CMC Introduces 68i Utility Pro and 72HDX Arbor Pro Tracked Aerial Lifts

CMC introduced two tracked aerial lifts at TCI Expo 2026 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida: the 68i Utility Pro and 72HDX Arbor Pro. The double-articulated models are designed for utility vegetation management and tree care applications, respectively, and are scheduled to become available in North America in spring 2027.

The 68i Utility Pro is CMC's first double-articulated insulated lift. The 72HDX Arbor Pro replaces the company's 72HD pantograph model with double-articulating telescopic booms and a redesigned jib.

The 68i Utility Pro is an electrically insulated, double-articulated aerial platform with a jib. It is insulated up to 46 kV and is intended for utility vegetation management, line clearing, and right-of-way work.

The lift includes SureLevel, a patent-pending automatic basket leveling system that uses locally generated electrical power at the basket to drive electrohydraulic leveling. The system keeps the basket level throughout the lift's range of motion while maintaining 46 kilovolts electrical insulation between the basket and the machine base.

The 68i Utility Pro has a maximum outreach of 37 feet, 9 inches (11.5 meters) with a 400-pound (180-kilogram) basket load. CMC states that the lift achieves this outreach without limiting sensors. Automatic outrigger leveling supports setup on uneven ground, with a maximum stabilizing slope of 38 degrees.

The 72HDX Arbor Pro features double-articulating telescopic booms in place of the previous 72HD pantograph design. The configuration allows operators to position the basket over obstacles, around limbs, and in confined work areas.

The lift has a basket capacity of 507 pounds (230 kilograms) at a maximum outreach of 39 feet, 4 inches (12 meters). Its redesigned jib rotates from -90 to +87 degrees for basket positioning. Smart Outreach Control uses an angle sensor to automatically limit outreach when the lift is operating in narrow areas.

The 72HDX also uses rotary actuator leveling, a design CMC previously incorporated into its 100HD and 90HD Arbor Pro models.

CMC CEO Stefano Di Santo said the two models reflect the company's focus on tracked aerial platforms for tree care and utility work.

“With the 72HDX and the 68i, we are introducing two machines built around the daily work of tree care and utility professionals. The 72HDX launches our new HDX family: its double telescopic booms and a jib that rotates from -90 degrees to +87 degrees give arborists exceptional reach and positioning flexibility, even in tight spaces. The 68i, insulated up to 46 kilovolts and equipped with our patent-pending SureLevel basket leveling, lets utility crews work safely on or near high-voltage power lines. Both machines reflect what CMC has focused on since 1998: tracked aerial platforms that take operators where conventional lifts can’t.”

Jeff Poggi, CEO of CMC North America, also addressed the equipment's operator-focused design.

“Safety on the jobsite is critically important for all workers, especially those working at height.  Providing crews that work around power the new 68i with SureLevelTM automatic basket leveling gives the operator a safe and stable platform to work from.  Meanwhile, the 72HDX brings an innovative new JIB design that allows operators to maneuver the basket precisely where they need to work, enabling them to be more confident and productive in their work.  This focus on improving the operator safety also enables crews to be more productive on the job."   

Both tracked aerial lifts were on display at CMC's indoor booth No. 1303 at TCI Expo 2026, held at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale. The 68i Utility Pro and 72HDX Arbor Pro are scheduled to become available in North America in spring 2027.

Internationally, the models will be sold under the names i21 and S22HDX, respectively.