Photos! The Best Booths and Machines Launched at the 2024 ARA Show

The ARA Show is one of our favorite trade events. The biggest rental equipment show in America is always hosted in a fun locale — New Orleans last week. The ARA Show is just the right size. It’s so easy to walk. There’s not one or two brands with giant booths, overpowering the show. Exhibitors are taking orders on the floor. There’s excellent education. The evenings are boss with busy events, like networking at a Mitchell Tenpenny concert or beers and bowling at New Orleans Fulton Alley with the next wave of young rental industry professionals. Of course, our big thing is the tradeshow floor and the cool new equipment being unveiled — from earthmoving machines to aerial lifts or MEWPs.

The ARA Show 2024 did not disappoint is any of these avenues, especially the cool new units attracting attendees on the show floor. We walked the event for two days, taking meetings, interviewing product managers, shooting video, crushing power lunches and probably doing a few jump kicks in between. Oh yes, we also captured a few still images along the way. Enjoy those below, along with summaries of some of the best new rental equipment announced or exhibited at the 2024 ARA Show.

Manitou’s 1950 RT Compact Track Loader and MTA 519 Telehandler

Manitou Group continues to attract our collective attention, pushing more cool products into the earthmoving and aerial realms. The brand showcased a lot of these new machines at its busy ARA Show booth last week. The biggest draw for us (besides the videogame three-point shooting contest) was the whole new generation of Manitou compact track loaders, which are just now hitting jobsites in North America. Plus, there’s a brand new one.

Manitou announced its first three compact track loaders  — the 2100 VT, 2300 VT and 2750 VT — at CONEXPO last year. Those units are promised to deliver significant improvements in safety, comfort, productivity, simplicity and serviceability over previous Manitou skid steers and CTLs. All models are vertical lift and feature a new lift arm design meant to improve visibility. The operator experience has also been improved with an update on Manitou’s patented folding door — and the new cab further improves visibility with a new window and roof design. Breakout forces and tank capacities are increased for greater productivity and longer operating times — all with the same focus on lower total cost of ownership (TCO) that Manitou is known for.

Now, at The ARA Show, Manitou introduced the all-new 1950 RT. The 1950 RT delivers an extremely compact footprint at 74 hp with increased operating capacities — including a rated operating capacity of 1,950 lbs and high-flow auxiliary hydraulics that make the machine compatible with even more high-power attachments. 

The 1950 RT is built with numerous track widths and tread patterns to aide in stability, and added counterweights further boost the power and strength of the machine. The radial-lift arm design makes the machine excellent for ground engaging work, and the added auxiliary hydraulic performance provides an excellent platform for running a wide range of attachments. 

The machine also includes features that help reduce and manage the total cost of ownership of the machine, including the IdealTrax track auto-tensioning system, a swing-out cooler that makes it easier to keep the engine compartment clean and engine temperatures down, and the Manitou EasyMANAGER fleet management platform (telematics).

It wasn’t just about track loaders. Manitou also introduced a cool new compact telehandler that’s right up our alley. Almost a year after the launch of a new range of telehandlers at the CONEXPO show, Manitou Group is expanding that range with an incredibly compact model — the Manitou MTA 519 — also available under the Gehl brand as the Gehl TH5-19. With a height of just 6 ft, 4 in. and a width of 5 ft, 11 in., this telehandler can be easily transported to different jobsites, with slinging points located at the front and rear of the machine. Its compact design makes the MTA 519 highly maneuverable in confined spaces, such as basements, city centers or through garage doors, with a turning radius of just 10 ft, 10 in.

The MTA 519 is now equipped with a universal skid-steer quick attach system that is supported with a full power ground engaging telescopic boom. Equipped with a hydrostatic transmission, this new model, though compact, ensures a high level of performance, with a maximum load capacity of up to 5,500 lbs. and a maximum working height of 19 ft, 1 in. Its outreach of up to 11 ft, 2 in. is ideal for loading and unloading materials on the second floor of a house, particularly during renovation work. The ground clearance of 13 in. allows the MTA 519 to be used on all types of terrain.

