Utility Lifts: what’s the future?

The utility sector is seeing a range of trends from ever more compact equipment with higher payloads to a greater need for off-road capabilities, combined with high-tech control systems and diagnostics. Then of course there is electrification and use of lighter materials.

Roberto Marangoni, Global Marketing and International Sales Director at Multitel Pagliero, points out. “[They need to be] capable of working without blocking traffic and accessing historic centres or restricted areas, while maintaining stability and performance on uneven or rural terrain. For work near power lines, the availability of insulated fiberglass baskets is essential.”

The Multitel MT162 undertaking street light work. (Image: Multitel).

Urban users prioritize fast in-shape stabilization and no overhang, while off-road operators focus on 4x4 traction, manoeuvrability, and harsh environments.

Trends in sustainability

Multitel’s latest model for the utility sector is the MXE 160 mounted on a Ford Ranger 4x4 pick-up. Unveiled in the second half of 2024, it is the company’s first pick-up lift.

The articulated MXE 160 is mounted on a 3.5 tonne Ford Ranger 4×4 pick-up, featuring a working height of 15.7m, maximum outreach of 8.9m/5.7m. The basket, measuring 1.2m x 0.7m x 1.1m is aluminium or fiberglass, and self-levelling, with a 50° + 50° rotation. The straight line stabilisers stand within just 1,890mm, which the company says is ideal for urban areas.

The pick-up is equipped with a Euro 6d 125 kW engine, with Start & Stop and EGR/SCR systems for low fuel consumption and emissions. Its 4x4 traction and ability to ford water to a depth of up to 800mm make it suitable for off-road work on muddy or uneven terrain. The advanced EVE electronic system and proportional electrohydraulic controls ensure smooth movements.

Trends in new utility equipment include electrification and sustainability. “There is demand for zero-emission and low-impact equipment, driven by operator awareness and European regulations,” says Marangoni.

Remote monitoring, predictive diagnostics and digital maintenance are also demanded. Multitel Pagliero is now developing new solutions on pickup trucks, as well as fully electric and hybrid platforms.

The goal is to expand the MXE and MZ ranges, with new models that retain Multitel’s key strengths, as a specialist in alluminium, those being lightness, compactness, and easy maintenance — while integrating advanced digital control.

Terex Optima HR55 aerial lift mounted on the Mack MD7 Electric chassis. (Image: Terex).

Electric solutions

As mentioned, a key area of development is in electric units, which is not always an easy task in such a work intensive environment. Terex Utilities has announced its next generation of zero-emissions bucket trucks for the electric utility industry.

The company partnered with Mack to provide greater range and more payload. It sees Terex’s Optima HR55 aerial lift, powered by the HyPowerTM SmartPTO by Viatec, mounted on the Mack MD7 electric chassis.

Preliminary testing revealed the unit has up to 1.5-times more range compared to other Class 6/7 medium duty electric chassis bucket trucks, says the manufacturer, with double the payload capacity on the rear axle.

The aerial device, powered by the SmartPTO, operates independent of the MD7 Electric chassis which helps to ease range anxiety and allows utility crews to operate the boom and outriggers for a normal workday without taking away charge from the chassis.

It follows Terex’s first all-electric bucket truck launched in 2022, with an Optima 55ft aerial mounted on an International eMV.

Terex Utilities has also been stepping up a gear in the digital technology department. The all-electric truck is also equipped with the 3rd Eye digital platform, integrating advanced camera systems, AI, and industry-leading technology to provide up to six HD cameras displayed on a spacious 7-inch in-cab monitor. The system provides a complete, real-time view of the vehicle’s surroundings, significantly reducing blind spots when reversing, changing lanes, or operating in tight or high-traffic areas.

UK-based CPL has a range of new products for the utilities sector, as its observes an increase in requirements for insulated products.

CPL is seeing a rise in 4x4 off road requirements. (Image: CPL).

Julian Bateman, Technical Director at CPL, part of the France-based Klubb group, says, “The utilities sector demands equipment that not only meets safety and compliance standards but also adapts to the variety of tasks our customers face. “From street lighting maintenance to telecoms, tree care, and high-voltage work, the design must reflect both the specific application and the operational environment.”

Insulated aerial lift advancements

CPL’s latest insulated platforms are the E18P and E15P2, both designed specifically for the utility and power distribution sectors. The insulation is certified for up to 46kV in accordance with ANSI 92.2 is a key feature, enabling operators to work confidently on live-line projects while remaining fully compliant with electrical safety standards.

The E18P, with a maximum working height of 18.5m and outreach of 12.8m, combines all-terrain 4x4 performance with a fully equipped on-board workshop.

