The 2025 Leadership in Lifting Equipment and Aerial Platforms (LLEAP) Awards spotlight modern innovations shaping the lifting and aerial equipment landscape. This year’s finalists demonstrate notable progress in safety, operational efficiency and digital integration, providing tools that enable operators, project managers, owners and rental companies to work smarter, faster and safer.
Highlighting advancements made over the past year, the awards focus on new equipment, support products and services that have entered the North American market between June 1, 2024, and May 31, 2025. Submissions were organized into four categories: aftermarket support products and services, features and components, material handlers and mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs).
This year, there were an astounding 23 entries from 16 companies that competed for recognition. Judges evaluated each entry for innovation, practical value, productivity gains and overall benefit to the industry. This year’s applicants reflect a range of solutions designed to meet the evolving challenges of modern jobsites, from advanced boom lifts and telescopic telehandlers to modular support systems and integrated management software.
The 2025 LLEAP Awards celebrate the ingenuity and dedication behind these innovations, highlighting the tools redefining what’s possible in lifting and aerial platforms. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners!
The LLEAP competition consists of four categories:
LLEAP 2025 Finalists and Results
Aftermarket Support Products & Services
GOLD: LGH Multi-Lug Lifting Beam
SILVER: North Valley Research RentalBay Integrated Management System
DICA EcoMax Crane Pad
LGH Telescopic Forklift Beam
Features and Components
GOLD: Merlo Space 11 Platform
SILVER: Bigfoot Modular Pocket Pad System
North Valley Research DH1300 Integrated Electric Drive Unit
Bigfoot Guard Rail Pad
Material Handlers
GOLD: Pettibone Extendo 1044X Telehandler
SILVER: Magni RTH 6.31 TC (Tilting Cab)
GEHL TH12-42 MAX Telehandler
JLG E313 Electric Telehandler
MEWPs
GOLD: MEC 135-RJ
SILVER: Tadano AS-63HD
MEC 66-RJ
Palazzani TZJ 530 & TZJ 590 Spider Lifts
GMG 48 SJ-XC Boom Lift
GMG 5390-RT
GMG M16i Mast Lift
Tadano eAA-22C
Snorkel S9070RT-HC
Manitou SE 1932 and SE 2632 Scissor Lifts
Skyjack Micro XStep
Judges
Tony Groat
Company: International Powered Access Federation (IPAF)
Title: North America Regional Manager
Tony Groat serves as the North America regional manager for the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF). With decades of experience in the rental equipment industry for powered access and construction equipment, he is a recognized expert on MEWPs and their safe use. Tony represents IPAF on standards development committees, including ANSI/SAIA A92, Canadian CSA b354 and ISO MEWP standards. He actively promotes best practices, compliance and training to improve safety and efficiency in the industry. A frequent speaker, trainer and advisor, Tony is committed to advancing workplace safety and supporting organizations in achieving effective MEWP management and operations.
Tony Foster
Company: Cianbro Equipment
Title: Equipment Purchaser
Tony Foster has been part of the construction industry for 16 years. He has served in various capacities ranging from field and project engineering to fleet rental management and equipment purchasing. Foster currently works in Cianbro Equipment’s Pittsfield, Maine office, where he assists Cianbro operations, estimating, manufacturing and external rental customers with equipment needs. Cianbro Equipment operates in six locations in five states and has a diverse fleet of several thousand pieces of construction and lifting equipment.
Mike Crouch
Company: RMC Consults LLC
Title: President
Mike Crouch is the president of RMC Consults LLC in Anthem, Arizona. Mike’s 47-year career in the equipment-rental industry consists of all aspects of the construction equipment rental industry in the U.S., Canada and Europe. Mike works as a consultant to the investment community on the equipment rental space, adviser to rental companies on financial performance and best practices and mergers and acquisitions advising for equipment businesses for sale. He has been on both the buyer’s and seller’s sides of more than 100 sales and acquisitions.
Mike Larson
Company: Retired
Title: Editor Emeritus, Crane Hot Line
Mike Larson is a retired journalist whose career spanned more than 45 years of writing about equipment, construction and engineering. His career includes 24 years in marketing communications for a leading manufacturer of cranes and more than 21 years editing or writing for industry publications. His experience includes seven years of editing Crane Hot Line and editing Lift&Access for a total of eight years. Before joining Heartland Communications (now Catalyst Communications Network) Larson had edited Western Builder and Midwest Construction and had written for Engineering News-Record and Constructor magazines, as well as others. He holds a journalism degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Caleb Rosenberger
Company: Vita Inclinata Technologies
Title: Global Account Manager
Caleb Rosenberger is a global account manager at Vita Inclinata Technologies, where he supports contractors, crane operators and riggers worldwide with innovative load stabilization and lift management solutions. With more than a decade of hands-on experience in crane operations, rigging and heavy equipment management across wind, renewables and large-scale construction, he has built a career on improving safety, efficiency and operational excellence in the field.
