Dan McInerney came across an intriguing article about the world’s tallest firefighting aerial: Imagine standing in a basket 367 feet above the ground, not in a hot air balloon, but on the Bronto S-112 HLA. This incredible machine is used for maintenance on some of the world's most iconic structures, like the famous Amiens Cathedral. It's not just a crane—it's a high-level rescue and firefighting tool designed to reach places others can't. GIZMODO.com photo The Bronto S-112 HLA, built by Finnish company Bronto, holds the record for the highest-reaching basket lift. It's not just about height—it's about precision and flexibility. With its high tensile steel boom, it can bend at a 90° angle up to 290 feet (around 26 stories) and extend out to a working radius of 82 feet—about the length of three Minke whales or two school buses. This makes it perfect for reaching hard-to-access areas, such as the underside of wind turbine blades or the upper parts of skyscrapers. To support this 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 offers excellent mobility and stability. The entire unit weighs around 75,000 kg (82 tons), which is roughly equivalent to two large dump trucks. It also features an automatic leveling system that stabilizes the machine in under a minute and a Telecontrol system with a visual display for easy operation. The S-112 HLA was showcased at the Inter-2010 exhibition in Leipzig, demonstrating its capabilities in real-world conditions. According to Bronto: Bronto Skylift’s High Level Articulated Range offers unmatched high-rise rescue and firefighting capabilities. It's ideal for urban fire departments looking for a powerful yet flexible solution. With superior vertical and horizontal reach, fast and safe operations, and a corrosion-resistant waterway system, the HLA range stands out. Built on a standard truck chassis, it remains compact and easy to maneuver through city streets. Its autojacking feature stabilizes the unit in just 40 seconds, allowing rescues from heights of up to 33 floors. Currently, the range covers working heights from 81 to 112 meters. Download the brochure. Whether you're a firefighter, engineer, or just curious about engineering marvels, the Bronto S-112 HLA is a true testament to human innovation and strength. Hydraulic Transmission Oils,Hydraulic Transmission Fluid,Hydrodynamic Drive Oil,Hydraulic Drive System Oils Liaoning Yeboon Lubricating Oil Manufacturing Co.,Ltd. , https://www.yblube.com
World’s tallest firefighting aerial device