Top 10 access stories of 2022

2022, as you will see from the list below, saw the return of some form of stability for the access industry following an unstable period during the pandemic.

While Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and heightened supply chain issues have both provided significant challenges, the industry has continued to operate, with new launches, trade shows and projects all going ahead.

With that in mind, what are the top access stories of 2022?

Top access stories of 2022

10. The return of Bauma

As you would expect, there has been plenty of innovation in access equipment since Bauma 2019, much of which was on show at Bauma 2022 in October.

Prior to the event, there were concerns that visitor numbers would not be as high as previous years, however, organisers Messe München said more than half a million were in attendance.

The access industry was well represented, with manufacturers such as Dingli, Sinoboom, XCMG, LGMG and Zoomlion all in attendance. Read a full review of access equipment at Bauma here.

9. Genie’s hybrid telescopic boom

Genie’s hybrid S-60 FE hybrid boom lift. (Photo: Genie)

Genie launched the first hybrid telescopic boom and lightweight, electric, telescopic boom lift in May, as the company expanded its range of booms.

The Genie S-60 DC and S-60 FE boom lifts have a 20.6m (67ft, 2in) working height and an 18.6m (61ft, 2in) platform height respectively, and are part of the 60ft (18m) height class.

The machines are available in Europe, Middle East, Africa and India, while the North America market and beyond can expect to see them in 2023.

8. Haulotte launches seven vertical mast and scissor lifts

In April, French aerial work platform manufacturer Haulotte unveiled a new range of vertical mast and scissor lifts which announced its arrival in the low level access market.

Included in this is the Move Up vertical mast series, which has two push-around models, and the Swift Up range which has two scissor lifts.

According to Remi Heidelberger, marketing manager at Haulotte, the company has been “following the evolution of this segment of the aerial industry for several years.”

7. Sany unveils telehandlers for Europe

Sany launched a range of telehandlers for Europe at Bauma. (Photo: Sany)

At Bauma, Sany unveiled two telehandlers, the STH1440 and STH1840, which have been built specifically for use in the European market.

Each machine has a load capacity of 4,000kg and lifting height of up to 18m, while a range of safety and productivity features, including a rear-view camera and high-torque engine, are also included.

Further additions to the compact range are expected to launch in 2023.

6. Top 10 access rental companies 2022

As part of the annual Access50, a comprehensive ranking of the top access equipment rental companies by fleet size, AI revealed that United Rentals are once again at the top of the list.

The firm finished top with 153,990 MEWPs and 29,974 telehandlers, while UK company Sunbelt rentals were second with 129,850 MEWPs and 31,100 telehandlers.

Elsewhere, Boels Rental, Zhongeng United Digital Technology, Loxam and Aktio Holdings Corp also made the top 10.

5. XCMG enters European access market

XCMG’s CE marked XGA20ACE electric boom. (Photo: KHL)

2022 saw China-based manufacturer XCMG make its move in the European access market with two key appointments, as it increased its delivery of machines to the region.

Hans Aarse assumed the role of Business Development Director, while Edwin Van der Laar was appointed Sales Director.

4. Nationwide Platforms updates Harness On safety device

A new version of its Harness On Safety device was launched by UK rental firm Nationwide Platforms in September.

The new device includes an inductive ring which enables users to connect to the carabiner on a harness, while also allowing for multi-use construction projects where there are several operators.

To switch on the machine, the harness carabiner ring (which has an electrical current flow through it) must be attached to the inductor ring.

3. Mtandt Group invests in Dingli lifts

Dingli’s oil-free series. (Photo: Dingli)

Dingli received a US$30 million order for its boom and scissors lifts from India-based Mtandt Group in August.

The order will see the company take around 700 platforms from Dingli, and is part of a expansion strategy put in place by Mtandt, which has worked with the company for over 15 years.

2. International Awards for Powered Access

The International Awards for Powered Access (IAPAs) took place in March, with over 450 professionals in attendance for the ceremony.

Jointly organised by Access International and IPAF, the event saw 13 awards handed out, including the Access Rental Company of the Year award, which was picked up by French firm Joly Location.

JLG were the big winners in the product section, and left with the Product of the Year – Scissor Lifts and Vertical Masts and Product of the Year – Self-propelled booms & Atrium lifts.

MEWP safety expert Chris Wraith was awarded the IPAF/Access International Lifetime Achievement Award. A full review of winners can be found here. 

1. Ultra-compact telehandler launch for Manitou

The new Ulta Light Manitou (ULM) compact telehandler. (Photo: Manitou)

Manitou Group unveiled the new Ulta Light Manitou (ULM) compact telehandler earlier this year, which it says has been designed with ease of use and transport in mind.

Th compact features come in the form of its transportable weight of under 3 tonnes, width of 1.49m and height of 1.92m.

According to Manitou, the machine will make transporting it from site to site easier for rental companies.