The MTA 519 has been designed to meet the needs of as many users as possible. Access to the cab is simple and step-free for ease of access. Once inside, the operator benefits from an ergonomic dashboard and excellent visibility. A single joystick in the cab simplifies boom operations, making it easier to operate the machine. Because the attachment system is a universal skid-steer mount, the MTA 519 can be used with a very wide range of attachments. This allows rental companies to reuse attachments that work with their loader ranges. An automatic parking brake is also standard on the MTA 519. Components are easy to access, so users can carry out maintenance operations with greater ease, thus reducing the total cost of ownership.

In addition to the new MTA 519, Manitou Group offers seven models launched in 2023, available under the Manitou (MTA range) and Gehl (TH range) brands. Manufactured at the Yankton facility in South Dakota, the new telehandler series is designed to meet the needs of the construction and rental markets in North America.

Develon’s New DTL35 Compact Track Loader

Develon showcased its construction equipment geared toward rental customers during The ARA Show. The company exhibited its DX35Z-7 mini excavator, which is highly maneuverable and versatile for digging and lifting tasks in tight spaces. There was the DD100 dozer, which offers exceptional horsepower — competing in the 140-hp and under category — and operating weight and is a leader in visibility. But our attention was drawn directly to Develon’s prototype compact track loader.

The Develon DTL35 compact track loader is the company’s first entry in this product category for the North American construction market and will be available in 2024. The machine is on the large frame size of compact track loaders from a horsepower perspective, making it a high-performance grading and excavating machine. Let’s take a look.

The DTL35 will come standard with a torsion suspension system, providing a smooth ride for operators and durability for use on construction jobsites. Additional stability when lifting and carrying loads is another benefit of the torsion suspension system for the compact track loader. A standard rearview camera gives operators better visibility to their surroundings. An optional 360-degree around view monitor (AVM) camera system will be available for enhanced visibility of the jobsite.

The Toro TX 1000 Compact Utility Loader with Turbo

The Toro booth at The ARA Show had our favorite new stand-on tool carrier. Toro first introduced its uber popular Dingo TX 1000 in 2015. Now, Toro is looking to redefine that popular size class with the introduction of its new Dingo TX 1000 Turbo. The Dingo TX 1000 Turbo builds off the proven success and strongest in-class performance of the original Dingo TX 1000 with a turbo-powered diesel engine and the new patent-pending Smart Power feature to maximize engine, auxiliary and traction torque.

The Dingo TX 1000 Turbo’s new engine has more torque to deliver the proven productivity of the Dingo TX 1000 quicker, especially when using the trencher and auger attachments. Toro engineers added a larger hydraulic filter, found in the Dingo TX 1300 model, for longer maintenance intervals and less down time. Available in both narrow- and wide-track models, the Turbo is built to suit operator and jobsite needs. The narrow-track model is 2,826 lbs and features a standard track with “B” style tread. The wide-track version is 2,911 lbs and features a less aggressive tread pattern that’s gentle on turf and minimizes damage.

Like its predecessor, the Dingo TX 1000 Turbo has a rated operating capacity of 1,000 lbs. When the loader arms are at full reach the hinge pin measures an impressive 81 in. from the ground to allow the machine to easily reach over the side of dumpsters and 1-ton trucks to maximize jobsite productivity.

Just like the original Dingo TX 1000, the new Dingo TX 1000 Turbo features a vertical-lift loader arm design, which keeps the load closer to the machine to allow operators to lift more weight with greater confidence. Additionally, this feature increases the reach at full height to make dumping more efficient and accurate.

Operators will feel confident knowing the new Dingo TX 1000 Turbo has the Toro-exclusive patented traction control design. Deemed the smoothest controls in the market, these controls are intuitive and effortless, providing operators with all-day productivity. Other operator-centric features have been carried over, including thigh and hip padding on the operator station for a comfortable experience and an auxiliary foot control on the suspended platform which frees the operator’s hands to focus on ground speed and attachment positioning.

The 24.7-hp Yanmar diesel engine is engineered with a focus on vibration reduction. The result is an engine more than capable of handling the most demanding applications. Delivering up to 4.1-mph ground speeds in both forward and reverse, the new Dingo TX 1000 Turbo maximizes productivity. The machine features a single diesel fuel tank (10.25 gallons) on the operator’s left-hand side and the hydraulic oil reservoir on the operator’s right-hand side for improved serviceability.

