Gemini moves into manufacturing

India-based Gemini Power Hydraulics has manufactured its first aerial platform, an 11m working height chassis-mounted model.

The Levo joins Gemini’s distribution wing, which includes Haulotte MEWPs and CTE truck mounts, in the country. Aahan Sethi, director at Gemini, said the model aimed to revitalise the truck mount sector, which had become stagnant, using outdated technology. “The launch of this product is resonant with the inflection point of mechanisation in the country, where the demand for aerial access platform is on the rise.”

• See the podcast with Aahan Sethi, to find out more about this product and the aerial platform industry in India during Covid-19 and its potential in the coming years.

The Levo’s 11m working height platform is mounted on a 2 tonne chassis, the most compact chassis available for this working height, and is 4m working height more than the nearest competition in the country, said Sethi. It has also been launched to coincide with new BS VI emission regulations in the country, which has led to new chassis and specifications in the market.

The basket capacity is 200kg, while maintaining maximum outreach and reducing the lane occupancy and tail swing during operations. This was achieved using high tensile Strenx steel, IP-65 certified components, high quality cylinders and slew drives, in a lightweight, robust frame.

While the Levo complies to European EN 280 and CE safety standards, it is exclusively designed and built to suit the tough Indian working environment. The machine is designed to work in busy urban areas, as well as on highways without disrupting traffic.

Sethi said, “With Levo we aim to raise the bar and set a new standard for truck mounted aerial work Platforms in India. The philosophy behind this product is three-fold: economical for the owner, ease of use and safe for the operator whilst offering trouble-free maintenance for service.”

The product officially launched in India on 3 June 2020 and has so far sold four units. Sethi said the company offered sales and service support India-wide, thanks to its range of depots and 12-year-old aerial access division.

“The goal is to future proof the product and aim to start export by 2021. I, along with the entire team at Gemini, can surely say that we are excited to embark on this journey and hope to be a household brand name in the aerial access market in the near future.”