27.02.2017

Snorkel material lift launch

Snorkel will launch a range of six material lifts ranging from 3.3 metres/340kg capacity to a 6.9 metre/295kg capacity at the Rental Show later today.

The new range falls into two families, the MLC line including the 3.5 metre ML12C with 340kg capacity, 5.1 metre/318kg ML18C and the 6.9 metre/295kg ML24C.
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Snorkel ML18C material lift

The other three models make up the MLM range a shorter mast height to easily pass through a standard doorway without requiring a tilt-back system, the 3.8 metre ML12M with 318kg capacity, 4.4 metre/272kg ML16M and 5.5 metre/ 295kg ML20M. The MLM models are aimed at industrial and warehouse applications where loads may need to be moved throughout a facility.

All models feature a dual-handle, shift-on-the-fly, two-speed winch, a cable guard, and heavy-duty non-marking casters. Quick-fold stabiliser legs do not require tools, making set up easy, and non-marking wheels allow the lifts to move easily.
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The new Snorkel ML16M material lift

Chief executive Matthew Elvin said: Material lifts are a natural addition to the Snorkel product portfolio. They are commonly purchased by rental companies as well as by contractors, which aligns with the efforts of our existing Snorkel sales and distribution channels. We see them as a complementary product, that ultimately reinforces our focus on and commitment to safe working at height, whether we are lifting people or materials.”

Vertikal Comment

These lifts are essentially badged versions of the Lift Smart produced introduced in 2011 by Steve Citron. Ahern Rental will add units to its rental while Snorkel will market the product through its dealer network, The Lift Smart is probably the best product on the market, but the company does not have the distribution network and is weak on the marketing side.

Snorkel on the other hand has the network and the marketing flair to sell the products in significant volume and introduce them to new markets. It also has production capacity, should demand outstrip supply though the Lift Smart production plant.

All together it looks like a win win deal with some decent potential.