Dan McInerney came across an intriguing article about the world's tallest firefighting aerial device: Imagine standing in an open-air basket 367 feet above the ground. It might not be a hot air balloon ride — it could be a maintenance job on the world’s most iconic cathedral, using a Bronto S-112 HLA. This is no ordinary crane; it’s a high-level articulated machine built to reach places others can’t. GIZMODO.com photo The Bronto S-112 HLA holds the record for the highest-reaching basket lift. Not only does it extend vertically, but it also bends at a 90-degree angle up to 290 feet, with a working radius of 82 feet. That’s enough to reach the underside of a wind turbine or the top of a skyscraper. Designed by Finnish company Bronto, this machine is built with a high-tensile steel boom that optimizes both strength and mobility. To support such a massive structure, the S-112 HLA is mounted on a heavy-duty Mercedes-Benz 76.60 9-axle truck chassis. With five steered and four driven axles, it can move with precision and stability. The whole unit weighs around 75,000 kg — roughly the same as two large dump trucks. It also features an automatic leveling system that stabilizes the machine in under a minute, making it ready for quick response in emergencies. Here’s the S-112 HLA in action during the Inter-2010 exhibition in Leipzig: According to Bronto: Bronto Skylift’s High Level Articulated (HLA) range offers unmatched capabilities for high-rise rescue and firefighting. Perfect for urban fire departments, these units provide superior vertical and horizontal reach, fast and safe operations, and corrosion-resistant waterways. Built on a standard truck chassis, they remain compact and flexible, able to access emergency sites via regular roads. With its autojacking function, the unit stabilizes in just 40 seconds, allowing rescues from heights of up to 33 floors. The HLA range covers working heights from 81 to 112 meters. Download the brochure. This kind of technology is a game-changer for firefighters and emergency crews, enabling them to respond quickly and effectively in situations where traditional equipment falls short. Whether it's reaching the top of a burning building or repairing structures at extreme heights, the Bronto S-112 HLA proves that innovation and engineering can go beyond limits. Lubricant Additive Package,Engine Oil Additive,Hydraulic Oil Additive,Gear Oil Additive Liaoning Yeboon Lubricating Oil Manufacturing Co.,Ltd. , https://www.yblube.com
World’s tallest firefighting aerial device