The RUTHMANN Bluelift SA18HB is a great investment for a fast-growing arbor business.
Popular among arborists in Australia, the RUTHMANN Bluelift SA18HB tracked spider lift is designed for close quarters and rough terrain, and for bringing otherwise inaccessible projects into reach. The SA18HB model is ideal for a variety of maintenance tasks, thanks to its narrow width and lightweight design.
A good choice
RUTHMANN Bluelift produces safe, reliable and easy-to-use elevated work platforms, and Ahern Australia is the exclusive distributor for the full line of these lifts in Australia.
Suitable for a wide range of applications, the SA18HB is a flexible lift ideal for arborists, as well as maintenance, construction and industrial uses.
Woody’s Tree Services, founded in 2016, is a locally owned, family run business in Mackay, Queensland. Will Wood, owner and operator, started in the industry at the age of 16 and has 20 years’ experience as an arborist.
With three employees, Woody’s Tree Services can tackle any job. ‘No job is too small. No tree is too tall’ is the motto this trio lives by. And with the recent purchase of the RUTHMANN Bluelift SA18HB, they are honouring their company creed.
Will said, “As the industry is quite hard on the body, it was time to invest in a machine that would make life a bit easier, so, it was time to upgrade our existing spider lift as it was very old.
“After lots of research I found the Bluelift SA18HB and decided it was the best choice for the Woody’s Tree Services team. We chose the 18m as I still enjoy challenging high climbs. And by having an 18m spider lift, we are saving massive time by making the job quicker, safer and more efficient.”
Safe and efficient
The ergonomic design of this versatile lift allows operators to easily move the SA18HB into position, even in tight spaces. Proportional controls deliver precise manoeuvering to make easy work of accessing high places, and the three-section articulating boom plus jib offers an outstanding working envelope with little to no tailswing.
The maximum working height of 17.8m and horizontal reach of 9.3m maximise production, and the 230kg platform capacity can accommodate two workers for maximum efficiency. This model also has a tight turning radius for navigating narrow landscapes and aisles, and its adjustable hydraulic chassis allows for precise positioning in any situation.
The SA18HB can be safely driven through tight areas and on uneven terrain, and is capable of climbing stairs for a wider range of indoor and outdoor applications. With a gradeability of up to 28 per cent, the self-stabilising system locks the spider lift into place for safe work at height.
Great features
When asked, ‘What do you like about the machine?’ and ‘Which features do you like best?’ Will Wood clearly wasn’t disappointed with his purchase, stating: “Control has been a previous issue I have seen in spider lifts. The control the Bluelift has is amazing. It has a few seconds pause before it descends, which I believe is a great feature as the spider lift isn’t just dropping and jolting when you first descend.
“The compact size is also something I think is a great feature. It’s so easy to get into a tight space.
“It’s like the Bluelift was built for the arboriculture industry, with some design features you don’t often see on spider lifts – such as the hydraulic so no sawdust and debris can get stuck around the mechanical areas.
“Access to the engine is excellent, making life easier for prestart checks. The running gear is all concealed and enclosed in the boom so there’s no chance branches and objects will get caught. The basket rotation makes for easy access between those tight limbs and branches, and the hybrid feature is also something I highly recommend for low emissions and saving fuel.”
For added protection, interlocking outriggers help the spider lift maintain balance on all terrain, and a selfstabilising system locks the spider lift into place for safe work at height. Hydraulically operated articulating outriggers can be set at individual heights, and optional non-marking rubber treads leave no trace on finished floors.
Compact and narrow, with an overall weight of 2200kg, the Bluelift SA18HB can be easily transported between jobs.
The Bluelift SA18HB is in stock now. For more information call the Ahern Australia team on 1300 900 700, or visit ahernaustralia.com.au.
