Rapid Access, a leading provider of powered access solutions in the Middle East, has taken delivery of the first of the 334 units of the new-generation Genie boom lifts and scissor lifts it has ordered from Terex, a leading manufacturer of lifting and material handling solutions.  

Rapid Access is part of the world’s third largest powered access rental company Loxam, having a fleet of over 4,000 units in the region.

The new fleet acquisitions include a broad mix of telescopic Genie SX-180, Genie SX-150 and articulating Genie ZX-135/70 boom lifts, as well as Genie Xtra Capacity (XC) telescopic SX-135 XC and  SX-125 XC models offering working heights from 131 ft up to an impressive 186 ft, horizontal reaches range from 69 ft 9 inches to 80 ft.

With deliveries ongoing around the GCC region, these state-of-the-art Genie boom lifts are 'firsts' for the Qatar and Kuwait markets where they will serve to support safe work at height in the construction of multiple infrastructure projects.

A new airport, a metro network, new oil and gas plants and seven new World Cup stadiums count among the many projects scheduled to be completed in the region over the next five years.
 
Besides the reliability, operational simplicity and performance that Genie machines are known for, these models have advanced technology and new features.

“Their extensive range of motion, and the extreme precision and manoeuvrability provided by their Genie telescoping jib-extend design and new Genie Mini XChassis  are among the key features that we were particularly impressed by,” remarked Michael Maynard, the regional director, Rapid Access.

“In addition to increasing onsite manoeuvrability, the Mini Genie XChassis notably allows for transport on standard low bed trailers which makes transport easier and helps reduce costs,” he stated.  

“The increased lift capacities and new tri-entry baskets that come with these Genie boom lifts are ideal for the Middle East market,” he added.

James Davis, the country manager for Rapid Access in Qatar, said: "Given the number of hotels and malls that already exist, plus the large number of other projects such as stadiums that are currently being built, we are expecting rental demand for high level boom lifts in the construction and facilities management sector to be strong."

“To support customers’ requirements, we selected large Genie boom lifts, including the Genie SX-125 XC, SX-135 XC, ZX-135/70, SX-150 and SX-180 models, because they offer  working heights of 40 m up to 56.8 m, a broader working envelope and faster and easier positioning for working in tight spaces with high-precision,” said Davis.

The Genie Xtra Capacity (XC) models included among the units ordered by Rapid Access are adapted to tasks that demand the ability to lift heavier loads from 300 kg up to 454 kg in the restricted zone.

According to Davis, these models from Terex also boast zero-load field calibration.

"By continuously checking the weight in the platform, this new feature makes sure the machine stays within the platform load limit and helps to increase overall productivity, improve set-up time as well as significantly reducing travel time and overall costs due to operator faults. This feature is a strong benefit that our customers will be quick to appreciate," he explained.

The other key factor that contributed to the Rapid Access team’s purchase decision was its responsive local support.

"It is very important, and we are happy to say that we are well served by Gary Cooke and the region's Genie team,” remarked Maynard.

“Last but not least, the fact that Genie machines share common components, and are simple to service, are additional advantages when it comes to cost-efficiencies that support our business success in the long term,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service