Hitting the Jackpot at ARA 2025

Attendees of The ARA Show 2025 had a lot on their hands. Starting ahead of the tradeshow opening various talks on what the Future of Equipment Rental may entail started with April Rinne discussing "Leading and Thriving in Uncertainty." Educational tracks followed the day after, including lessons learned, rental business strategies, and insights into leadership. 

Hosted by the American Rental Association, The ARA Show 2025 was held in Las Vegas from January 30 to February 1. The ARA Show 2026 moves to Orlando, Florida, March 2 to 4 with the EventsU Program on February 28 and education starting March 1. 

While the majority of exhibitors were found in the West Hall, one of the more unique features of the Las Vegas Convention Center is an outside location. Set just a short walk across the hallway in the "Diamond" lot, exhibitors had a chance to demo their machines live and stretch their lifts to height. The space included outdoor meeting areas, locations to allow attendees to find some much-needed reprieve by playing a round or two of pickleball or cornhole (bag toss), plus a massive tent providing some shade from the concrete desert sun. Inside spanned everything rental stores could think about providing - from events, technology, software, to equipment and more. 

The general session kicked Thursday off with welcoming speeches from the current ARA President Jeff Crotto, ARA's CEO Tony Conant, CAE and ARA Board President-Elect Robert Pedersen with an entertaining keynote from CBS News Sunday Morning Correspondent David Pogue. Pogue walked us through the current state of artificial intelligence and explained some of the latest news (even some changes from the night before). We even had some fun with image and music generation. 

Lift Equipment & Loaders

Making its official debut for the U.S. market, Magni announced its new rotator telehandler model TH 6.19 (3.6) promises to be a game changer for rental companies. As the company's most compact fixed telescopic handler, the compact design, advanced safety features and performance should provide versatility for equipment rentals looking to maximize the utilization of their fleet. Even though it has a compact design, Magni spared no expense on the performance or comfort features. The pressurized cab includes standard A/C, heat, radio and Bluetooth connectivity, and more. A few key performance specs:

• 6,600 lbs maximum lifting capacity (5,500 lbs. at max. height)
• 19 ft. maximum reach height
• 10 ft. 6 in. maximum horizontal reach (2,400 lbs. lift capacity at max. reach)
• Only 5 ft. 11 in wide to make it super simple for transport

The TH 6.19 was launched in Europe in late 2024.

One of JLG's goals of their electric equipment is to match the duty cycle of their fueled-equivalent machines. Continuing at this goal, the company featured many of their more popular models for equipment rental and allowed rental professionals a first-hand look at their latest. Launched its EC6000AJ boom lift just a week earlier during World of Concrete (Jan. 21-23), its compact design allows it to fit two on a trailer, helping equipment rental transport in a major way. It boasts an unrestricted platform capacity of 550 lbs. (750-lbs. restricted) with an up-and-over height capability of 27 ft. 1 in.

While the EC600AJ boom lift was not present ARA (but was at World of Concrete 2025), I took the opportunity to ask a bit. The EC600AJ features 90% parts compatibility across the JLG family line - a convenience for parts management. It also features a modular powertrain to allow the move from electric to diesel (as well as diesel to electric), to keep the machine moving even if the power source hits the end of a life cycle. 

Among many more of their most popular models for equipment rental, they also featured the E313 telehandler (pictured). Designed with capabilities that make it perfect for use indoors like a warehouse or noise-sensitive environments, JLG's electric E313 telehandler provides 4 hours of continuous hours for your customers featuring a 3,500-lbs. lifting capacity and 13-ft. light height. 

Manitou featured two launches at their ARA 2025 booth. One is their entry into the scissor lift market with the SE1932 and SE2632 to add to their lifting offerings. In total, the company now has 26 different "lifting" machines. Using lessons learned from their other machines, Manitou's scissor lifts feature an electric-drive system with steering in front for quick, precise operation. Manitou is known for smooth controls, and operators should find this to keep that continuous familiarity between machines. They are capable of both indoor and outdoor work and both feature a basket capacity of 507 lbs. for jobsite versatility. The compact design, zero turn footprint, and standard extendable three-position working platform (up to 8 ft. 4 in. by 2 ft. 5.5 in.) make it extremely versatile in providing stable access in all applications.

