealer Alan Russon (to customers AFI-Uplift and Hi-Reach).