Snorkel is pleased to announce it is introducing an upgraded version of its popular Snorkel A62JRT articulated boom lift, which is now in full production in Snorkel’s manufacturing facility in the UK.
Reaching a maximum working height of 20.8m, the Snorkel A62JRT is diesel-powered, rough terrain articulated boom lift, capable of lifting up to 227kg. Featuring a class-leading working envelope, the A62JRT boasts compact dimensions, zero tailswing and an ultra-tight inside turning radius, as well as powerful hydrostatic four-wheel drive for rough ground conditions.
The upgrades introduced in January 2021, include a new Kubota V2403 Stage V/Tier 4 Final compliant diesel engine. When combined with improvements in the hydraulic circuits, the upgraded A62JRT reduces fuel consumption by up to 50%.
In addition to the new engine, the A62JRT has been upgraded with Snorkel’s standardized control system with onboard diagnostic display, for easier servicing, maintenance and troubleshooting. This is the same diagnostics system used across a large proportion of the Snorkel product range for increased familiarly for operator and service engineers alike.
With a focus on commonality, the A62JRT now features Snorkel’s standardized tri-entry boom platform with universal mounting, which is also used on most Snorkel boom lifts, including the 400S/460SJ and 600S/660SJ mid-size telescopic boom lifts. The new platform delivers a more ergonomic user experience and joystick arrangement, as well as rental-friendly features, including a six-bolt platform release for fast replacement in case of damage, and removable floor sections for quick repair and replacement between hires.
The upgraded Snorkel A62JRT is now in full production and available to order.
It is with great pleasure that Ahern Ireland™ announces the appointment of Sean Hopkins as Field Sales Representative.
This is a newly created position at Ahern Ireland, which expands the in-country team, reporting to David Roddy, Sales Director. In his new role, Sean will be responsible for maintaining existing customer relationships in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, as well as developing new accounts and increasing sales within the territory.
Sean brings experience of the agricultural sector to Ahern Ireland, having previously worked for his family’s agricultural contracting business, where he gained exposure to international markets when travelling overseas to complete harvests. He holds a degree in Road Transport Technology & Management along with a degree in Process & Engineering Management from Limerick Institute of Technology, from which he graduated in 2020.
Of the appointment, David Roddy, said, “We are really excited to welcome Sean to our team. With his exposure to the equipment sector, we feel he will be a valuable asset as we continue to expand our presence in Ireland. He brings a fresh perspective to the business, as well as lots of energy and enthusiasm, and I am confident he will be a big hit with our existing and future customers.”
Sean added, “I am thrilled to have this opportunity to join Ahern Ireland, and be a part of their continued growth in the territory. I am very much looking forward to meeting our customers and becoming part of this industry.”
Officially opened in June 2019, Ahern Ireland is a division of Ahern International owned by Don Ahern. Focused on equipment sales, service and spare parts, Ahern Ireland is the official distributor for Snorkel™ aerial work platforms and Ruthmann Bluelift tracked spider lifts in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Sean joined Ahern Ireland in early January and will split his time between being out in the field and office-based at Ahern Ireland’s facility in Rathcoole, Dublin, once normal operations can resume. Sean’s contact details can be found here.
Snorkel™, a leading global manufacturer of mobile elevating work platforms, is proud to announce that late Snorkel founder Art Moore has been honored as an industry pioneer by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).
Art Moore standing next to a Snorkel TB42
The induction announcement took place during the AEM Annual Conference, held virtually on November 17-20, 2020. The digital edition featured several speakers, panels, roundtable discussions and networking events. Interviewed in the announcement video, Sue Moore, Art’s wife, shared the history behind her late husband’s innovations and the founding of Snorkel.
Art and Sue Moore
The AEM Hall of Fame spotlights pioneers whose inventions, ideas, leadership and courage have contributed to the industry and our community’s quality of life. The recognition also strives to instill a deeper public understanding and appreciation for the continuing role of the industry in global business success.
Nominees were considered based on their innovation, industry contributions, leadership, corporate citizen and social responsibility. Among many unique ideas developed during Art’s lifetime included firefighting equipment, aluminum booms and hydraulic telescopic designs that helped solve problems critical to the off-road equipment industry.
In 1959, Art’s development of telescopic firefighting equipment became so integral to the profession that the company name, Snorkel, would become genericized for the equipment throughout the industry.
Yet another innovation was his use of aluminum extrusions on aerial lifts. The unprecedented use of this material revolutionized the industry as it allows better functionality while weighing and costing less than comparable steel models.
