Custom Equipment Seeks CE Approval, Develops New Lightweight Scissor Lift

Since its introduction in 2004, the compact, highly maneuverable Hybrid HB-1030 scissor lift, manufactured by West Bend, Wis.-based Custom Equipment, has become a rental favorite for a number of trades. “Our distribution partners have been very successful with the HB-1030, and many are reporting an almost unheard of 100% rental utilization rate,” said Steve Kissinger, president of Custom Equipment. Confident that the Hybrid HB-1030 will be successful outside North America, Kissinger recently told Lift and Access that the company is in the process of obtaining CE certification for the HB-1030, giving the company the ability to distribute the scissor lift into Europe.

While the physical size of the CE-certified Hybrid HB-1030 will stay the same, the company must meet CE guidelines for manufacturing. Kissinger said this includes a different hydraulic system, a platform load sensing device, and higher side rails, as well as a number of small changes that will be made throughout the machine. He said he expects to obtain CE certification in time for The Rental Show in early February. Although the company prefers not to release specific details, Custom Equipment is continuing with its marketing plan to successfully distribute the HB-1030E into Europe, during the first part of 2007.

Custom Equipment has also been busy with new product development, designing a new machine for both the U.S. and European markets. While Kissinger said he won't be letting the cat out of the bag until The Rental Show, he said the new machine will continue down the success pathway blazed by the HB-1030 Hybrid scissor lift. Stop by Booth 0357 at show to see all the company's newest models.

For more information, visit http://www.customequipmentlifts.com.