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Once considered a niche product, spider lifts are now a key focus for the world's top equipment manufacturers. Euan Youdale explores the reasons behind this. (Aerial Work Briefing, published.)In a turbulent global equipment market, the spider lift segment has emerged as a rare bright spot. Known for their lightweight design, exceptional reach, and maneuverability in complex spaces, these machines are attracting renewed interest from manufacturers and rental companies.

Unlike traditional equipment that is mainly used in the construction industry, spider vehicles have more diverse application scenarios, ranging from tree pruning to building maintenance, and are therefore less susceptible to cyclical fluctuations in the construction industry.

Manitex International's Oil & Steel company exemplifies this trend of strategic shifts toward spider lifts. While the company still produces truck-mounted aerial work platforms, its strategy has clearly shifted toward spider lifts. Giovanni Tacconi, CEO and Vice President of Manitex International, stated, "The 3.5-ton truck-mounted platform market is highly competitive, and the direction of European emissions regulations and fuel policies remains uncertain. Therefore, we are likely to focus on spider lifts while maintaining stability in the truck-mounted platform business."

Italian manufacturer Imer is also shifting its focus from high-volume scissor platforms to spiders. At Bauma, the company unveiled the IM R18 SA Pro. This 18-meter-tall machine offers an 11-meter reach, a 90-kilogram payload, automatic outriggers, auto-homing, a high-definition display, and four power options. "We will continue to produce scissor platforms, but our core business will be spiders," Imer said. "The scissor platform market is highly competitive and high-volume."

Manufacturers are seizing the rental market by introducing versatile, easy-to-operate equipment. Italy's CMC recently launched the S20, a 19.9-meter-tall machine with a 10.4-meter working radius and enhanced automatic stabilization. "With the S20, we are entering the market for equipment suitable for a wide range of tasks," said Dieter Roters, Managing Director of CMC Germany. "Our goal is to establish ourselves in the rental market, where such equipment must demonstrate versatility and efficiency, from forestry operations to pure maintenance and construction applications."

Finland's Leguan Lifts showcased the Leguan 265, which has a working height of 26.5 meters and is equipped with a patented EDX system that enables simultaneous and precise multi-arm operation and automatically adapts to operator habits to improve efficiency.

As the world's largest spider crane market, the US is experiencing rapidly growing demand. Teupen, acquired by Altec, plans to launch 24- and 27-meter articulated spider cranes, as well as telescopic boom models. Martin Borutta, head of Teupen, stated, "Altec needs our products because the US spider crane market is growing rapidly." With the help of Altec's sales network and support, Teupen expects to double its US sales.

Chinese companies enter Europe

Chinese manufacturer Sinoboom has made its European spider vehicle debut with the SPA27J, a device that features 360-degree rotation, a double-section boom, and adjustable tracks, marking the company's official entry into the sector.

Source: Machinery Intelligence