VERTICAL MASTS
40
ACCESS, LIFT & HANDLERS
MARCH 2014
Vertical mast machines
offer a number of
benefits to end users.
Lindsey Anderson
spoke
to manufacturers about
their latest equipment and
where these aerials are
working in the field.
Straight
access
T
hey’re compact, portable and can wedge
into spaces where traditional booms and
scissors might not be able to. Vertical
mast machines are popular for construction
as well as maintenance in finished spaces. As
the units gain traction in certain sectors across
North America – schools, churches, warehouse
facilities and more – users are finding their
ease of transport, maneuverability and setup
extremely valuable.
“Vertical mast machines usually have a small
footprint which allows access into tight and
confined spaces that large products cannot get
into,” says Marie Engstrom, associate product
manager for Terex Aerial Work Platforms. “For
example, a Genie Runabout (GR) product is
compact enough to fit in many elevators and
lightweight so it does not exceed most elevator
capacities. Given the size and transportability,
vertical mast machines are surprisingly
versatile.”
Terex AWP most recently introduced its
GR-26J to North America. The unit features a
narrow chassis and jib that allow the machine to
be positioned in tight areas while still allowing it
to access areas that might be “up and over.”
“Having a compact base is key for vertical
mast products which are frequently used indoors
and in finished spaces,” Engstrom says. “The
comparatively low machine weight is important
when using the GR-J products in areas that have
floor loading limitations.”
parts,” Engstrom says.
The GR family also has specific uses in
finished spaces, due to the small chassis
size. The zero degree turning radius allows
easy maneuverability in finished offices and
retail buildings and is commonly requested in
hospitals. “The GRC is a more robust machine,
popular for rugged construction environments,”
Engstrom says.
Rental companies might find
interest in vertical mast products
for several reasons, Engstrom
says.
“First, they are a safe alternative
to a ladders and allow rental
companies to help meet customers
access needs with simple,
easy to use machines,”
Engstrom notes. “Second,
vertical mast products are
great entry level machines for
customers unfamiliar with aerial
products and they can be rented
for a reasonable price. Vertical
mast products help users see the
value that a complete line of aerial
machines can provide. They
can be a stepping stone to
larger machines that provide
A Skyjack SJ 16
vertical mast machine.
Another trend in vertical mast machines,
Engstrom says, is to increase access by adding
outreach as well as those popular up-and-over
capabilities. The Genie GR-26J accomplishes
this by adding outreach with jib of approximately
8 feet in length and up-and-over capabilities of
nearly 22 feet.
“The key benefit here is
allowing access to areas
that were previously
unreachable by
combining outreach
and up and over
capabilities with
a compact and
maneuverable
chassis,” Engstrom
says. “This allows
work to be completed
over manufacturing
lines, in facilities with
shelving and racking, as well as areas with
narrow aisle ways.”
Genie Runabout products are used for general
construction and are requested by electricians
and other tradespeople for detailed work, the
company says. “In addition, the
Genie QuickStock products help
with increasing productivity in
warehousing and stockpicking
with their easy maneuverability
and platform trays for boxes and
