Your full guide to the APEX & IRE shows

The two exhibitions - co-located at the MECC venue and being held alongside the European Rental Association’s annual convention – will showcase equipment and technology targeted at all types of rental companies.

APEX 2023.

This year will see a particular focus on new technologies that are being adopted by rental businesses, including compact battery powered equipment, digital technologies and power generation, including battery energy storage systems (BESS).

Within IRE alone there will be 17 companies demonstrating rental software, telematics technology and AI solutions for rental, and 13 exhibitors showing power generation and battery story solutions.

At APEX, more than 100 exhibitors will cover the entire range of modern access products.

Across both shows there will be an extensive range of product introductions.

APEX

The world’s largest OEMs will be represented at the show, including JLG with new features for its ClearSky Smart Fleet IoT platform that are coming soon to the European market.

Designed to combine traditional telematics into a two-way communication and fleet management system, the new features include Automatic Site Networks, which shifts fleet management from manual to automated processes.

Another addition is the Leveraging Bluetooth mesh technology feature, allowing machines to automatically connect to one another. In addition, the new Digital Analyzer Reader feature brings diagnostic capabilities to mobile devices.

Genie Zone Lights on the GS-1932

Genie will celebrate its 60th Anniversary at APEX with the debut of new safety technology at the show.

Besides the electric booms, next-generation micro scissors and accessories, will be the launch of Lift Guard Sense.

Designed to help contractors reduce the risk of operator entrapment when working near overhead obstructions, Lift Guard Sense uses proximity sensing technology to deliver a progressive response that includes audible and visual alerts, automatic slowdown and function cut-off.

A key differentiator between this and other similar offerings is a feature that allows the operator to restart movement, at a reduced speed, if it is safe to do so, therfore maintaining productivity.

The Skyjack SJ5545E RT Scissor. (Image: Skyjack).

Skyjack will exhibit its latest electric slab scissor and articulating boom.

The new E-Drive SJ5545 E electric drive scissor lift represents the highest working height scissor in Skyjack’s range of slabs and includes a working height of 15.55m and a load capacity of 349.2kg. The scissor stack features fully welded cross-bracing that increases rigidity and improves operator comfort. This scissor is driveable at full height, offers a 2-person wind rating at 6.7m, and provides the largest working areas in its class with an all-steel, anti-slip platform.

The SJ45 AJHE+ and SJ60 AJE+ represent Skyjack’s new hybrid-electric and battery-electric rough terrain articulating boom range.

Haulotte HA20 E

Haulotte will show the next generation 100% electric rough terrain 20m articulating boom from the Pulseo range - the HA20 E and HA20 E PRO.

It joins the HA16 E and HA16 E PRO, extending the line of rough terrain electric booms.

The company will also highlight its actions to reduce the environmental impact of its activities and increase, present its service coverage through Europe and remind visitors of the solutions through workshops, technicians, parts and telematics.

The new Snorkel S3220 Mini. (Image: Snorkel).

Snorkel will debut its latest E-Drive scissor lift. Produced in the UK, the S3220M has a working height of 7.9m and is lightweight at 1,088kg. Despite its compact size, it boasts a substantial 272kg capacity, making it ideal for contractors.

Building on the existing S3013mini and S3219Plus models introduced in the last 18 months, the S3220M features Snorkel’s E-Drive system and comes equipped as standard with maintenance-free AGM batteries.

The company pointed out that the machine is in pre-production, therefore specifications may change.

Chinese manufacturers

The goal for many Chinese MEWP manufacturers is to grow their presence across Europe.

It was in July 2024 that Sinoboom announced its commitment to the assembly of MEWPs for the European market at its plant in Poznan, Poland. The group, with its headquarters based in Changsha, said the new approach, which will be highlighted at APEX, would see it introduce full assembly of its scissor and selected boom lifts, destined for the EU.

Zoomlion’s ZT14JE telescopic boom lift will be on its APEX stand. (Image: Zoomlion).

Zoomlion is also set to highlight its localisation strategy in Europe at APEX, in particular the newly inaugurated factory in Tatabánya, Hungary. “This facility represents a major milestone in our European strategy, demonstrating our commitment to local manufacturing, local service, and local support,” said the company. Following the opening of phase one this year, the second phase is already under construction.

Dingli will launch new lightweight, compact rough-terrain scissor lifts at APEX.

Introduced to address a niche area that currently has limited offerings, said the company, the new model will offer true off-road capabilities under 10 metres.

