ReachMaster unveils 172-foot lift

ReachMaster, Inc. has launched its Falcon FS172-T, an addition to its Falcon series.

The unit, a 172-working height lift, is the company's second largest compact lift, with the TST180 topping it. "The difference is that the TST180 to a large degree was a one-off custom made lift, never really intended to go into general production, while the FS172-T is a natural development of a well-proven Falcon concept that already includes lifts with work heights from 85 to 138 feet," said Ebbe Christensen, ReachMaster president and chief executive officer.

Christensen said the 172 will cater to end-users with large atriums. "We see an increasing global demand for taller, yet compact lifts, as building design continues to cater to higher atriums, curved design surfaces and advanced use of building materials," he said. "The building owners need to secure the long term value of their investments [properties] by maintaining even the most difficult areas, yet secure daily operation of a facility. Only a compact lift offers the advantage of easy in/out operation during off-peak hours, combined with normal use of the facility during opening hours."

The Falcon FS172-T is based on the dual track undercarriage system from ReachMaster's FS138-T unit and features Falcon design and components such as double jib, variable outrigger system, automatic outrigger setting and leveling, multiple power options and advanced stability and safety system. The unit can fit through a 3.9-foot-wide door and can also provide 20 degrees of climbing ability for stairs or outdoor use.

Christensen told American Lift & Handlers that ReachMaster has tailored its goals for the coming years. "We've increased our focus on high lifts," he said. "We want a wide product pallet but with small footprints and high reach between 46 and 172 feet."

Christensen also said ReachMaster is shifting more from manufacturing expensive machines to smaller, less expensive machines and that customers will see more examples of this in the coming years.