Volvo CE’s ECR40 Compact Excavator

Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is bringing two new compact excavators to North America, the 3.5-ton EC37 and the 4-ton ECR40. These new units provide increased operator comfort, 10 percent more fuel efficiency, better stability and easier maintenance. These models replace the EC35D, ECR35D and ECR40D. At The ARA Show last week, Volvo CE proudly displayed the new ECR40 (pictured above).

This duo shares the same platform and components, though the EC37 excavator has a conventional upper carriage design and the ECR40 excavator has a short swing radius to allow for work in more confined spaces. Both models are available for order now, with deliveries expected to start in Q1 as well. T

The new EC37 and ECR40 excavators give operators a spacious, ergonomic and quiet cab — considered one of the best on the market. It provides outstanding visibility thanks to slim corner pillars and wide, flat glass areas. For added comfort, the armrest and controls float with the seat, and the door opening and travel pedals are larger than in previous models

The intuitive jog wheel and easy-to-navigate HMI (human machine interface) functionalities provide controllability and adaptability for any job requirements. Work modes now include an eco mode and an auto engine shutdown in addition to the existing auto engine idle. With auto engine shutdown, hours not worked are not recorded, keeping the machine operating efficiently for longer while reducing maintenance costs. This also contributes to a 10 percent boost in fuel efficiency.

Because of the customizable hydraulics flow setting and work modes for a wide range of attachments and applications, it is easier than ever to set up these excavators for any task. The EC37 and ECR40 include a new elongated undercarriage for optimum stability in almost any environment, thanks to the better weight balance provided by longer contact between the tracks and the ground. The adjusted center of gravity reduces the “rocking chair effect” other compact excavators may create. The counterweight has been standardized across these two models and the ECR50 and ECR58 excavators to simplify component needs for fleets with multiple models. Optional features include a float blade and LED work lights.

Volvo CE also displayed a lot other cool equipment at its booth — with a focus on electric.

The Polaris Pro XD Full-Size Kinetic Utility Vehicle

Sticking with the theme of battery-powered equipment, Polaris Commercial was displaying its all-new, all-electric Pro XD Full-Size Kinetic utility vehicle (UTV) at the show. Polaris has been a leader in the electric UTV space since the launch of its class-leading and award-winning Ranger XP Kinetic. The all-electric Ranger has been called game changing and the gold standard for battery EV UTVs. Polaris Commercial has leveraged that industry-leading innovation for its commercial customers with the introduction of the Pro XD Kinetic, rounding out the Pro XD family that also includes gas and diesel, full-size and mid-size, standard and crew models.

The Pro XD Kinetic utilizes purpose-built features that rental, construction and other industrial customers value from Polaris Commercial and delivers them in a sustainable, reliable and high-performing work UTV. Featuring an all-electric powertrain through Polaris’ exclusive 10-year partnership with Zero Motorcycles, the powerful Pro XD Kinetic offers the same 1,250-lbs cargo and 2,500-lbs towing capacity as a full-size gas or diesel Pro XD UTV, while its all-electric powertrain delivers instantaneous torque and precise handling. An electric powertrain also requires less maintenance, which means more vehicle uptime, while its quieter operations enable access to restricted areas where heavy-duty gas and diesel UTVs were previously excluded.

Downtime destroys productivity resulting in costly delays — with minimal maintenance requirements, the Pro XD Kinetic optimizes operations and increases customer ROI. Scheduled maintenance costs are roughly 60 percent less than average maintenance costs for similar gas-powered vehicles like the full-size MY24 Pro XD meaning fewer replacements and less waste. The all-electric powertrain makes oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs and clutch maintenance a thing of the past. The Lithium-Ion battery in the Pro XD is designed to last the vehicle’s lifetime and is backed by a five-year warranty from Polaris Commercial — providing more time to focus on getting the job done.

Safety is a founding pillar of the Pro XD, and the Pro XD Kinetic is engineered with the same features to meet and exceed jobsite compliance, improve worker safety and provide peace of mind for crews and fleet managers. Orange seatbelts, vehicle decals, and optional lighting accessories improve visibility of the vehicle and surrounding workers, while a standard horn and backup alarm provide audible alerts for the operator and surrounding crew. Furthermore, the top speed of the Pro XD Kinetic can be calibrated between 5 to 40 mph, with many customers selecting a top speed of 25 mph for jobsite compliance. The electric drivetrain also provides reduced sound levels that improve the operator’s situational awareness, allow easier communications between crew members and enables quiet-zone usage.

