05.04.2022

First 104m Brontos for N.America

Kardie Equipment/TGM Wind has ordered several 104 metre Bronto S104HLAs - or 341ft S341HLA as it is known in North America - truck mounted aerial work platforms, the first in the USA.

Kardie and Bronto are choosing not to reveal the actual number of machines in the order, apart from saying “several” or “many of them”. The order will increase Texas-based Kardie’s fleet by more than 65 percent, suggesting that the order includes at least a dozen machines, a number of which are S104s. The investment follows the company's acquisition at the end of last year by Cat dealer Holt, although it continues to be run as a stand alone business under the same management team.
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The recently updated S104HLA offers up to 33 metres of outreach at an up & over height of 17 metres, maximum up & over height is 64 metres with an outreach of 25 metres. The unit is equipped with the extendable cage option which hydraulically extends the platform width from 2.4 to 3.7 metres. Maximum platform capacity is 680kg which is available for most of the working envelope. The Kardie machines will be mounted on eight axle Mack chassis in order to make it as roadable as possible. Overall length will be 16.8 metres, overall height is 4.2 metres.
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The big Bronto on a Mack chassis

TGM Wind started working with Bronto in 2009, when it ordered two 90 metre S90HLA/S295HLAs. By 2016 TGM’s rental fleet included 20 Bronto aerial lifts and the following year TGM/Kardie and Bronto signed a distribution agreement covering 10 states.
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Kardie already operate a number of the 90 metre S90HLA/S295HLA

Kardie/TGM Wind founder Kevin Darby said: “The new aerial lifts will be used to serve customers across numerous industries including wind turbine generation, transmission and distribution, petrochemical refining, aerospace and more. Increasing our inventory of aerial work platforms is critical to meet the rapidly growing demand of both new and existing customers. We value the positive partnership with Bronto and look forward to offering new products to our customers allowing them to safely and efficiently reach new heights.”

“Roberto Quintero, sales and marketing director at Bronto Skylift added: “It has been a privilege to be a part of Kardie Equipment/TGM Wind’s growth as its exclusive supplier. Kevin’s entrepreneurial spirit has been the backbone of this rewarding journey, and together with his team, they have consistently exceeded expectations. The average hub height of wind turbines in North America has now reached 90 metres and is still rising - hence the need for the larger platforms."