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Nationwide Platforms, the UK鈥檚 largest powered access hire company, is expanding its fleet with the addition of two hybrid models from Chinese manufacturer Dingli.
The new boom lifts, the BA44HRT and the BT44HRT, are among the first of their kind to arrive in the UK.
Both offer a working height of 44 metres. The BA44HRT is an articulating boom lift offering 18.8 metres of up-and-over clearance. The BT44HRT is a straight telescopic boom lift that offers horizontal outreach of 25.6 metres.
Designed at Dingli鈥檚 German R&D centre, the two models incorporate Dingli鈥檚 patented in-situ axle expansion system, which enables widening of the machine鈥檚 base while in motion. According to Dingli, this helps reduce time spent repositioning and deploying.
Each machine is equipped with a lithium battery offering up to three working days of runtime on a single charge. When battery levels drop to 30%, an onboard diesel-powered range extender automatically recharges the battery to 90%, without ever powering the drive directly. This keeps the machine emissions-free at point of use, even on remote sites where grid power is unavailable.
Operators can also choose to run the machine in manual mode, charging overnight via mains when appropriate. This flexible hybrid design ensures the platform stays operational for extended periods while reducing on-site emissions, noise and fuel usage.
Both boom lifts are equipped with Chalwyn valves and spark arrestors, enabling safe operation in hazardous or petrochemical environments. These systems prevent diesel engine runaway and reduce the risk of ignition. Earth bonding points are also integrated to safely discharge static electricity, which is particularly valuable when working near flammable materials.
As with all Nationwide Platforms boom lifts, both models will feature the Harness On system, which prevents operation unless the user is clipped in. The machines also come with Category 3 full-redundancy control architecture, a safety standard more commonly found in high-end industrial automation, ensuring machine stability and operability in the event of component failure.
So far this year Nationwide has invested in more than 280 new machines, including Haulotte Star10s, Genie ZX135s, Skyjack SJ45AJ+ booms and dozens of compact Dingli scissor lifts. These follow substantial investments in more than 400 Dingli platforms in 2022, more than 20 truck-mounted booms and 21 telehandlers in 2023, and fully electric van-mounted platforms in 2024.
Chief operating officer Dan Smith said: 鈥淭he addition of the BA44HRT and BT44HRT strengthens our position as the UK鈥檚 leading provider of specialist working-at-height solutions. These hybrid boom lifts combine exceptional height and reach with the kind of sustainable innovation our customers increasingly demand. Whether working in remote industrial zones or congested infrastructure projects, our clients now have the tools to operate at height more safely and more efficiently than ever before.鈥�
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