Following the recent launch of the new European Rental Association (ERA) Sustainable Supplier Framework on September 8th, Snorkel™ is pleased to announce its adherence to the framework.
Designed to make it easier for rental companies to assess their supplier’s sustainability credentials, the framework provides a set of minimum requirements and aspirations for sustainability, covering human rights and working conditions; health and safety; responsible sourcing of components and raw materials; environmental performance; business ethics; and product sustainability performance.
John Gill, Chief Manufacturing Officer, for Snorkel, said, “As a supplier to many European rental companies, we welcome the introduction of this new framework which makes it easier for our customers to quickly and consistently evaluate the sustainability of new and existing suppliers, without creating significant administrative work. At Snorkel, we take sustainability seriously, and are pleased to adopt this framework that we will continue to work towards.”
Rental companies can request Snorkel’s completed adherence checklist directly from their Ahern Ireland sales or customer service representative. For more information about the ERA Sustainable Supplier Framework, visit https://erarental.org/en/sustainable-suppliers.
The Ahern Family of Companies (“Ahern Companies”) is pleased to announce that it has selected Trackunit® as its telematics platform partner.
Owned by Don F. Ahern, the Ahern Family of Companies includes Ahern Rentals™, the largest independently-owned rental company in North America, high reach OEM’s, Xtreme Manufacturing™ and Snorkel™, and an extensive global distribution network, including Diamond A Equipment™ in the USA, and Ahern International™ dealerships in Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Germany, Ireland, Japan, and Spain.
“We conducted an expansive search of more than 14 telematics providers, including a multi-month pilot scheme. At the conclusion of the study, our telematics committee selected Trackunit as our telematics partner. Our requirements are expansive since we encompass rental, manufacturing and distribution, and we resolved that Trackunit was the best-suited to the needs of our customers. With the integration points to our existing ERP software suites, we expect to be able to recognize the full value of the Trackunit platform across the family of companies.” said Don Ahern, CEO, Ahern Companies.
Trackunit will be deployed across the Ahern Rentals fleet within the next three years, and new Xtreme and Snorkel lifts will be assembled with a Trackunit compatible connection for customers who wish to install the telematics. This will become available in late 2020, and rolled out across the global manufacturing footprint by model type with OEM branded dashboards. The Trackunit telematics solution will also be available on products sold through the Ahern Companies distribution channels, including Diamond A Equipment and Ahern International.
Mike Stilwagner, CIO, Ahern Companies added, “It was imperative that our chosen telematics solution is a well-accepted and proven solution for our customer base, and also satisfied the needs of our internal stakeholders. Trackunit is a global product, meaning that our customers can have consistency of data, no matter where their equipment is manufactured or located.”
“A benefit of evaluating the available telematics solutions from a trilateral rental, manufacturing and distribution perspective is that we are confident in Trackunit’s ability to meet the needs of our customers, and all of our stakeholders.”
Ahern Companies signed the agreement with Trackunit in early May 2020, and is commencing roll-out in the rental fleet with immediate effect.
Jeff Cohen, President at Trackunit said, “We are extremely excited to begin this partnership with Ahern Companies at a time of transformation within our industry, as the focus shifts from gathering to utilizing data. Ahern Companies’ decision to roll-out the telematics solution across their business during this time is testament to their commitment to using data for the long-term benefit of their businesses, their customers, and the industry.”
Snorkel is reaching above and beyond at CONEXPO/CON-AGG 2020 with the launch of the world’s largest self-propelled boom lift.
Dubbed a ‘Mega Boom’, the new Snorkel 2100SJ telescopic boom lift reaches a maximum platform height of 210 ft. (64.0m), provides an industry-leading horizontal outreach up to 100 ft. (30.4m), and an unrestricted platform capacity of 660 lbs. (300kg). For enhanced access and flexibility at height, a 30 ft. (9.1m) jib boom, with a working arc of -55° to +73°, combines with 150° rotation of the 8 ft. by 3 ft. (2.4m x 0.9m) tri-entry platform.
Designed in-house by Snorkel’s engineering team, the 2100SJ features a number of patent pending innovations, and a significantly increased working envelope over the current industry standard. Equipped with five steering modes, and with a stowed transport width of just 8 ft. 2 in. (2.5m), the Snorkel 2100SJ has been designed for ease of transportation and maneuverability on the jobsite.
Shown as a preview, Snorkel will be accepting pre-orders for the 2100SJ at the show, with first deliveries scheduled for early 2021.
Visit Snorkel at Booth #F6929 in the Festival Lot at CONEXPO/CON-AGG from March 10-14, 2020 to see the 2100SJ on display, along with a number of other brand-new product launches. This will include two new large deck rough terrain scissor lift families, including a range of four ultra-high capacity models, reaching up to 70 ft. (21.3m) working height, and three standard capacity construction scissor lifts with working heights up to 53 ft. (16.1m).
