If you’re working at heights, you want a reliable elevated work platform that can keep the job rolling no matter the environment.
The Socage ForSte 14A Speed 4×4 stands out as a machine that brings versatility and stability to Australian job sites. It’s as tough as the terrain it can handle, celebrated for its Four Wheel Drive abilities and ease of use.
We’re going to dive into this epic machine today and highlight seven reasons it’s creating a stir in the EWP industry in Australia. Let’s take a look.
1. Practical Applications in Australia
From suburban worksites to expansive regional projects, the work environment in Australia varies greatly. A lot of EWPs work well around town, but performance capability drops off when the surface becomes uneven or soils get softer. The ForSte 14A Speed 4×4 was built to maintain efficiency in these situations.
Being a Four Wheel Drive it can tackle construction zones, roadworks, and rural sites where a standard machine would easily get bogged. It also comes with an articulated boom that allows operators to access up and over obstacles in their way.
It can reach up 14 metres and outwards six metres, making it ideal for tasks like power line maintenance or signage work. Tree loppers also enjoy it’s tall reach and go-anywhere capabilities.
This is a great EWP for all Australian conditions. From stations in Far North Queensland to construction jobs in Perth, there’s not much the ForSte 14A Speed 4×4 can’t handle.
2. Safety and Compliance Focus
Safety is a number one priority when working at heights, and we don’t compromise on it at Altequip. We’re proud to stand behind the safety attributes of the ForSte 14A. It’s fully compliant with Australian standards, and has some exciting features to help keep operators and onlookers safe. These include:
- Proportional controls
- Load-sensing technology to protect workers while allowing precise operation.
In terms of capacity, it can carry up to 230 kilograms in the cage. This is usually enough for two operators plus their tools. With its rugged capabilities, the operators will be safe even on challenging ground.
The Altequip team is always here to answer your EWP safety questions. We support our clients with training, as well as provide EWP servicing that keeps these platforms safe and compliant throughout their long working life.
3. Compact Power
The beauty of the Socage ForSte 14A Speed 4×4 lies in its compact design. Many EWPs capable of handling tricky terrain are much larger in size… not the Socage ForSte 14A, though. It’s a single-cab four by four ute adapted to support an advanced working at heights system on its tray. It has a relatively low overall weight and a transport height of just 2.9 metres. That means serious maneuverability!
You can get into narrow laneways and crowded construction sites, and still benefit from the considerable outreach and height of the machine. You don’t waste time trying to position a larger truck or move stuff around the worksite to give the EWP space. You simply arrive, stabilise and get to work.
4. Socage ForSte 14A Speed Use Cases
What industries are we noticing gravitating towards this elevated work platform? Let’s take a look at where they are popular and for what reasons:
- Telecommunications: Technicians often work in remote or uneven areas. A four-wheel-drive platform provides quick, safe access without relying on heavier vehicles.
- Arborists: Tree maintenance requires stability on sloped or uneven ground. The articulated boom makes it easier to reach branches without repositioning.
- Civil construction and councils: Roadside maintenance, lighting installation and signage replacement means working on verges and embankments. The 4×4 drivetrain allows work without getting stuck.
- Mining and energy: Sprawling mine sites require equipment that can operate off sealed roads. The 14A 4×4 provides access while being small enough to transport into these environments.
5. Comparison Angle
How does the Socage ForSte 14A Speed compare to other 14-metre elevated work platforms? What we love at Altequip is its balance of reach, mobility and safety. Some platforms offer slightly higher reach but lack four-wheel-drive, limiting their usability on challenging ground. Others provide off-road capability but are bulkier and harder to transport.
Socage is an Italian company that has made a name for itself with its exceptional engineering. They focus on reliability and ease of use, which gives them a wide-ranging appeal. Backed by Altequip’s Brisbane servicing and support, you’re getting global engineering standards with the best in local support.
If you’re an EWP company looking to add to your fleet, the 14A 4×4 delivers capability without excessive size. This is its advantage over heavier or less mobile competitors.
6. Cost and Efficiency Benefits
Every contractor considers the bottom line. The Socage ForSte 14A Speed 4×4 contributes to cost savings in several ways.
- Reduced downtime: Quality engineering means fewer mechanical issues, and Altequip’s local servicing ensures any issues are resolved quickly.
- Faster job completion: Four-wheel drive allows operators to access the site more quickly and set up without delays.
- Transport flexibility: The compact size makes it easier to move between sites without requiring additional logistics.
This is a machine that performs well but also helps control project costs, equating to plenty of savings over time!
7. A Customer Problem-Solution Story
Maybe you’re a regional contractor asked to repair street lighting on a sloping roadside. A conventional elevated work platform may struggle with stability, forcing the contractor to hire a larger, more expensive truck-mounted machine. Your costs go up and the timeframe is extended.
With the 14A Four Wheel Drive, you drive the platform onto the verge, stabilise it quickly, and get the work done with confidence. You get the outreach and capability from the articulated boom, and the job is done safely, fast and economically.
This scenario plays out across multiple industries. Contractors get to work at heights safely on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. It’s the Socage ForSte 14A 4×4 that lets them do that.
Altequip Supply the Socage ForSte 14A Speed 4WD
The Socage ForSte 14A speed 4×4 is an EWP that goes beyond being an access platform. It’s off-road capabilities, compact size and robust safety features make it an appealing package for a whole range of industries.
If you’ve got any questions about it, the Altequip team is here to help. As the official Australian distributor for the Italian manufacturer Socage, we can tell you what you need to know about this special machine.
FAQs
1. What is the working height of the Socage ForSte 14A Speed 4×4?
The maximum working height is 14 metres. Horizontal outreach is over 6 metre.
2. Can the Socage ForSte 14A Speed 4×4 handle rough terrain?
Yes. The four-wheel-drive system is specifically designed to operate on uneven ground, soft soils, and sloping worksites.
3. What is the basket weight capacity of the platform?
The Socage ForSte 14A 4×4 supports up to 230 kilograms. This is normally enough for two operators with their tools and equipment.
4. Is the Socage ForSte 14A Speed 4×4 easy to transport between sites?
Yes. You simply pack away the EWP equipment and drive the 14A to the next site.
5. What industries use the Socage ForSte 14A Speed 4×4?
It is commonly used in telecommunications, arboriculture, civil construction, mining, energy, utilities and council maintenance projects.
