Snorkel International is growing into a major full line manufacturer of aerial work platforms, following its acquisition by Tanfield Group Plc.
Tanfield has finalized its $100 million acquisition of Snorkel, which has two factories in Kansas and employs more than 500 employees. Tanfield also owns aerial lift brand UpRight. However, going forward Snorkel will be Tanfield's principal aerial work platform brand in North America.
Snorkel announced yesterday the addition of eight former UpRight models to its U.S.-built range, comprising electric scissor, mast and articulated boom lifts aimed at the construction and industrial maintenance sectors and the unique 'SpeedLevel' rough terrain vertical lifts.
“The current Snorkel management team, led by Frank Scarborough, has done a superb job of developing Snorkel over the past few years,” said Darren Kell, CEO of the Tanfield Group. “Thanks to our investment, Snorkel can now instantly expand into a full line manufacturer and become as famous for its smaller electric lifts as it is for quality rough terrain scissors and big booms.
“There are two immediate advantages for us. Firstly, our research tells us that there is a pent-up demand within Snorkel's customer base for this type of machines. Secondly, as a full line manufacturer we would expect to be competing against other major aerial lift brands, in the tenders for large rental fleets.”
Some of the new machines will be built at Snorkel's plants in Elwood and Wathena, Kan.
“We are delighted to be introducing production of these extra models to our Kansas plants, which will expand rapidly to accommodate the increase in output,” said Frank Scarborough, president of Snorkel. “We know our customers want a full range of high quality American-built machines and that is what we will give them. All eight of the new models are tried and tested in the UpRight range, both in North America and Europe, so we expect sales to be significant.”
The new models in the Snorkel range are as follows:
M1230 personnel lift (formerly the UpRight TM12)
The Snorkel M1230 is a compact, battery-powered mast lift that can be driven through standard doorways and carried in passenger elevators, yet still lift two people with tools to a safe working height of 18 feet. It is designed for a wide range of applications, including stock picking and record storage retrieval in offices and warehouses.
S2633 scissor lift (formerly the UpRight X26UN)
The Snorkel S2633 is an ultra-narrow, self-propelled scissor lift that can fit through a gap less than 3 feet wide, but still provides a safe and effective working height of up to 32'8” and excellent maneuverability. Standard features include roll-out deck extension, hydraulic depression mechanism, non-marking tires and swing-out service modules.
SR2684SL (formerly the UpRight SL26SL)
The diesel-powered SR2684SL incorporates Speed Level technology, with oscillating axles. These allow the machines to self-level at gradients of up to 35 percent. The robust, heavy-duty sigma arm lift offers a safe working height of up to 32 feet in the toughest of conditions.
Snorkel SR3084SL (formerly the UpRight SL30SL)
The Snorkel SR3084SL is the big brother to the SR2684SL. When other machines don't make the grade, the SR3084SL has the self-levelling capability to get the job done. It also provides a large platform area, making any working at height task both safe and easy.
Snorkel M2032J (formerly the UpRight MB20)
The ultra-narrow MB2030J is just 32 inches wide, but offers a basket that can carry two people with tools. Designed for applications in tight spots which require "up-and-over" capabilities, the articulating jib offers outreach of 8'7” and the 360-degree mast rotation provides a safe working height of up to 25'8”. The MB2030J is driveable while elevated and has an inside turning circle of just 12 inches.
Snorkel M2639J (formerly the UpRight MB26)
The MB26 mast boom lift is versatile, compact and highly maneuverable. It provides a safe working height of up to 32'3” and outreach of 9'9”, but is still less than 3 feet wide. The 360-degree rotating mast and 138-degree articulated jib provide access to the most difficult to reach places. For internal applications, the MB26 can be driven while elevated and comes with non-marking tires.
Snorkel AB38N and AB38W (formerly the UpRight AB38N/W)
The tried and tested Snorkel AB38 self-propelled booms are designed to be tough, durable and reliable. The up-and-over articulated boom design provides the operator with a versatile working envelope. Smooth, one-hand proportional joystick control gives reach and precision in the air, while the 4-foot, 11-inch-wide chassis, 1-foot, 3-inch inside turning radius and 36 percent gradeability delivers maneuvrability and accessibility in narrow aisles. The special wide version of the AB38 has all its features but is much easier to transport. Its lighter weight also makes it perfect for internal use where floor weight is an issue.
Lift & Access is part of the Catalyst Communications Network publication family.
