Getting things done at height in the middle of nowhere isn’t straightforward. The terrain is rough and access can be difficult. Plus, often there aren’t people or services around to help out if things take a wrong turn.
This makes it really important to have gear you can rely on, whether you’re tree lopping or working on energy lines.
The Socage Raptor 18S is a solid choice of elevated work platform for remote location scenarios. It’s compact enough to be towed behind a ute or on a small truck, and it handles terrain most other EWPs would struggle with. More and more Australian and New Zealand businesses are turning to it, and in this article we want to show you why.
Raptor 18S Features
The Raptor 18S from Socage is a tracked spider lift that hits a sweet spot between how far you can reach, what you can carry and where you can work with it. Traditional truck-mounted platforms or a lift that needs a flat concrete slab have their limitations out in the bush – the 18S doesn’t.
Check out these features:
- Gets you up to 18 metres working height
- Reaches out roughly 8 metres horizontally
- Handles 230 kg on the platform
- Runs on tracks with automatic stabilisation.
Those features make it the portable, rugged and capable machine that a number of industries are now adopting.
Let’s dive deeper into some of the outstanding capabilities of the Raptor 18S.
Handling Rough Terrain
What really sets the Raptor 18S apart is how it handles terrain that would make other elevated platforms completely unusable.
The tracked base spreads the weight around, giving you better grip while putting less pressure on the ground underneath. You can set it up on dirt, gravel, grass, even slopes – without spending half your day prepping the site first.
The stabilisation of this setup is next level – the four legs extend out from the machine and stabilise automatically, providing a secure base for the operators to work from. When you’re dealing with different and difficult terrain every day, this provides peace of mind and confidence in your tools.
Easily Transportable
Moving equipment around regional and remote Australia often becomes the hardest part of the job. If you need special transport, you’re adding cost, waiting around, and dealing with logistics headaches – especially when you’re dealing with large distances.
The Raptor 18S trailers behind any vehicle rated for 3.5 tonnes. Simple as that.
What this actually means:
- Many work utes can tow it on a trailer
- No waiting for a truck to haul it
- Move between sites quickly
- Work multiple locations without the transport shuffle
- Your crew stays in control of the schedule
Your EWP travels with you instead of you relying on someone else’s timetable.
Fast to Set Up
When you’re working at heights in a remote location, you want to get the job done and get back to base in a reasonable time frame. If the weather changes or the daylight runs out, your access abilities change. Every minute counts and you want to make the most of the time you have.
That’s what makes the fast setup and pack down times of the Socage Raptor 18S invaluable. The machine’s intuitive controls, easy configuration and automatic stabilising help operators get it set up correctly every time, even if the conditions are a bit tricky.
Once set up, straightforward controls and smooth movements provide the operators with precision when working around and above objects. The 18S works with you – you’re not fighting against it the whole time.
Bi-Energy Options
This is a big one for us, because it makes the 18S adaptable to multiple work scenarios. You can’t plug into mains power in the middle of nowhere, and sometimes you’re also dealing with noise restrictions or emission concerns if you’re working in a more populated place.
The Raptor 18S comes with bi-energy options – diesel engine plus a 230-volt electric motor. You can use what suits the situation and get the same performance you expect from your EWP.
Why this works:
- Diesel keeps you going when there’s no power available
- Electric cuts emissions and sound where you’re able to plug in.
This is genuine versatility for off-grid and regional work.
The Right Tool for the Job
The Socage Raptor 18S is an adaptable, safe and reliable EWP that can hold its own in remote locations or urban environments.
If you’re operating in the Australian bush and also want to be able to use your machinery for city jobs, the Raptor 18S is worth a serious look. It’s built for exactly the conditions you’re dealing with.
Altequip Backup
Altequip is the official Socage agent for Australia and New Zealand. We’ll handle the order and supply of your Raptor 18S spider lift, no matter where you’re located here.
We also have an on-site servicing department in Brisbane with direct factory support from the Socage factory in Italy. We know these machines inside out and will take care of all your servicing requirements to ensure many years of reliable use from your Socage EWP.
If you want a world-class machine with the support and backup to match, talk to the team here at Altequip.
