29.08.2009

Self propelled telehandler

Meis Baumaschinen of Reken, north of Recklinghausen in Germany, has introduced a quick-fit fully self propelled platform attachment for Bobcat telescopic handlers.
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The Meis Boomlader

The new product, the Boomlader can be fitted, or retrofitted, to any 4,000 kg Bobcat telehandler from 14 to 17 metres. The platform is extendable from 2.5 to 4.18 metres and has a lift capacity of 320kgs – three people plus tools.

When fitted to the Bobcat T40170 maximum platform height is 17.5 metres, while outreach at full capacity is 11.8 metres with 12.8 metres possible with 100kgs in the basket.

Jürgen Meis, managing director says the company has developed the product over the last 12 months and that the platform can be installed easily in a few minutes. The combined package has been certified by TüV to EN280 and all relevant machinery directives.
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Jürgen Meis

The platform includes two push button control panels – one for drive and outriggers etc and one for the platform controls.

Meis is the Bobcat dealer for Western Germany, with a substantial used telehandler business.
The price guide €22,000 as a fitted retrofit package or €18,000 when installed on a new Bobcat.
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The dual control boxes on the Boomlader

Vertikal Comment

This is not the first self-propelled telehandler platform, HTN/Omega in Holland showed a small self propelled Merlo unit at Hoogwerker Daagen in 2004. The difference is that the Boomlader is certified and is apparently fitted to the telehandler as easily as a regular integrated telehandler work platfrom.

A self propelled telehandler platform offers an interesting option for some appications and users, the price though is likely to prevent it becoming a mainstream product, which will put manufacturers off offering a factory designed product.

Without full manufacturer support or a much keener price, the concept will remain a small niche product. Bobcat might use this product to attract attention to its line and help it improve market share.