10.12.2024

1st Ruthmann T1000 HF delivery

German rental company Gerken has taken delivery of the very first 100 metre T1000 HF Ruthmann truck mounted lift.

The new model - announced in summer of 2023 made it into production in October this year - is essentially a stretched version of the 90 metre T900 of which more than 60 units have been sold. It uses the same five section lower boom, four section upper boom and HF articulating jib configuration as on the T900 HF but with longer boom sections, but is restricted to a similar maximum outreach of 39 metres. The 3.82 metre by 970mm extended platforms is also equipped with several operator assistance systems, including DRS range optimisation and RTC service & telematics.

Managing director Christian Gerken said: "With this addition, we are strengthening our market leadership at the higher end of the powered access technology and creating a competitive advantage when it comes to providing equipment for technically complex projects."

This is Gerken’s fourth 100 metre unit, in 2001 it took delivery of the few Ruthmann TTS100 built. In 2007 it added a Bronto S101HLA followed by a Wumag (Palfinger) WT1000 in 2010.

The Gerken rental business was established in 1989, but the company can trace its roots back to 1963 when Manfred Gerken opened a painting business in Düsseldorf. Having become a significant user of aerial lifts on larger painting contracts, he found himself gradually moving into rental and set up the rental company Gerken Arbeitsbühnenvermietung in 1989.

Telehandlers were added in 2014 and more recently the company has purchased spider cranes. The Gerken fleet is now made up of more than 9,000 aerial work platforms and operates from 37 locations, including one in the Netherlands.