UpRight goes "back to roots" with new low-height access range

UpRight Powered Access is launching a wide range of low-level access platforms, including three push-around scissors, a new low cost version of the UL lifts, and an 8 m self-propelled model to complement the well established TM 12.

The five new products, plus an additional six variants - all of which are being built in China by an un-named joint venture partner - will be unveiled to UpRight's distributors at its dealer meeting in Dubai in mid-November.

The core products in the new low height range are the three battery powered PAX push around scissors - the 3.7 m working height PAX 6, the 4.5 m PAX 8 and the 5.0 m PAX 10.

The PAM 26 is a 10.0 m working height vertical mast push around that uses an aluminium forklift-style mast rather than the boom sections of the UL lifts - thereby saving around 35% in cost.

The self-propelled SPM 20 is a lightweight 8.0 m working height vertical mast unit that will be less expensive than the 5.7 m working height TM 12, although offering a lower platform capacity of 150 kg.

Richard Tindale, UpRight's sales and marketing director, said the launch of the low-height models was UpRight "going back to our roots - we've always been at this end of the business; this is where we came from."

He said the aim was to "take back the personal access market from single product, single region specialists and deliver a full range of solutions to our global distribution network and rental customers."

The low level access market has been the focus of much attention in recent years, particularly in the UK where suppliers such as Pop-Up Products, Youngman and Power Tower have been developing low-height powered products. UpRight believes this trend will be replicated globally.

Mr Tindale said the new range was perfect for its existing dealer network, 84% of whom already sell the company's UL vertical mast lifts.

Price has been a key consideration for all the new products - the PAX range will have list prices from £2500 to £3200; the PAM 26 will cost between £3200 and £3350; and the SPM20 will cost £7900. "It's making powered access affordable", said Mr Tindale.

The decision to launch the new range was made before the recession in construction and rental markets, and Mr Tindale said UpRight remained committed to its customers in the traditional scissor and boom market, where UpRight continues to launch new products.

For example, coinciding with the launch of the low-level units UpRight has introduced the final production versions of the heavy duty, twin-deck X-RT range.

The X32RT, X43RT and X52RT - also built entirely in China - are redesigned versions of the machines first previewed late last year, but with significant differences - dealer feedback has resulted in the use of a 15% more powerful Perkins 38 kW engine rather than a two cylinder Deutz engine, and platform capacity has been boosted from 450 kg to 680 kg.

More details on the low-level products and the new RT scissors in the October issue of Access International.