ICUEE Breaks Attendance Record

ICUEE drew a record crowd this year.

October 5, 2005 — According to show organizers, the 2005 International Construction and Utility Equipment Exposition (ICUEE), held Sept. 27-29 at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky., logged the highest attendance in the show's history, attracting more than 16,400 industry professionals. Topping its previous record reached in 1999 with 14,841 attendees, this year's attendance was almost 20 percent higher than at the last ICUEE, which was held in 2003 and drew 13,698 attendees.

Known as the Demo Expo, the show featured more than 800 exhibitors and more than 1.113 million net square feet of exhibit space, where attendees could operate equipment in demonstrations that simulate real-life working conditions. An extensive education program also complemented displays of the latest equipment technology and product innovations.

Trends Overheard

Despite this year's crowd, many booths still appeared relatively quiet at this year's event, as a number of expected attendees in the construction and utility industries are suspected to be working to rebuild the Gulf Coast, which was devastated during the hurricane season. Nevertheless, according to Lift and Access Publisher Guy Ramsey, who was on location at the show along with Editor Katie Parrish, buyers seemed to be on a mission because of the rebuilding effort. This meant a pool of serious buyers shopping for a tall order: specific equipment on a very tight timeframe.

According to Ramsey, the heavy demand for such equipment has been exasperated by the fact that shortages for several key components have most crane manufacturers in a fix. The biggest culprit is the main superstructure rotation bearing, in which some OEMs are being quoted 32-week lead times to receive the part. Obviously, this has had a major impact on current and future deliveries. An even larger impact from this issue is on the value of used cranes. Although there are many on the market, the prices have risen as much as 20 percent in the past month alone.

Eye-Catching New Products

Given the fact that this was a ConExpo year, many companies brought their previously introduced wares; however, some unveiled new products at this year's ICUEE. Following are a few introductions that caught our editors' eyes, but be on the look out for more ICUEE new product coverage to come in upcoming issues of Lift and Access 360.

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Italmec's Ranger R14 track-mounted aerial lift.

Italmec Ranger R14 Track-Mounted Aerial Lift

Although it has been manufactured in Europe for the past three years, the Ranger R14 multi-terrain track-mounted aerial lift made its first North American appearance at the ICUEE show. Manufactured by Italmec, part of Heila GRU SRL, Poviglio, Italy, the Ranger R14 is designed to reach areas where other equipment simply can't go. The track-mounted chassis creates low ground-bearing pressure, enabling travel over soft ground and eliminating the risk of damaging delicate floors.

The R14 features compact dimensions that enables it to turn tight corners and enter areas as small as 30 inches, which includes driving through a standard single doorway. Once the R14 is in position, the outrigger base area is only 106”x106”, allowing the machine to work in areas where ground space is at a premium.

With a low gross weight of 3,725 pounds and a flexible boom design that enables a platform height of up to 40 feet, the R14 also features a maximum horizontal outreach of 21 feet with a single-person, 265-pound capacity platform and 17 feet with a two-person, 440-pound capacity platform. Maximum drive speed is 0.87 mph, and gradeability is 35 percent.

Power comes from a 13-hp gas or 11-hp diesel engine, plus a 220VAC electric motor for quiet, pollution-free operation indoors. Standard equipment consists of full machinery protection and AC power outlet in the platform. Optional equipment includes air and water lines to the platform, an insulated personnel platform, 110V to 380V auxiliary AC motor, two-person platform, and a road towing trailer capable for towing behind a large van or pickup truck.

While the Ranger R14 is the only unit introduced so far in North America, the R16, R19, and R21 are available in Europe. The R16 is virtually the same as the R14 but features a 45-foot platform height, while the 55-foot-tall R19 and 62-foot-tall R21 incorporate a radio remote control and automatic self-leveling outriggers. More than 150 Ranger units have been sold in Europe.

While the R14 nomenclature describes the Ranger 14-meter unit, Heila and Italmec Export and Marketing Manager Ivan Zwijnenburg suggested that Lift and Access 360 readers develop a suitable new name for the R14 to meet the needs of the North American market. All product name suggestions should be sent to LA360@heila.com.

National Crane 13100A and 690EU Boom Trucks

As previously reported, National Crane, Shady Grove, Pa., introduced two new boom trucks at ICUEE: the 690EU ENVI and the 13100A.

The 690EU, designated as the ENVI, is an environmentally friendly boom truck that runs on biodegradeable diesel and uses Terresolve Technologies' EnviroLogic® 3046 vegetable-based oil throughout its hydraulic system. The EnviroLogic 3046 is a high-performance, non-hazardous ISO 46 grade hydraulic fluid that's intended for severe service and operators at extreme high (400°) and low (-40°) temperatures, as well as high-pressure applications.

Modeled after last year's 690E unit, the ENVI has all the same specifications, including a 20-ton maximum capacity and 144-foot maximum tip height with a two-section, 45-foot jib attached. It also includes an adjustable swing speed, internal anti-two-block, high-performance planetary winch, and self-lubricating “Easy Glide” wear pads. Scott Powerline & Utility Equipment took ownership of the first ENVI crane after ICUEE.

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The 13100A's VisionCab was originally designed for Manitowoc crawler and Potain tower cranes and provides increased operator view.

The 13100A is the first model in the 1300A product line, which serves as a replacement for the 1300 Series, and it features a 30-ton capacity at a 5-foot radius and a maximum tip height of 162 feet when equipped with a jib and a 110-foot optional boom. The crane has a single line pull of 9,300 pounds. Standard equipment comprises an LMI with the optional Work Area Definition System (WADS), self-lubricating “Easy Glide” wear pads, high-performance planetary winch, anti-two-block system, rotating turret controls, and dual H-style outriggers with mid-span and full-span capabilities.

The most significant new features include an all-new hydraulic system for improved performance, smoother movements, and more lift; the VISIONCAB, which was originally designed for the Manitowoc crawler and Potain tower cranes and provides for increased sight abilities; and the ergonomic armrest controls. The next model to be introduced in the 1300A Series is the 13110A boom truck.