It is with great pleasure that Ahern Ireland announces the appointment of Robert Hickey as Branch Manager.
With overall responsibility for day-to-day operations, Robert will lead Ahern Ireland’s existing team of three, implementing processes and systems to ensure the continued growth of the business. He will work alongside David Roddy who continues to lead sales efforts in the territory, with direction from Ahern Ireland Managing Director, Andrew Fishburn.
Officially opened in June 2019, Ahern Ireland is a division of Ahern International owned by Don Ahern. Focused on equipment sales, service and spare parts, Ahern Ireland is the official distributor for Snorkel™ aerial work platforms and Ruthmann Bluelift tracked spider lifts in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Robert brings 12 years’ experience working in after-sales roles within the plant equipment industry to the newly-created role of Branch Manager at Ahern Ireland. He previously worked for Liebherr Ireland, where he was promoted from Spare Parts Co-ordinator to Service Supervisor.
Of joining Ahern Ireland, Robert said, “I am really pleased to be joining Ahern Ireland at this early stage in the journey. The business, which launched in June, already benefits from a dedicated team, fantastic facility, and a strong level of support and investment from our owner, and I look forward to building upon these solid foundations, making Ahern Ireland the ‘go to’ provider of work at height equipment and technical services in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.”
Andrew Fishburn added, “Robert has a strong background in the equipment industry, and fully understands the value of exceptional after-sales support to ensure the growth and longevity of the business. Our existing team have done a phenomenal job in setting up and establishing Ahern Ireland, and with Robert’s leadership, I am confident we can move to the next level in customer service and support.”
Robert joined Ahern Ireland on 16th September 2019, and has assumed the position with immediate effect. He is based at Ahern Ireland’s facility in Rathcoole, Dublin.
Snorkel has commenced production of its lithium-ion electric Speed Level and has signed an official supply agreement with Hyperdrive Innovation for its electric powertrain and battery systems. Pictured (right to left): John Gill, Chief Manufacturing Officer, Snorkel; Matthew Elvin, Chief Executive Officer, Snorkel; with Stephen Irish, Commercial Director; Jason Lovell, Engineering Manager; and Ed Bisdee, Senior Systems Integration Engineer, with Hyperdrive Innovation.
Initially previewed at Bauma 2019, Snorkel is pleased to announce that it has commenced full production of two new lithium-powered Speed Level models at its UK assembly facility, in Washington, Tyne & Wear.
The two new models, which are branded as the Snorkel SL26RTE and SL30RTE, are completely zero emission thanks to lithium-ion battery packs with built-in battery management system (BMS), and an integrated electric powertrain developed with Hyperdrive Innovation, a Sunderland-based developer and manufacturer of lithium-ion battery technology for electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
The electric Speed Level models are available to order with a choice of lithium-ion battery pack configurations to suit a range of applications, including a high capacity option for long distance driving and tunnel work.
John Gill, Chief Manufacturing Officer at Snorkel said, “We are pleased to have signed an official supply agreement with Hyperdrive Innovation, with whom Snorkel has worked closely with to develop a stable electric powertrain that can deliver the reliability and performance that our customers require. Following very positive feedback to our preview at Bauma, the design has undergone thorough testing, both in concept and in field evaluations, and we are confident that these models will exceed our customers’ expectations.”
The use of maintenance-free lithium-ion battery packs reduces running costs by up to 95% when compared to an engine, and are shown to last up to twenty-times longer than lead acid batteries. The low voltage system is easily serviced, without the need for specialist high voltage training, and has been tested in climatic chambers between -25°C and +60°C.
The zero emission, lithium-ion batteries also deliver significantly less jobsite noise. For example, the new SL26RTE is 60% quieter than the existing Snorkel SL26SL, at less than 68dB.
Fitted with a 2.5kWh 50A battery charger, the battery packs can be fully charged in less than 6 hours, at a significantly lower cost than the diesel equivalent.
Stephen Irish, Founder and Commercial Director at Hyperdrive Innovation commented, “It’s been fantastic to partner with Snorkel on their first lithium-ion battery powered machines. To have the opportunity to collaborate with another progressive and forward-thinking business that is at the forefront of their industry is testament to our capabilities and a great example of the wave of clean growth being driven by changing legislation internationally. We are delighted to secure the contract to supply the SL26RTE and SL30RTE with the very latest Hyperdrive battery technology and working to a demanding timeline, it has been a pleasure to support Snorkel to take these initial concept vehicles through the development cycle and into production.”
