Concord Access Rental (CAR), the mobile elevated work platform (MEWP) rental company in Imperial’s Concord Group, will add the Genie 180 SX, the world’s biggest self-propelled telescopic boom lift, to its fleet, early in 2014.
“This machine, with a vertical reach of 57m and a horizontal reach of 24.4m, features a working envelope ideal for the most extreme access jobs. This is the first self-propelled machine of this height ever to be available in South Africa,” says Dean Jones CAR MD. “It’s not surprising that even before it has reached our shores the interest in it has been very strong with some rental contracts already concluded,” he says.
Jones says that the Genie 180 SX is used in the oil and gas industries, major construction, steel construction, flood-light erection, sign erection and more. “In short, anywhere where one needs to work safely at a height of 57m,” says Jones.
Although the Genie 180 SX is a monster machine it has proven its safe operation, agility, reliability, productivity and, importantly how easy it is to transport. “A conventional low-bed is all you require without the need for special permits,” says Jones. “It is also convenient and easy to operate, both of which enhanced by the fact that it can be driven at full height.”
Some of the important features of the Genie 180 SX include:
- 340 Kg Lift Capacity
- Hydraulic oil cooler
- AC power cord to platform
- Hour meter
- Tilt alarm
- Descent alarm
- 360° continuous turntable rotation
- Positive traction drive
- Two speed wheel motors
- Engine status display
- 3.05 m rotating jib
- 160° Hydraulic platform rotation
Meanwhile CAR, despite tough trading conditions, is on the expansion trail. After having acquired Cape Town-based African Access, one of the largest independent access rental companies in South Africa, earlier this year, it now reports that its new greenfield branch in Pinetown, KZN opened in February this year with Shirly Smit as branch manager, is performing beyond expectations.
Jones says that these initiatives are part of GAR’s move to becoming a national player in the South African access rental market, servicing clients in all of the major metropolitan areas.
“Starting a branch in KZN was the best alternative in a market where no ideal acquisition opportunity was available at the time,” says Jones, “and the decision has turned out to be an excellent one with the branch performing exceptionally well.”
“We want our footprint in Southern Africa to grow for us to be able to give as many customers across the length and breadth of the region an excellent service. To be big just for the sake of it is not our aim. We want rather, to give as many people as possible the opportunity of getting the right products at the right price and unique offerings like the Genie 180 SX will certainly be part of our strategy moving forward,” Jones concluded.
The Genie SX 180, the world’s biggest self-propelled telescopic boom lift, will be part of Concord Access Rental’s fleet in early 2014.