Platform Basket's new machines and markets

Platform Basket's 22.10, 22 m working height spider shown at Intermat is now in production, some notable feature of the machine are the radio controlled proportional and simultaneous controls; the articulated fly-jib and the protected pipelines and hoses inside the telescopic booms.

The outrigger positioning is very flexible and the automatic out-reach control system ensures that users are always safe - maximum outreach is 10.3 m. Managing director, Carlo Molesini said that it is ideal for applications such as tree surgery, painting decorating and maintenance

Mr Molesini expects to have delivered 12 units by the end of the year.

Also at SAIE Platform Basket was showing the 18 m working height 18.90 spider with new cage rotation of +/-70⁰ these updated models will be available from the beginning of next year.

Platform Basket is a modestly sized company but one that has continued to thrive during the downturn. Mr Molesini reports that turnover in 2009 is, "more or less the same as 2008."

"All our staff are still employed," said Mr Molesini, "there have been no production shut downs - I am very proud, it means we have maintained production levels." In fact Platform Basket has added to its staff including new sales manager Andrea Artoni.

Mr Molesini continues to look for new markets and Platform Basket has recently shown a prototype of an 18 m spider with fibre-glass boom at a show in Baltimore, USA. The Insulated spider is the result of a joint venture with a US company called Truck & Lift based in Newark. The relationship has been established for 18 months, "In the US there is a lot of work on live lines, Said Mr Molesini, "which is why the insulation is important. We hope to have the first completely insulated spider lift on the market from March."

Platform Basket has also extended its reach to Australia where for the past two years, Mr Molesini said they have been getting good results from their distributor nr Sydney - in fact one of the machines on the SAIE stand was destined for Australia.

"We are very busy and ambitious," said Mr Molesini, "I want to be a leader in the field and spiders are our main focus."

Despite this affirmation and the fact that the company will introduce a new 13 m spider next year to replace the 12 m model, Platform Basket is also working on a range of trailer mounted platforms which Mr Molesini hopes to launch at the Bauma exhibition next year."