The Pro XD Kinetic delivers jobsite must-haves in a work-ready platform and an all-new electric powertrain. Heavy-duty boots, bearings and bushings, Kevlar-backed seats, thick 8-ply tires and a rust- and dent-free poly bed ensure the electric model is built to last from the headlights to the tailgate – just like its gas and diesel counterparts. A rugged, long-lasting 14.9 kWh Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) battery and a powerful electric motor make the Pro XD Kinetic as tough on the inside as it is on the outside. And 140 lb-ft of instant torque provide the power operators need to effortlessly tow up to 2,500 lbs and haul up to 1,250 lbs. Additionally, a range of up to 45-miles ensures crews can go the distance, all day, every day while providing an estimated five-year savings of $2,800 in fuel savings alone compared to the MY24 gas Pro X

The Pro XD Kinetic from Polaris Commercial is equipped with convenient charging options designed to fit any electrification infrastructure, or lack thereof. The vehicle’s battery can be charged by a standard wall outlet or even a similarly powered generator for remote jobsites or until power is established. This ability to charge using 110V power means no new infrastructure is required, however, the Pro XD Kinetic is also compatible with 220V to enable fast charging options.

The expansive accessories catalog is available to view on the Polaris Commercial website, where customers can also experience the vehicle virtually. Additional information and tools let customers build and quote the different all-wheel drive Pro XD models and accessories, view each in 3D and request a quote.

JCB’s S1932ED Electric Scissor Lift

Electric was definitely a big attraction at this year’s ARA tradeshow. At JCB’s booth, attendees got to see, discuss and order the latest offerings in the lift and access market, compaction equipment and battery-powered machines. The big new thing for us was the S1932ED — a compact electric scissor lift great for operating in tight spaces — which has been redesigned to prioritize transportability by reducing the weight by 250 lbs. This makes it even easier to tow and load onto vehicles.
 
Among its new standard features, the S1932ED introduces advancements that significantly boost both safety and operational efficiency. Notably, the machine is equipped with quick-folding rails, designed to streamline the process of navigating through low doorways and other restricted spaces, thereby enhancing operator productivity. The machine now comes standard with a leak containment system, ensuring that no fluids escape onto the working surfaces, preventing potential damage and maintaining a clean, safe environment.
 
There was also new attachments for scissors. Making its debut at the ARA, the S1932ED now offers an optional pipe rack capable of securely transporting up to 220 lb of materials. This addition not only facilitates the safe elevation of materials but also addresses health and safety concerns by minimizing risk. Importantly, the pipe rack feature is designed for compatibility across the entire JCB Access range, encompassing both scissor lifts and boom lifts, further extending its utility and versatility.

JCB also announced its bigger T65D telescopic boom lift. This is 65-ft telescopic boom lift that offers an 8-ft/1,000-lb capacity basket that can accommodate three workers throughout its full operating range. JCB had a pretty sizable booth overall at The ARA Show, where it displayed everything from electric excavators to its famous telescoping track loaders. Take a look!

This 19C-1E electric mini excavator is the perfect solution for contractors who need to operate in emissions-restricted areas, noise-sensitive sites or indoor locations. It can also help contractors win bids with clients who value or require reduced environmental impacts. The 1.9-ton 19C-1E delivers the same performance as a diesel equivalent with no compromises in lifting capacity or breakout force. Lithium-ion batteries provide a full day of work and can be charged on 120V household current, 240V or with a 480V fast charger. Reduced service times lower total cost of ownership.

The 2TS-7T telescoping track loader pictured has all the benefits of a compact track loader with the added advantage of a telescopic boom. More lift height and reach than any other machine in its class — 11-ft, 10-in. lift height, a 6-ft, 11-in. reach and a dig depth of 2 ft below grade. There’s even side door access, which is convenient and safe. Learn more right over here.

