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Compact Lifts For Tight Spaces
“We’re out there to replace ladders,” says Kyle Schoenherr of Cruiser Products. While the initial focus market was poultry operations, the compact platforms have become popular with greenhouse owners, electricians, and other tradespeople.
The Ohio company designed and manufactured its first mini lifts 12 years ago to help poultry farmers access higher cages in barns without having to go up and down ladders.
At 20 in. wide, the first compact unit was narrow enough to go down walkways, and its fixed height platforms (22 and 32 in.) off the ground gave workers access to the highest cages. Long-life rechargeable batteries power the units to move at a good walking pace with simple handlebar steering. At $4,000, the compact style works well for operators working on solid surfaces such as concrete and mezzanine.
As the poultry industry changed to more cage-free operations and surfaces with litter, Cruiser Products added a heavy-duty lift ($4,800) with more power, bigger tires, wider wheelbase options (23 and 26 in.), and custom heights.
“The thing that got us into new markets is the scissor series. The mini scissor lift is lightweight, compact, and able to go through doorways, so its uses go beyond poultry,” Schoenherr says.
With its lift range from 32 to 72 in., it’s especially handy for greenhouse workers and electricians. The powder-coated steel frames are assembled in Ohio, and each unit is shop-tested before being sold.
“It’s a perfect replacement for an 8-ft. ladder. We get lots of interest from people who manufacture everything from sheds to RVs, and we get some interest in areas of ag for wash down practices such as tractor trailers,” he adds.
Besides the handy lift feature and stable 26-in. wheelbase, the platform cage adds safety and supports up to 300 lbs. It sells for $8,200.
“From a safety perspective, they’re getting very popular to prevent ladder injuries. We’re hearing from contractors that sometimes ladders are not even allowed, and they need to find other solutions,” Schoenherr says. “Cruiser Products lifts are mobile and are affordable so they’re more accessible to customers (than larger, expensive scissor lifts).”
There are some dealers in the U.S. and Canada, but Cruiser Products also sells direct. Check out its website for more information.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Cruiser Products, 411 Stachler Dr., St. Henry, Ohio 45883 (ph 419-678-8615; info@cruiserproducts.com; www.cruiserproducts.com).


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2024 - Volume #48, Issue #2