The Snorkel SL26RTE delivers a maximum platform height of 8.0m (25 ft. 6 in.), a lift capacity of 680kg (1,500 lbs.) and a spacious 1.72m (5 ft. 8 in.) x 4.6m (15 ft.) platform with the 0.91m (3 ft.) roll-out deck extension deployed, the SL26RTE weighs 3,500kg (7,826 lbs.) and, available with non-marking tires, is ideal for all types of indoor and outdoor applications.
The larger Snorkel SL30RTE can reach a maximum platform height of 9.0m (29 ft. 4 in.), lifting a maximum platform capacity of 590kg (1,300 lbs.). Drivable at full height, the SL30RTE has a fixed platform of 1.72m x 4.23m (5 ft. 8 in. x 13 ft. 11 in.) and weighs 3,450kg (7,605 lbs.).
Both models share the same 4-wheel drive performance, 50% gradeability and self-levelling capabilities without stabilizers up to 9° front to rear, and 13° side to side, as the original diesel-powered Snorkel SL26SL and SL30SL which are also still available to order. As of January 1st 2020, the SL26SL and SL30SL models will be rebranded as the SL26RT and SL30RT.
The lithium Speed Level assembly line was officially opened this week by Snorkel CEO, Matthew Elvin, during a visit from Snorkel’s Scandinavian distributors to Vigo Centre.
Ahern Ireland™ officially opened for business today, following a grand opening ceremony and party held at its facility in Rathcoole, County Dublin on Thursday 27th June 2019.
Part of the Ahern International division owned by Don Ahern, Ahern Ireland is the exclusive provider of sales, service and spare parts for Snorkel™ mobile elevating work platforms, and RUTHMANN BLUELIFT™ tracked spider lifts for Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
To celebrate the opening of the business, Ahern Ireland hosted more than 60 customers, suppliers, media and industry contacts at its grand opening event. Attendees enjoyed tours of the recently refurbished and fully stocked 2,286sqm facility, including the workshop, parts warehouse, yard and office space, and were given the opportunity to learn about the latest Snorkel and RUTHMANN BLUELIFT products, which were on display.
Matthew Elvin, CEO, performed a formal ribbon cutting with the Ahern Ireland team to declare the facility open for business, and gave a speech, along with Andrew Fishburn, Managing Director for Ahern Ireland. This was followed by a ‘celebration of Ireland’ party featuring live entertainment acts and regional-inspired catering.
Speaking from the event, Matthew Elvin, said, “With an investment of more than US $1.2m in the new machine and spare parts inventory, plus the facility renovations and service vehicles, Ahern Ireland is here for the long-term, and is ready to support our growing customer base.”
Of the new branch opening, company owner, Don Ahern, said, “My family heritage can be traced back to Ireland, so this branch opening has both personal and professional significance. I am extremely grateful to all of our valued customers, vendors and stakeholders who have supported us with this launch, and I sincerely hope that we are able to add value to their businesses through this fantastic new location.”
Under the direction of Andrew Fishburn, Ahern Ireland will be managed by David Roddy who takes on an expanded role from his current position as Business Development Manager for Snorkel UK. David will be responsible for sales, and will oversee a team of three people initially, including a lead engineer, customer service coordinator and a customer service administrator. Together, this team will deliver complete sales and parts customer service, along with field technical support and workshop repairs.
Andrew Fishburn said, “We are very proud of this new facility here in Rathcoole, and we are confident in our abilities to exceed customer expectations. We are grateful to Don Ahern and the Ahern International team for their support in expanding into Ireland, and we look forward to delivering world-class service, which includes same-day access to new machines, spare parts and technical support, to our valued customer base in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.”
As part of the grand opening, Ahern Ireland launched their new dedicated website, at www.ahernireland.ie.
On Thursday 27th June, we welcomed many of our valued customers, suppliers, finance partners, neighbours and stakeholders to celebrate the grand opening of Ahern Ireland. Thank you to everyone who came along and supported us on what was an incredible evening.
Snorkel is pleased to announce it is introducing an upgraded version of its popular Snorkel A62JRT articulated boom lift, which is now in full production in Snorkel’s manufacturing facility in the UK.
It is with great pleasure that Ahern Ireland™ announces the appointment of Sean Hopkins as Field Sales Representative.
Snorkel is reaching above and beyond at CONEXPO/CON-AGG 2020 with the launch of the world’s largest self-propelled boom lift.
It is with great pleasure that Ahern Ireland announces the appointment of Robert Hickey as Branch Manager.