Genie Telehandler Attachments and Scissor Options

Genie had one of the busiest booths at The ARA Show. The centerpiece was a compact telehandler (part of a giveaway) fitted with an auger attachment, sporting sweet LED lights. A big focus for the famous blue MEWP maker was new attachments and carriage options for Genie’s latest generation of GTH telehandlers. Those new attachments include an auger tool, a truss boom, two multi-purpose buckets and two new carriage options.

First off, new auger drive motors and tooling further enhancing the productivity and versatility of Genie’s GTH-5519 compact telehandler. Developed for use with the high-pressure, variable speed GTH-5519, the new auger attachment offers bits from 8 to 48 in. in diameter that can be used with extensions as long as 8 ft for general purpose and rock drilling and can produce a hole depth of 5 to 15 ft.

Two drive motor options deliver either 2,800 ft-lb of torque or 5,300 ft-lb of torque. With the ability to control the speed of the auger, operators can achieve precision drilling for tasks such as starting a hole using the dial knob on the dash of the GTH-5519. It comes with a Halo LED Alignment System, an LED light ring that provides a visual aid to operators and eliminates the need for a spotter. Lights help the operator make sure the hole is being drilled at the correct angle. It looks pretty cool.

Additionally, the auger motors are also compatible with skid steers and compact excavators. Genie offers a full range of extensions, drill bits and auger tooling along with the drive motors.

For the larger GTH-636, GTH-844, GTH-1056, and GTH-1256 models, contractors have the option to swap forks for a truss boom or multi-purpose buckets. In addition, two new carriage options increase load handling flexibility. The auger attachment is available now for customers in North America, while the truss boom, multi-purpose buckets and carriage options will be available for North America customers in spring 2024.

Also on display at The ARA Show, Genie showcased its micro scissors as safe alternatives to ladders and a more productive alternative than vertical mast lifts. Micro scissors are well suited for jobs where you might normally use a standard 14- or 19-ft scissor lift. However, certain applications still require operators to reach above their head while working at height into areas that are less accessible, such as through rafters or ceiling tiles. What to do?

To meet this need, commonly experienced by HVAC, electrical, lighting, plumbing, and welding contractors, Genie is expanding availability of its Lift Tools Access Deck accessory to include Genie GS-1932m and GS-1432m micro scissor lifts. The new Genie Micro Access Deck Kit increases productivity for those hard-to-reach locations by providing an additional 22 in. of height.

Genie’s scissor lift Access Deck design was optimized to maximize compatibility across Genie scissor lift models, with machine installation taking less than 5 minutes due to its toolless installation design. This increases utilization and flexibility for equipment owners and operators, because an Access Deck from a Genie GS-1930 or GS-1932 slab scissor lift can be moved to a Genie micro scissor lift when using the new Micro Access Deck Adapter Bracket.  

Along with new equipment, Genie was also highlighting education in its booth with the new Genie VR training experience, giving operators control of a Genie Z-45 FE articulated boom lift in four training scenarios designed to assist with control familiarization and operation. To develop the training experience, Genie engineers, product managers and trainers collaborated with a software company that is experienced in creating virtual reality programs for a variety of applications and industries, including defense flight simulation. Here’s me using it:

The Genie VR training experience includes four different activities, although not all of them will be used for every class:

• Operations, which helps users gain familiarity with the lift’s controls;
• The Ghost Arena, which challenges operators to precisely position the machine to match a given outline;
• The Safety Gauntlet, a course that encourages users to navigate a virtual jobsite and avoid real-life hazards to collect trophies; and
• A Steel Erector simulator, which requires positioning the boom to weld steel beams onto a structure.

Initially, the VR training will be offered as an add-on to Genie’s train-the-trainer courses, which are more in-depth than operator qualification training. Genie’s train-the-trainer courses prepare an individual to teach operator training, and include a review of applicable standards and regulations, instruction on the training materials, time with actual equipment doing pre-operational inspections, functions tests and practice operating the equipment, as well as operator qualification training. The train-the-trainer class takes about 8 to 12 hours to complete, and the VR experience will add about an hour to class time.

While the VR experience is intended as an add-on to the train-the-trainer class, it could also be available for operator qualification training if requested. However, the VR training will not be offered as a stand-alone class or a substitute to in-person training.

More 2024 ARA Show Photos

Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment. That’s me!