The Italian overhead lifting equipment hire market closed 2015 on a positive note, albeit to a lesser extent than initially forecast. On the other hand, 2016 got off to great start and, according to forecasts, should manage to achieve a significant increase
This is the snapshot emerging from the annual sector worldwide report by Ducker Research on behalf of IPAF, which will be available on the website www.ipaf.org as of May. The French market analysis company compiled the report after interviewing sector professionals and comparing their data with information gathered by Rental Consulting, which focus more strongly on the Italian scenario.
After a long period of recession, 2015 finally saw increased investments, with growth of more than 3% in fleet vehicles, excluding physiological replacements. Even if only slightly, the average period life-span of overhead equipment in hire/rental fleets consequently fell parks (just over 7 years). This means newer machines are being used with less stress as regards usage rates and prices which, admittedly timidly, have begun to rise again.
The total number of vehicles available through rental firms was estimated at just over 24,000 units, of which more than 65% self-propelled telescopic, articulated and vertical units that should increase by the end of 2016 to almost 25,000. Diesel vehicles continue to dominate the field, although an increase in electric systems, often available for hire at more competitive prices, was also seen. Good performance by truck-mounted platforms (10%) and special machines (9%). Telehandlers also performed extremely well.
An overall market that generates almost 230 million euros in global fees, of which 55% from the construction sector.