Altequip’s presence in the Australian Elevated Work Platform (EWP) market continues to strengthen, with new handovers, expanding service capability and growing demand for the Socage range across multiple sectors.
Since forming to introduce Socage’s global product line to Australia, the Brisbane-based business has focused on pairing European engineering with local support – a combination that is now driving steady growth.
Sales Manager Robbie English said the past few months have been marked by new activity, new customers and positive feedback across the board.
“We’ve had a really solid run,” he said. “We’ve expanded our team, delivered several new machines and heard great things from clients about reliability, service and affordability. That sort of feedback tells us we’re heading in the
right direction.”
Expanding capability to support growth
A key step has been strengthening the company’s service network. Altequip recently added a new technician to its Brisbane depot, supporting its role as a servicing hub for both Socage machines and other EWP brands.
Supported in Sydney and Melbourne by Access Service Australia, the company provides factory-level support, diagnostics and maintenance – a service model that Robbie said remains central to the brand.
“We want customers to feel confident that choosing Socage means choosing strong after-sales support,” he said.
“Carrying consumables and critical parts locally, and being able to tap into express factory supply when needed, means downtime stays low and machines stay on the job.”
That approach is reflected in recent client activity. Glascott Group has taken delivery of a Raptor 24S and trailer, while HQ Hire received a Socage ForSte 14A on a Ford Ranger 4×4. A series of tracked platforms have also gone into the arboriculture sector, with Acclaim Tree Care, Independent Tree Services and Eden Tree Services adding new Raptor units to their fleets. Two larger units, a Raptor 35S for Independent Tree Services and a Raptor 24S for Eden Tree Services, are already scheduled for delivery in early 2026.
New flagship machines enter the market
Among the latest additions is the Socage 54TJJ, delivered to Performance Tower Hire. The 54-metre telescopic aerial platform brings a new level of reach and capability to the Australian market.
With a horizontal outreach of 40 metres, a 600 kilogram (kg) platform capacity and 700-degree rotation, the unit is designed to reduce repositioning and increase overall productivity. Its seven-inch LCD display provides live data on work area limits, stabiliser status and operating conditions, helping operators work with greater visibility and confidence.
Robbie said the off-road capability is another standout feature. “The 54TJJ comes on an 8×8 Astra, so it’s incredibly capable in rough terrain,” he said. “It also has a boom-mounted winch capable of lifting 1500kg. That opens up a lot of applications in the Australian environment.”
The tracked Raptor 35S, selected by Independent Tree Services, is also becoming a highlight in the market. Compact, powerful and highly mobile, the 35-metre unit combines a 21-metre outreach with a 300kg basket capacity and a 20-metre up-and-over point. With auto-levelling, auto-closing and the ability to work in negative positions down to 11 metres, it is positioned as a machine that can adapt to almost any site.
“The Raptor 35S brings genuine versatility,” Robbie said. “It’s easy to use, it has great reach and it suits both rental companies and specialist operators. The addition of a 500kg winch only adds to its appeal.”
Electric platforms arrive: The new SE range
Another significant development is the introduction of Socage’s SE range of fully electric tracked platforms, a step forward in low-emission access technology. Designed for indoor, restricted or environmentally sensitive zones, the SE models run on lithium batteries and deliver full performance without noise or exhaust emissions.
“These machines are ideal for places like hospitals, airports, shopping centres and indoor sports facilities,” Robbie said. “They’re quiet, they’re clean, and they charge quickly, up to 60 per cent in four hours and fully in eight. You can even operate them with the power cable connected.”
The SE platforms align with Socage’s broader push for energy efficiency and reduced operating impact. Their battery system is engineered for long autonomy, low consumption and flexible use, and Robbie expects strong interest from contractors seeking modern, compliant equipment for night works and urban projects.
A business built on experience and support
While the machines draw attention for their engineering, Altequip’s growth is equally tied to its service-first philosophy. The company was founded with a simple premise: bring a high-quality product to Australia and support it with local expertise. That approach is reflected in its close customer relationships, warranty backing and parts network.
Robbie said the priority remains unchanged. “Our goal is to make sure every client has a positive experience – from choosing the machine to operating it on site,” he said. “We want them to know that we’re here to support them, and that choosing Socage through Altequip means choosing a partner who understands their work.
“There’s a lot of interest in the Socage range, and we’re committed to supporting that interest with experience, capability and reliable products. It’s been a great start, and we’re only getting stronger.”