Siesling unveils 75m hydrogen-powered aerial platform

The Netherlands-based aerial platform rental access specialist Siesling has unveiled the world’s first 75m working height hydrogen-powered truck-mount.

The machine has been custom built in partnership with Holthausen, Aboma, Ruthmann and the Province of Groninge to provide a zero-emission platform, combining the working height of a conventional large truck mount with hydrogen fuel-cell technology.

Siesling’s 75m hydrogen-powered truck mount. (Image: Siesling).

Siesling said the machine has been developed specifically around the requirements of its customers and is branded with the Siesling name.

With a 42 m lateral outreach and a 600kg platform capacity, the machine is aimed at demanding applications including construction, infrastructure, aviation, industry, energy and utilities, maintenance and inspection, and public-sector work.

The hydrogen fuel cell provides a driving range of 450 km. Refuelling takes approximately 20 minutes, according to Siesling, giving the machine the potential to return to work quickly while avoiding the lengthy charging periods associated with some battery-electric heavy vehicles.

The machine has a transport length of 13.98 m and a rotation range of 2 × 250 degrees.

A custom approach

Rather than adapting an existing machine, Siesling worked with its partners to create a platform tailored to its operational requirements.

Ruthmann provided its expertise as a truck mount manufacturer, while Holthausen brought its experience in hydrogen technology, and Aboma and the Province of Groningen were also involved in the development.

The result is intended to demonstrate that zero-emission technology can be applied not only to compact access equipment, but also to the largest machines used for specialist work at height.

Siesling describes the development as a significant step in sustainable aerial platform technology, particularly for operations where high reach, mobility and rapid turnaround are essential.

(Image: Siesling).

The company says the platform is suited to environments where emissions are increasingly restricted, including city centres, industrial sites and infrastructure projects.

From ladders to 75 metres

Siesling founder Dirk Siesling began working as a window cleaner in Groningen in 1959, initially using a handcart and ladders. During the 1970s, the company became one of the Netherlands’ early users and rental providers of ladder trucks and aerial work platforms.

By the 1980s, the company had moved from ladder trucks towards aerial work platforms. One of its early ladder trucks is now displayed at the DAF Museum in Eindhoven.

Since the 1990s, Siesling has expanded its activities across the Benelux, with a focus on safety, training, industrial services and specialist access work. The 75 m hydrogen platform is the latest chapter in that progression.

“If you always choose the conventional path, nothing extraordinary will ever happen,” said Luuk Siesling.