New 23 m spider platform from Hinowa

Italian manufacturer Hinowa used last week's CTT Show in Moscow (June 17 - 21) to launch a new 23 m high spider platform, the LightLift23.12 to Eastern Europe.

The 3 tonne, 2.2 kW LightLift23.12 has a maximum working height of 21.2 m, with a 120 kg payload. Maximum reach, without basket rotation, is 11 m, again with a 120 kg payload.

Speaking to AI at the show, Hinowa's marketing manager, Davide Fracca, said prospects for the new machine in Russia and elsewhere looked "promising", with plenty of interest on Russian dealer and rental partner LTech's stand. (LTech already carries Hinowa's 14 and 9 m spider platforms.)

The 23 m high machine, said Mr Fracca, was aimed at the maintenance, painting and decorating, window cleaning and landscape gardening and maintenance markets. He also said the company expects to sell 50 units in Russia in the first year.

The LightLift23.12 is available from all LTech's depots and to support the product in Russia Hinowa has provided LTech's maintenance and service technicians with a comprehensive training program at its Italian manufacturing facility.

With penetration of the Russia market now well underway, Mr Fracca also told AI Fracca is looking at other new markets. Top of the list is the Middle East. "We are on the look-out for agents and would prefer to sell direct to big contractors and maintenance contractors," he said.

However, he acknowledged the difficulties of doing business in the region. "It takes a long time to build relationships, and you need to be there face-to-face to build and maintain these relationships, so it will take time"