“These models significantly expand and strengthen our off-road product portfolio. They combine a lightweight design with a range-extending system, delivering both long-lasting operation and robust power for complex outdoor sites, redefining flexibility in aerial work”.

There will be a range of other Dingli equipment too, including the AC+ series.

The new OPT0408E electric vertical mast will make it debut at APEX 2026. (Image: Hered).

Hered has confirmed that it will launch a string of products, including the SPA11T trailer mounted platform , equipped with a large-capacity maintenance-free lithium battery. It also offers fully electric proportional control. The boom is lowered by gravity.

Also debuting at the show will be the OPT0408E vertical mast lift with full electric drive, offering zero noise and emissions, equipped with a multi-level cargo platform and a high-precision platform overload sensing system.

Chufeng will present a new articulated boom. (Image: Chufeng).

Chufeng will present a new articulated boom lift – the CFBA16E. The 15.7m working height machine has a 9.3m horizontal reach and compact design, with 0.25m tail swing for precise positioning and electrical drive.

Fronteq will launch the FBZ6TL articulated boom lift. It is designed for smooth driving on rough terrain and high stability with outriggers. It can travel on a 12° slope and has 360° continuous rotation.

Rees Industries will have a new forklift style vertical mast lift with jib on the stand. The compact 0.99m wide model has a 5.7m outreach and 12m working height.

Fronteq will launch the FBZ6TL boom. (Image: Fronteq).

Shandong Lemax Heavy Industry will introduce several new lifts, including a towable unit, crawler boom and diesel boom lifts. The machines are compact and offer improved manoeuvrability, and precise control systems.

Material handling

Manitou will present its Lift 2030 strategy, including a target for electric equipment to reach 28% of sales by 2030, along a range of new zero emission products.

They include a new electric forklift range, with the MC e model being the headliner The electric unit is designed to perform equally well outdoors and in sensitive indoor environments. The range cuts energy costs by over 60% and has maintenance costs compared to diesel and will be available in Europe from the end of 2026.

First deliveries of Manitou’s MT 1440e and MT 1840e, the company’s two high-reach electric telehandlers, are now entering the market, and will be at APEX.

There will also be a new 12m working height electric scissor lift on the stand, completing the company’s slab range.

In a addition at the show, Manitou is presenting a unified Customer Service Platform (CSP) dedicated to rental and key accounts.

LGMG is set to display a new rough terrain forklift. The diesel-powered F25 has a 2,500kg lifting capacity and 3.4m lifting height. Features include hydrostatic transmission system, and four-wheel drive.

It will be joined by a range of other equipment, including the 2,500kg capacity H625E telehandler with 5.94m lifting height, plus four-wheel drive and steering. The electric M0810JE vertical mast lift will also be on the stand.

XCMG’s new XT2506E telehandler. (Image: XCMG).

XCMG also plans to show a new telehandler, the XT2506E. This will be displayed alongside scissors such as the XG0607DC and XG1012AC, the XGA48K articulated boom lift and XGS16K and XGS40ACK telescopic booms.

Low level access

Axolift is set to launch a new scissor lift model to expand its P300 range. It is designed for construction sites, rental activities and comes with numerous unique features.

Axolift Dutch dealer GB/EG will join the company on the stand bringing some of their other products from Palazzani and SPT cranes. An Axolift machine will branded as Manu-x-lift, to highlight our cooperation with Alumexx B.V.

Mini cranes

Hoeflon will show a selection of compact cranes with dealer Hoeflon Nederland, from the ultracompact models like the C1, to larger machines, such as the new C6, C10, and C30. The new C6 introduces several upgrades, such as automatic levelling, a higher jib capacity, pick and carry functionality, and automatic in and outrigging.

Control systems

HANRL’ s new A500 electronic control system is specially designed for scissor lifts. It consists of a Platform Control Unit (PCU) and Chassis Control Unit (ECU), interconnected via a standard CAN bus to form a complete electronic control system suitable for hydraulic and electric scissor lifts.

NVR will show several new electrification and intelligent control solutions. (Image: NVR).

The ground control ECU is integrated with operation panel, LCD display and USB interface. The system is equipped with lifting, walking, steering and high/low-speed switching, alongside a range of safety functions.

Electrification solution specialist NVR will show several new electrification and intelligent control solutions. Key highlights include the Amazon controller platform series supporting 64 to 154 I/O configurations with CODESYS and Simulink development environments; integrated HMI display solutions designed to improve operator interaction and machine visibility; and electrified powertrain solutions such as the DH1300 integrated motor-drive unit.

