11.01.2007

Bil-Jax goes self propelled

Bil-Jax the Archibold, Ohio based manufacturer of scaffold products and trailer lifts has unveiled its first self-propelled telescopic boom lift.

The new model, a 36 ft /11 metre platform height outrigger boom will be designated the SLT-3632T and will be the first of a series of up to six models. The series, which will offer 4x4 drive, articulate axles, gas power, onboard generators, and auto-levelling, will be dubbed the X series and will share components with the company’s trailer lift models.
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The new Bil-Jax SLT3632T

The next model in the range which will use the same chassis, will be a 45ft/15 metre model.

The new booms will go head to head with a number of products from companies such as Nifty, Scanlift, Kesla and Aerial/UpRight. The unit is self propelled only in the stowed position and must set its outriggers before the boom is raised.

This makes the lifts significantly lighter than fully self propelled booms, when combined with a faster stowed travel speed, them ideal for certain applications. In the USA they have proved to be popular in applications such as Golf course tree trimming and maintenance work. The Bil-Jax however only offers a four miles an hour top speed.

Vertikal Comment

The Bil-Jax has been seeking new investors in recent months, but so far has not been able to agree a deal with any of the interested parties.
The company has been a partner of Aerial access, now part of Tanfield and being absorbed into the UpRight business. Bil-Jax has badged Aerials for sale in North America but increasingly relies in its own product, having introduced its Summit range of trailer lifts over the past two years.

The company is though still heavily reliant on its scaffold sales, given that this is a low cost, low technology, low growth product it needs to be expanding its powered access range.

The company has adapted the stowed self propelled concept for the local market including a lower gross vehicle weight in the region of 3,000kgs its aim is to achieve a combined machine and trailer lift weight of 7,500lbs. In order to allow it to be towed by the large Pick up trucks that are widely used by contractors.

This move is a logical one for Bil-Jax and will provide the company with a wider product range making it a more attractive line for new distributors. This will be particularly helpful for its planned entry into the European market.

One also assumes that this is another nail in the coffin of the partnership with Aerial and Tanfield.

Thanks to Lift & Access for the information and photography