Brisbane-based Power Reach has made its next big move in the elevated work platform (EWP) space, adding a Socage Raptor to its fleet through Altequip. For founder and owner Matt Hooper, the choice came down to capability, mobility, and after-sales support.
Power Reach director, Matt Hooper brings more than two decades of experience in the power line and utilities sector. After starting his career with Energy Queensland as a tradesman at 21, Matt worked across field operations, business development, and project management before deciding to strike out on his own.
“Power Reach is only just over a year old, but the growth has been strong. We’ve been focused on power line construction and renewable energy projects, while also providing elevated work platform hire,” Matt said. With a tight-knit team of skilled operators and subcontractors, the business has already secured projects ranging from electrical substations to rural line work, and it is now gearing up for a long-term Brisbane development. The company is also focused on mining, with its elevated work platforms fully specced for mining compliance and currently deployed in the Bowen Basin.
To support this growth, Matt turned to Altequip for the Socage Raptor, a spider-lift style EWP that combines compact design with surprising capability.
“The Raptor gives us 24 metres of height with a very strong side reach, and yet the machine only weighs 2.7 tonnes,” Matt said. That relatively light weight has given Power Reach a unique advantage.
Matt had a custom trailer built so the Raptor can be towed on a standard 3.5-tonne-rated ute. “Normally you’d need a flatbed truck, which adds extra cost and time. With this setup, we can move the Raptor quickly between sites or around a large project. For our clients, it saves on transport fees, and for us, it makes the machine more versatile,” he said.
Beyond transport efficiency, Matt highlighted the stability of the Raptor in the air. “For a machine of its size, it’s very steady. I’ve operated a lot of EWPs, and this one feels like a solid workbench in the sky,” he said.
Features built for versatility
The Raptor’s design makes it suitable for a wide range of jobs. Non-marking tracks allow it to move across sports fields or indoor courts without damage, while radio controls and automatic levelling simplify set-up. The machine can also pack itself down automatically, further speeding up transitions between tasks.
“We’ve already used it for tree work, substations, and rural power line maintenance. The Raptor is very user-friendly, and it’s proven itself in different conditions,” Matt said.
Additional safety features are also being fitted to meet tier-one contractor requirements. Power Reach is working closely with Altequip to integrate new protective systems directly into the machine’s controls.
Backed by trusted support
While the machine’s features were important, Matt said his decision ultimately came down to the people behind it. “I’ve known Robbie and Curtis from Altequip for years. They’ve always been prompt, supportive, and willing to go the extra mile. As a smaller company, that support makes all the difference. If a machine goes down, you can lose work quickly. With Robbie and Curtis, I know I’ll get the help I need straight away,” he said.
That relationship goes back to Matt’s early days in the industry, when he bought his first truck mount from Curtis. “It was an older unit, but I knew it well and trusted it. That gave me the confidence to start building my own fleet,” he said.
Today, the same level of trust underpins Power Reach’s partnership with Altequip and Socage. Matt still spends time at Altequip’s operations centre, working with the team to refine and customise his machine. “We’re adding extra features, and it’s never a problem. They’re always there to help,” he said.
For Matt, the Raptor is a way of positioning Power Reach for larger, long-term projects and for expanding into new markets. “At the moment, we’re focused on Queensland, but New South Wales is the next step. The opportunities are there; it’s just about building the fleet to match demand,” he said.
A solid platform for the future
With its lightweight transportability, strong reach, and stability, the Socage Raptor is already proving to be a valuable asset for Power Reach. Combined with Altequip’s hands-on support, it has given Matt the confidence to push his young business into new territory. “We’ve got good people around us, and that makes all the difference,” Matt said.