International Rental Exhibition 

The IRE will have a focus on compact equipment and tools, including on-site equipment such as lighting towers, compressors, generators and more.

There will be more battery powered machinery than ever before – telehandlers, pressure washers, site dumpers - and as many as 13 companies showing power generation and battery energy storage systems (BESS).

At the same time, the explosion of rental technology and digital solutions is reflected by the 17 or more companies showing rental software, telematics technology and AI solutions for rental.

Show launches

So, what new machines and technology will be on show at IRE?

HG’s new E3000 electric site dumper. (Image: HG)

Danish manufacturer HG will showcase its new 3 tonne capacity electric site dumper.

The HG E3000 – which follows the company’s 1 tonne and 2 tonne electric dumpers - is a 100% electric, articulated machine designed to deliver up to 12 hours of effective working time on a single charge.

This battery powered telehandler from Sany wiull be on show in Maastricht. (Image: Sany)

Also battery powered is Sany Europe’s new STH625E telehandler, powered by a 34kWh LFP battery providing an operating time of up to 8 hours. The model has a maximum lifting height of 6m and a payload capacity of up to 2,500kg.

Not all electric equipment is battery powered. For example, French manufacturer MAC3 will show its new mains-powered portable compressor.

The company, which produces a wide range of air compressors and pneumatic tools, isn’t giving much away before the launch, but says the new unit will give users “exceptional air production power, while benefiting from a quieter and more eco-friendly operation.”

Another portable compressor supplier, Germany’s

, will show its Simple Operating Concept based on the SCM2 controller, designed to make operation of its compressors as easy as possible, even for inexperienced users.

The control panel interface is in two distinct zones, catering to both the tech-savvy operator and the traditionalist. A modern touchscreen display offers smartphone-like navigation, and it’s weather-proof and usable with gloves.

Alternatively, there is a single, self-explanatory mechanical switch for start and stop of the compressor.

Energy storage and more

Spain’s Himoinsa, meanwhile, will show a range of its products, including the EHR 90/130 battery storage system; the CE8 family of control systems for its diesel and gas generator sets; the H-COMPACT+ lighting tower; and the NEURON connectivity programme.

Himoinsa’s HCompact lighting tower. (Image: Himoinsa)

The EHR 90/130 expands the company’s range of battery-driven energy storage and distribution systems, doubling the power of previous units and reaching 130kWh of storage capacity.

Himoinsa says connectivity of its products is the layer that makes fleet intelligence scalable. Its NEURON system – which will be demonstrated in Maastricht - integrates communication flows and enables the sharing of machine data with external customer platforms via APIs.

There will be numerous on-site products on show. UK pressure washer manufacturer Brendon Powerwashers, for example, will have a battery powered version of one of its washers on display.

French manufacturer of fuel storage tanks and related products Alorem will be showing four of its tanks, including the PT10, a fully galvanised tank that is its most recent launch.

Founded in 1997, Alorem is already selling to some of the largest rental companies in Europe, but aims to use IRE “to showcase our range and connect with new European rental partners.”

Software

As far as software and digital technology is concerned. Software firm Klipboard – which includes the formerly branded InspHire business – will use IRE to give rental professionals a “hands-on look” at new embedded AI functions in its OnRent Go software (see also our Rental Software & AI feature, this issue.)

Close-up of the Airsled air film appliance mover product. (Image: Airsled)

IRE also has the ability to showcase new and interesting technology. For example, US manufacturer Airsled will use the show to spearhead the launch of its ‘hovercraft’ load-moving products to the European rental market.

Airsled, based in Newark, Delaware, US, already supplies its appliance mover products to multiple rental stores in the US and is now targeting Europe’s rental sector with its low-pressure, air film technology.

It will show several models, including the “commercial-grade” Light Duty Appliance Mover, which can lift 205kg or 295kg.

Truck mount launches at APEX Klubb will debut the PT 280 truck mount, which maximises working height at 28m and outreach on a 3.5 tonne chassis. First sight of Versalift’s new 3.5 tonne series V-Range will be at the show. The introduction from Versalift and France Elévateur, both part of the Time Manufacturing Company (TMC), provides a fully standardised 3.5 tonne series. In addition, Palfinger will show its TEC range, launched at Bauma last year, on a 10.5 tonne chassis. The larger chassis provides significantly more space for equipment, tools, and additional options. A three battery pack solution enables quiet operation. →Further details and pictures are in the Vehicle mounts feature online.