In addition to his work with Vita, Caleb is the co-founder and CEO of Aker & Rosenberger, a consulting firm dedicated to reducing lift risk and empowering crews through training and strategic support. He also serves as chairman of the Catalyst Communications Council, helping shape industry conversations around safety, technology and best practices.
Aftermarket Support Products & Services
GOLD AWARD - LGH Multi-Lug Lifting Beam
LGH’s Multi-Lug Lifting Beams are engineered for precision, safety and versatility in demanding lifting environments, particularly where headroom is limited. Available in capacities of 4, 12, 50 and 100 tons, the beams feature a continuous drilling pattern on both upper and lower sections, allowing operators to adjust lifting points for precise load control. Their lightweight, low-headroom design enhances flexibility without compromising strength, supporting a range of lifting configurations, from single-pull lifts in confined spaces to two-leg grabs for balanced handling. The beams can also be used in tandem with two cranes to manage loads that exceed a single crane’s capacity.
Equipped with a central lifting eye and multiple lifting points, the Multi-Lug Lifting Beams ensure even weight distribution for improved stability and safety. They are widely used in construction, manufacturing, energy, maritime and aerospace sectors, where accurate alignment and reliable load handling are essential for efficient operations.
Judge’s Comment: This multi-lug lifting beam is very versatile in the crane and rigging space. It’s a design I’ve seen others duplicate; however, you don’t often see lugs at the top and bottom. I find this the most versatile due to its range of tonnage options.
SILVER AWARD - North Valley Research RentalBay Integrated Management System
The North Valley Research RentalBay Integrated Management System combines the cloud-based RentalBay SaaS platform with the rugged, plug-and-play TBOX telematics device to optimize rental operations for MEWPs and construction machinery. Launched in September 2024, it enables real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance and lifecycle management for rental companies and OEMs. RentalBay handles scheduling, dispatch and invoicing, while TBOX delivers live field data, including GPS location, engine hours and fault diagnostics, shifting operations from manual tracking to data-driven coordination.
The system maximizes uptime through predictive maintenance, using TBOX data such as voltage, temperature and vibration to detect anomalies and trigger alerts before failures occur. Utilization analytics help redeploy idle machines, while inventory tracking and cost monitoring improve service efficiency and budgeting.
For asset protection, TBOX provides live location tracking, automated geo-fencing and remote locking to prevent unauthorized use or relocation. Digital workflows replace paper-based processes with time-stamped records, approvals and mobile coordination. Fast to install and compatible across brands, TBOX and RentalBay integrate with ERP and OEM systems, providing a scalable, field-tested solution for fleet management and reduced downtime.
Judge’s Comment: Telematics is a growing need for fleet management, and this tool is adaptive to various brands versus being brand-specific.
Features and Components
GOLD AWARD - Merlo Space 11 Platform
The Merlo Space 11 is an innovative aerial work platform attachment designed exclusively for Merlo’s Roto telehandler series. Purpose-built to enhance access and precision on complex jobsites, it extends 11 feet from the boom and features corner-wrapping mobility that allows crews to work around buildings, structural frames or confined jobsite obstacles — functions that traditional platforms struggle to handle.
The Space 11 transforms these machines into adaptable MEWPs with enhanced safety, reach and usability. It features platform-mounted controls that allow operators to maneuver both the platform and boom directly from the basket, maximizing autonomy and eliminating constant communication with ground crews. Automatic load limiters ensure jobsite safety by alerting the operator before overload conditions are reached.
One of its most unique capabilities is lateral reach combined with rotation, which allows users to work around corners. This is an advantage when maintaining façades, inspecting structures or accessing hard-to-reach angles without repositioning the base machine. With full compliance to North American safety standards, the Space 11 offers self-leveling functionality for added operator stability on uneven terrain or angled positions.
Judge’s Comment: This is clearly an attachment that has fully integrated controls that allows the work platform operator to drive and control both the forklift and aerial device.
SILVER AWARD - Bigfoot Modular Pocket Pad System
Introduced in January 2025, the Bigfoot Modular Pocket Pad System delivers adaptable ground stability for MEWPs, cranes, aerial lifts and concrete pumps working in variable site conditions. With vertical load capacities up to 200 tons, the system centers on the Pocket Pad — crafted from Bigfoot’s high-strength custom composite material and engineered with a recessed design that secures the outrigger shoe to prevent lateral movement. Integrated weep holes channel water and debris away, maintaining traction and pad integrity under pressure.
When greater support is required, stack pads fit directly into the recessed pocket to expand load distribution without misalignment. A companion leveling pad compensates for sloped or uneven terrain, preserving stability across challenging surfaces. The modular design allows crews to add support only when needed, reducing excess material use, transport costs and setup time.
Proudly made in the U.S., the Bigfoot Modular Pocket Pad System provides a durable, efficient and scalable foundation for lifting operations, combining strength, safety and flexibility across diverse environments.
Judge’s Comment: The system incorporates a leveling pad, integrated drainage channels and weep holes to improve overall safety.