• Full-size gate on the platform to reduce tripping hazards
• Tethered controller to ensure device is connected to the machine

The second announcement from Manitou was an update for the 1242 Max telehandler. The line was launched in 2024, but due to customer demand Manitou added outriggers to the front - increasing the forward reach capacity. An easy step ingress cab design helps operators enter the cap with a convenient curved bar - no more banged chins.

The scissor lifts will be available June 2025. 

JCB launched a new backhoe loader at ARA 2025. The 3CX Pro is their top-of-the-line model featuring every bell and whistle you can think of. As quoted in the official release, "JCB’s latest backhoe loaders build on a legacy of innovation, offering solutions that empower operators to be more productive,” says James Gill, product manager at JCB North America. “These machines represent the perfect blend of advanced technology and operator-focused design, reaffirming our dominance in the global backhoe market.” The Pro model includes enhancements such as:

• Re-engineered six-speed auto-shift transmission and a top speed of almost 30 mph, these machines deliver improved fuel efficiency and reduced travel time, crucial for utility repairs and emergency responses
• Featuring a new outer box dipper, this design offers superior weight distribution, making it the optimal solution for thumb mounting. Operators benefit from improved stability and higher lift capacity when handling heavy materials at full reach, ensuring exceptional performance for tasks like material handling and demolition.
• The redesigned cab features a 7-inch display, Bluetooth connectivity, ergonomic joystick controls, and improved visibility through larger mirrors and LED work lights. This ensures that operators stay comfortable and focused throughout their shifts.

And More

Sullair's new E425 electric portable rotary screw air compressor aims to reduce the carbon footprint of a construction project while running significantly quieter than the diesel counterpart. Controls were designed to be as simple as possible and safe. Operators are placed away from the electric connections with air on the opposite side. 

Features include a condensate recovery system which returns condensation to the machine to evaporate - no more dripping on the floor. 

In an effort to help fleet maintenance crews, parts and service have been designed for ease. Innovative swing-out air coolers allow them to be opened and power-washed out, instead of risking of pushing any particulate back into the machine. Air and oil filters are all very easy to access through the panel. 

The company is also celebrating 60 years in business. Congrats!

Put the power of a portable concrete pump in your fleet. Ready Mixer's Hornet C75HP Concrete Pump Trailer provides your customers the ability to pump 39 yards of concrete per hour with a  75 HP Tier 4 F Cummins QSF2 engine. The company designed it to help handle challenging projects with ease via a smooth and remote-controlled pumping experience. 

• 7,251 lb. weight
• 290 psi delivery pressure
• 10 cubic ft hopper capacity 

Double-downing to their concrete roots, Ready Mixer also launched three new Gator concrete power trowels: 24, 36, and 48 in. models all powered by a Honda GX160 engine. 

OTR Engineered SolutionsOne of the most important things for any piece of equipment is the need for strong tires to support the work it needs to do. OTR knows this and announced their new LiftBoss A/T all-terrain tire for lift equipment - continuing to fill out their product line for customers. The main portion of LiftBoss A/T is the same other OTR tires, they've designed a new aggressive tread pattern. They provide the same ground pressure, same performance, footprint, but:

• More aggressive traction
• Easier clean-out from mud
• Sipes were carved in to help clear water out of the tread

“Not only does the LIFTBOSS A/T offer exceptional off-road performance on construction and material handling jobs, but it’s also widely in stock for quick delivery to help minimize downtime,” says Bob Gilkenson, Vice President of Business Development, OTR Engineered Solutions. “These advantages make it an ideal tire solution for a wide variety of fleets, rental companies, and end user customers.” The LiftBoss A/T is currently available in the most popular telehandler sizes, including 13.00-24, 14.00-24, 370/75-28, and 400/75-28 with additional sizes released soon.

Also highlighted at their booth was OTR's partnership with P.S.I. which manufactures a tire pressure monitoring system helps make fleet management just one step easier. Now fleet managers can know the pressure of all equipment tires on the lot or out in the field. The idea here is to keep you customer working by actively knowing what's going on. 

From the folks at SawTrax comes their new Motorized Job Site Shuttle Dolly, a "final mile" solution for moving material on any jobsite terrain including mud, gravel, and even sand. Able to move up to 1,000 lbs., rental customers can load up items like drywall, plywood, cement bags, lumber, etc. An adjustable post system helps keep the load stable in transit. The machine itself measures 48 in. long by 29 in. wide and 15 in. high not including the 56-in. posts and rubber finial toppers. The moving platform features two wheels in front with two tracks in the back powered by an electric, rechargeable battery.