Its smaller counterpart, the E15P2 has a 14.5m working height and 9.1m outreach, delivering the same engineering in a more compact form, and is available in both 4x4 and 2x4 configurations.

Both units feature 360° boom rotation, 240kg basket capacity, and a compact stabilisation footprint of under 30cm on each side. Safety is also reinforced through a compact stabilisation footprint of under 30 cm per side and 360-degree continuous rotation.

An important advancement is the radio-controlled operation, which removes any direct electrical connection between the basket and the vehicle. This design significantly reduces the risk of electric shock.

Looking ahead, the company is in the final stages of developing a van mounted equivalent.

CPL is also continuing to expand its insulated range with the upcoming E12P Cutaway and E13P van mounts, both designed to meet the evolving needs of the UK utility sector and will be more suited to urban or restricted work environments.

By extending the range downward, CPL aims to give utilities and contractors more ways to grow and diversify their fleets, ensuring the right balance of reach, payload, and efficiency across their operations.

Building on this foundation, CPL is also developing a new 3.5t 4x4 model to update its current design and insulated range. With a 14.3m working height and 6.2m outreach, it is designed for emergency callouts and critical utility jobs.

Sustainability is increasingly important area of consideration too, adds Bateman, with chassis compliant to London’s Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ), along with fuel-efficient options becoming standard for city-based operations.

Control system advancements

Versalift’s VTA 135 at Vertikal Days earlier this year.

Versalift has launched the update of its VTA135. The model has new control system, which used to be fully hydraulic. Now the unit has electro-hydraulic control. In addition there is dual joystick and LCD screen showing a range of parameters, including outreach and error codes. The update also offers new lower controls to provide complete control of the lift from that position. To complement this the machine has been equipped with RTC real time control and diagnostics.

Speaking at Vertikal Days in the UK in September the company said there is a big demand for pick ups, and a lot of competition in the sector. “Customers are very clear about what they want and they are all asking for diagnostics and fleet management, as well as maximising the amount of spare payload.”

At the show, the VTA 135 was fitted with a trailer hook up – another major requirement. “We are always working on how to increase payload but we don’t want to lose stability. We want to make it light for the payload but not too light to lose stability.”

Aldercote has introduced the VZ 140 Neo, which responds to the requirement for payload, combined with efficiency, compliance and reach. The model offers an additional 35cm of vertical, and 25cm of horizontal reach compared to the UK-based company’s existing VZ135.

The C Z 160 from Aldercote. (Image: Aldercote).

“Impressive weight savings mean that when paired with our award-winning jack-less transit conversion, it offers over 500kg of spare payload - alongside transporting two operators and a full tank of fuel,” said Paish.

“Our slew sensitive outreach, which allows greater reach over the front and rear, means that the working envelope is also enhanced.”

Aldercote has also been focusing on safety and this year launched a range of new features.

One of those, the Elevated Protection suite offers three safety elements, including the Hold harness anchor system that alerts operators if they’re not clipped in. The Crush protection feature Recoil sees the machine automatically reversing direction when it comes into contact with a hazard. Thirdly, Shield offers three levels of defence against electrocution, from an insulated basket and harness to fully insulating fibreglass booms

Lightweight materials

Several other trends are shaping product design, according to Italy-based GSR, including high mobility and lightweight construction which enable higher residual payloads. These are complemented by strong but lightweight materials for both safety and performance. There is also an increasing importance on compactness, allowing equipment to operate even in extremely restricted environments.

In today’s electronics-driven environment, there is a strong demand for simple, intuitive controls. “Simplicity is increasingly valued, as it enables faster operation and reduces operator training time,” says the company.

Growing integration of electronic control systems and onboard diagnostics, which improve operational precision, enable predictive maintenance, and reduce downtime.

GSR’s 220 PXE. (Image: GSR).

“Overall, the market is moving towards smart, efficient, and compact solutions that don’t compromise on performance or safety,” says GSR.

GSR’s latest products also focuse on compact dimensions. The B140TJV is the first model of a new generation of van mounted platforms.

It is designed to meet the specific needs of utility operators, maintenance professionals, and rental companies working in urban environments.

With a telescopic platform and fly jib, the unit is mounted on a 3.5 tonne van, offering a highly compact and versatile solution for working at height.

A new generation

Apart from compact dimensions, the units have been designed to offer higher residual payloads to optimize load capacity for equipment and materials while staying within regulatory weight restrictions.

In the near future, the company will launch the next model in the new generation of van-mounted platforms, namely the B170TJV. It will retain all the key advantages of the B140TJV while offering improved performance with a working height of 17m.

One of the most important innovations is that it will also be mountable on a 3.5 tonne van - not previously possible for platforms in this height range. AI