Material Handlers
GOLD AWARD - Pettibone Extendo 1044X Telehandler
Pettibone’s Extendo 1044X telehandler is built to deliver power, stability and efficiency for demanding lifting applications in construction, masonry and rental operations. Offering a 10,000-pound lift capacity and a maximum lift height of 44 feet, 6 inches, the 1044X delivers reliable performance without the need for outriggers. This design streamlines setup, enhances maneuverability in confined spaces and reduces maintenance requirements, providing a faster, more cost-effective alternative to traditional telehandlers.
Powered by a 74-horsepower Deutz Tier 4 Final diesel engine with a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst muffler that requires no diesel exhaust fluid, the machine combines low-maintenance operation with strong performance. Its side-mounted engine allows easy access for servicing and improved curbside visibility. The three-section boom, made from high-strength formed plates, minimizes weight and deflection while maintaining durability. A bottom-mounted external extend cylinder reduces wear on boom pads and ensures smooth operation.
Pettibone’s hydraulic system delivers precise control and efficient cycle speeds, with cylinder cushioning to minimize shock and protect both the machine and the load. The Extendo 1044X also comes equipped with Pettibone’s X-Command telematics system, giving owners and technicians real-time access to performance and maintenance data for improved uptime and fleet management.
Judge’s Comment: The no-outrigger design is incredibly innovative and useful, and the simplistic, easy-to-maintain design is ideal for customers.
SILVER AWARD - Magni RTH 6.31 TC (Tilting Cab)
The RTH 6.31 TC from Magni combines reach, power and precision in one rotating telehandler designed for a wide range of construction tasks, from steelwork and concrete to masonry and framing. With a maximum lift height of 101 feet, a reach of 88 feet and a capacity of 13,200 pounds (maintaining 5,500 pounds at full extension), it’s built for demanding material handling. The cab tilts up to 21 degrees to improve visibility and ergonomics, while HVAC and air filtration systems help keep operators comfortable through long shifts.
The RTH 6.31 TC incorporates Magni’s Load Moment Indicator and Load-Limiting Technology to ensure operations stay within safe parameters, with RFID-tagged attachments automatically adjusting load charts. The telehandler functions as a rough-terrain crane, aerial work platform and standard telehandler, supported by a patented outrigger system with automatic leveling for stability on uneven terrain. An intuitive touchscreen display allows operators to manage tasks efficiently while maintaining safety across complex jobsites.
Judge’s Comment: A very innovative unit that features incredible heights and reaches, with a tilting cab that keeps track of all of the functions.
MEWPs
GOLD AWARD - MEC 135-RJ
In March 2025, MEC introduced the 135-RJ diesel telescopic boom, the tallest in its “MAX Series” and designed to meet growing demand for lifts more than 130 feet. Designed with lift capacity, maneuverability and reach in mind, the 135-RJ performs reliably in both confined and complex jobsite environments.
The boom features MEC’s patented set-in-place “X-style” axles, which rotate outward from transport to working width without moving the machine or using jacks, reducing setup space and tire wear while maintaining full drive capability. Its crane-style multi-keel boom reaches 141 feet with an 8-foot multi-directional jib offering 120 degree horizontal and 135 degree vertical rotation. The platform supports 900 pounds up to 70 feet of outreach and 600 pounds at a maximum 80-foot reach.
Optimized for maneuverability, the 135-RJ includes crab, 4-wheel coordinated, 2-wheel front and 2-wheel rear steering, with a 74-hp Deutz diesel engine and hydraulic differential lock providing 45% gradeability. The heavy-duty platform features removable flooring, reinforced guardrails and tubular steel construction for long-term durability. Replacing the traditional footswitch with control levers improves operator visibility, comfort and safety. Optional features include MEC’s proactive platform safety system and Xtra-Decks for enhanced access and overhead protection.
Since launch, users have noted the 135-RJ’s flexibility and capacity make it well-suited for congested sites, including communication towers, steel framing and glass panel construction.
Judge’s Comment: An excellent unit that features solid, enhanced stability and incredible capacities.
SILVER AWARD - Tadano AS-63HD
The Tadano AS-63HD is a high-capacity boom lift designed for North American construction and industrial sites. Introduced at bauma 2025, it combines a 2,200-pound platform capacity with a maximum lift height of 62 feet, 8 inches and a horizontal reach of 37 feet, 4 inches, allowing crews to move personnel and materials simultaneously.
The lift features a crane-inspired mast and a four-section synchronized telescoping boom that limits platform deflection, while its design requires no outriggers, reducing setup time. Automatic four-motion control and 360-degree platform rotation make it easier to position in tight or complex areas. The platform can hold up to 10 occupants or a mix of personnel and equipment within capacity limits. Powered by a 74.3-horsepower Kubota V3800 engine with four-wheel drive, solid tires and 40% gradeability, the AS-63HD offers stability and maneuverability on uneven terrain. Manufactured in Japan, it is built for durability and heavy-duty use.
Judge’s Comment: Huge platform and outstanding capacity for a boom lift. Combines the outreach of a boom lift with the large access platform of a rough terrain scissor lift.
associate editor, Catalyst Communications Network
Lift & Access is part of the Catalyst Communications Network publication family.
