Seen for the first time, Intermat’s new ranges

With visitor numbers down 8.5% on 2013, this year’s Intermat may not have had quite the same pulling power as its predecessors, but it still managed to attract more than 130,000 unique attendees who made 183,000 entrances to the show between them.

Kubota surprised with a “prototype” compact telehandler model, the 1500 kg lifting capacity THT4815. Powered by a 33 kW Kubota diesel engine, the handler weighs 2950 kg, has a maximum lifting height of 4.8 m and offers three steering modes – two wheel, four wheel and crab. The unit has an hydrostatic drive. Kubota said Intermat was an opportunity “to show our ambitions in a new product range.”

Takeuchi used Intermat to showcase three new machines that will reach the market in January 2016. These include the TB210R, which replaces the TB108. It features a Kubota engine.

Italian telehandler specialist Merlo has announced a new rental range including a 75hp model with a Stage III engine. The company said the move is in response to feedback from rental clients. At the same time it has launched two models in its Plus range based on existing products.

Hitachi took the wraps off the world’s first production hybrid wheeled loader, which will be available in Japan later this year. The ZW220HYB-5 Hybrid’s four cylinder engine acts as a generator to drive two electric travel motors, while capacitors are used to capture waste energy from rolling and braking. The company says it is 26% more fuel efficient than a conventional machine.

Netherlands-based Kobelco announced seven new mini excavators, six of which were on show. The range includes both conventional and short radius machines and the company said it expects the SK16 and SK18 models in particular to attract interest from the rental industry, as they are equipped both for tight working spaces and major sites.

JLG is marking the production of its 100,000th telehandler with a charity auction event and other celebrations for customers and employees. The announcement was made during Intermat. The company has produced two commemorative telehandlers, a G10-55A and a 4017RS. Each sported 100,000 tiny JLG logos.

These are just a few of the companies and products featured in a two-page Intermat report in the April-May 2015 issue of International Rental News, published this week. For the full article, including images of all the products featured, please see the magazine. To subscribe to IRN, visit www.khl.com/subscriptions