If you are looking to hire a tracked access platform in the UK, you will frequently consider machines built by Teupen, Hinowa, or CMC. These three European manufacturers produce widely specified kit across rental fleets.
However, each brand has its own design philosophy, strengths, and trade-offs. Choosing the right one makes your job easier. Let's break down what makes each brand unique.
Teupen: High-Reach Engineering
Teupen (manufactured in Germany) is a long-standing pioneer in tracked access. For working heights above 24 metres (and all the way up to 40 metres) Teupen is an industry benchmark. Their Leo series machines are built for demanding environments.
- Best for: High-rise building maintenance, steel installation, and heavy industrial sites.
- Strengths: Rigidity at height, detailed control screens, and levelling on slopes.
- Weaknesses: Transport width and weight can be higher than Italian alternatives at lower working heights.
Hinowa: Outreach and Proportional Control
Hinowa (manufactured in Italy) is widely specified for heights between 15m and 23m. Their LightLift series is a core component of UK rental fleets, valued for straightforward operation.
- Best for: Tree care, facilities management, glazing replacement, and general construction.
- Strengths: One-button automatic outrigger levelling, smooth proportional controls, and unrestricted outreach with full basket load.
- Weaknesses: Outrigger footprint can be relatively wide compared to narrow CMC models.
CMC: Reach-to-Weight Optimization
CMC (manufactured in Italy) focuses heavily on maximizing reach while keeping machine weight and transport dimensions compact. They use double-pantograph boom geometries for up-and-over clearance.
- Best for: Residential access, tight indoor spaces, and historic property renovation.
- Strengths: Up-and-over reach, narrow outrigger setup options, and lightweight build relative to working height.
- Weaknesses: Boom structures can feel different at maximum outreach compared to rigid telescopic booms.
Direct Comparison at 20 Metres
To make this practical, look at three popular 20-metre models side-by-side. Notice trade-offs between weight, width, and outreach:
| Metric | Hinowa LL 20.10 | CMC S20 | Teupen Leo 21GT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Working Height | 20.15m | 19.90m | 21.00m |
| Max Outreach | 9.70m | 9.00m | 12.00m |
| Stowed Width | 0.79m | 0.78m | 0.98m |
| Total Weight | 2,840kg | 2,980kg | 3,000kg |
| Outrigger Setup Area | 2.92m x 2.92m | 2.90m x 2.90m | 3.75m x 3.75m |
Summary: Selecting the Right Machine
Choose a **Hinowa** if you need smooth controls and strong outreach at standard heights. Choose a **CMC** when working through narrow gates needing up-and-over clearance. Choose a **Teupen** for higher working heights or heavy construction requirements.
Compare All Specs on MewpHub
I co-created MewpHub specifically to compare specs like these. If you need assistance choosing, tell me about your job details on the hire page.
Connect on LinkedIn →Matt Dean
↳ Technical Field Sales Specialist & Co-Creator of MewpHub
Matt Dean is a UK powered access specialist with 16 years of experience, specializing in spider lifts (tracked access platforms). He co-founded MewpHub and works directly with contractors, tree surgeons, and facilities managers nationally to supply operated and self-drive access solutions.