Optimism, enthusiasm and positive thoughts pervaded The Rental Show 2012 with attendees coming from across the US, Canada and more than 40 other countries, show organisers say.
Attendance for the 2012 show in New Orleans was nearly 20% higher than that for the previous year's event in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The American Rental Association (ARA) owns and manages the show.
"The Rental Show demonstrated that this industry continues to be a driving force in our economy," says Christine Wehrman, ARA executive vice president and chief executive officer.
 JLG introduced its RS Series of electric scissor lifts. |
Oshkosh Corp's JLG unit introduced its RS Series of electric scissor lifts - the 1932RS and the 3248RS.
The 1932RS has a platform height of 19 ft. (5.7 m) and lifting capacity of 500 lb. (225 kg) while the 3248RS goes to 32 ft. (9.6 m) with a capacity of 705 lb. (317 kg). Each utilises direct electric drive motors delivering dependable duty cycles and includes a multifunction digital indicator simplifying battery evaluation and fault diagnosis.
"The JLG 1932RS and JLG 3248RS will appeal to those who seek a service-friendly machine that delivers value without sacrificing performance and quality," says Jeff Ford, JLG Industries global product director. "Both models can be used in a variety of applications, and their innovative, rugged design makes them very reliable."
Passive pothole protection eliminates all moving parts in the pothole protection system, significantly reducing repair and maintenance cost. The use of only four hydraulic hoses reduces the chance of leaks and an accessible battery storage area further ensures ease of maintenance. Both models have the ability to traverse steep grades.
JLG of McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania reports within Oshkosh Corp's access equipment segment.
Terex Corp's Genie unit displayed a prototype of an 8,000 lb. (3,600 kg) capacity telehandler.
The Genie-brand GTH-844B telehandler will replace the existing GTH-844 model and will enter production during the fourth quarter of 2012.
The telehandler has a maximum lift height of 44 ft. (13.4 m) and a maximum reach of 28 ft. (8.5 m). The lift capacity at maximum height is 6,000 lb. (2,721.6 kg) and capacity at maximum reach is 2,000 lb. (907.2 kg). The operating weight is 25,000 lbs (11,339.8 kg).
The new machine has a Tier 4i diesel engine, a change in engine position from centre-rear mount to right-side mount, a new ergonomic operator's station and a narrowed width to 96 in. (2.4 m). Engine options include either Deutz AG or Perkins Engines Co Ltd.
"Using customer input, we have completely redesigned our 8K telehandler," says Scott Krieger, Terex Aerial Work Platform senior product manager for Genie booms and telehandlers. "By moving the engine and lowering the dash, the GTH-844B provides excellent visibility while also providing greater access for serviceability."
Genie of Redmond, Washington reports within Terex's aerial work platforms segment.
Tanfield Group plc's Snorkel aerial work platform business showcased its A62JRT articulated boom lift, which is entering the production cycle.
Snorkel unveiled a pre-production model of the boom lift at the Lift & Access Showcase & Symposium, which took place on 8-9 November in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Snorkel will build the boom on its common Polaris chassis. The A62JRT has a 61.67 ft. (18.8 m) platform height, tight inside-turning radius capability and compact stowed dimensions for transit.
The A62JRT's oscillating front axle with hydrostatic four-wheel drive keeps all four tyres in contact with the ground and functions whether the machine is stowed or elevated.
In addition among its products, Snorkel displayed A38E and A46JE all-electric articulated boom lifts, the UL32DC representing Snorkel's push-around mast lift range and the S1930E compact electric slab scissor.
Snorkel's North American headquarters is in Elwood, Kansas, with additional product support facilities in Fresno, California.
Linamar Corp's Skyjack division of Guelph, Ontario, Canada exhibited aerial work platforms, assorted scissor lifts and booms.
In addition, Skyjack welcomed Brian Black as vice president of sales. Black has 35 years of experience in the industry and has focused on international sales and development.
Black began his career with Caterpillar Inc and has worked with many of the industry's major players, most recently with a unit of the Teupen Group.
Haulotte Group SA's US subsidiary and Bil-Jax brand made its presence known with two booths at The Rental Show.
Haulotte manufactures aerial work platforms and Bil-Jax-brand scaffolding and event-staging products. The subsidiary is based in Archbold, Ohio.
Other exhibitors at the trade show in the materials handling equipment niche included Bobcat Co of West Fargo, North Dakota; Dieci North America of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada; Doosan Industrial Vehicle America Corp of Suwanee Georgia; Harlo Products Corp of Grandville, Michigan; Heli Americas of Memphis, Tennessee; Landoll Corp of Marysville, Kansas; Manitou BF's Americas and Gehl operations of West Bend, Wisconsin; JCB Americas of Pooler, Georgia; Komatsu America Corp of Rolling Meadows, Illinois; and TCM America Inc of West Columbia, South Carolina.
Moline, Illinois-based ARA, an international trade association, represents more than 7,500 rental businesses and nearly 900 manufacturers and suppliers. Members operate equipment rental businesses and manufacture and supply construction/industrial, general tool and party/event rental equipment.
The ARA's 2013 convention and rental trade show takes place on 10-13 February in the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas.