Nationwide buys big Dingli hybrids in ‘future proof’ strategy

Nationwide Platforms - the largest acccess rental company in the UK - is expanding its fleet with the addition of two 44m working height hybrid boom lifts from Dingli.

The articulating BA44HRT and telescopic BT44HRT are among the first to arrive in the UK and mark significant step forward in Nationwide Platforms’ ongoing investment in sustainable access technology, said the company.

Dingli BA44HRT. (Image: Nationwide Platforms).

The BA44HRT offers 18.8m of up-and-over clearance, making it ideal for accessing confined or obstructed work zones. The BT44HRT, a telescopic boom lift, delivers horizontal outreach of 25.6m, perfect for infrastructure and large-scale industrial projects.

The addition of the hybrid Dingli models is part of Nationwide Platforms’ long-term strategy to future-proof its fleet. In the first half of 2025, the business has invested in more than 280 new machines, including Haulotte STAR10s, Genie ZX135s, Skyjack SJ45AJ+ booms, and dozens of compact Dingli scissor lifts. These follow substantial investments in over 400 Dingli platforms in 2022, more than 20 truck mounted booms and 21 telehandlers in 2023, and fully electric van-mounted platforms in 2024.

Dan Smith, Chief Operating Officer at Nationwide Platforms, said, “The addition of the BA44HRT and BT44HRT strengthens our position as the UK’s leading provider of specialist working-at-height solutions. These hybrid boom lifts combine exceptional height and reach with the kind of sustainable innovation our customers increasingly demand. Whether working in remote industrial zones or congested infrastructure projects, our clients now have the tools to operate at height more safely and more efficiently than ever before.”

Sustainable specifications 

Dingli BT44HRT. (Image: Nationwide Platforms).

Both models incorporate Dingli’s patented in-situ axle expansion system, which enables safe widening of the machine’s base while in motion, without damaging surfaces or requiring repositioning. According to Dingli, this system contributes to a 40% increase in cycle efficiency, helping reduce time spent repositioning and deploying.

Each machine is equipped with a high-capacity lithium battery offering two to three full working days of runtime on a single charge. When battery levels drop to 30%, an onboard diesel-powered range extender automatically recharges the battery to 90%, without powering the drive directly. This ensures the machine remains zero-emission at point of use, even on remote sites where grid power is unavailable.

Operators can also choose to run the machine in manual mode, charging overnight via mains when appropriate.

Both boom lifts are equipped with Chalwyn valves and spark arrestors which prevent diesel engine runaway and reduce the risk of ignition. Earth bonding points are also integrated to safely discharge static electricity, which is particularly valuable when working near flammable materials.

As with all Nationwide Platforms boom lifts, both models will feature the company’s Harness ON system, which prevents operation unless the user is securely clipped in. The machines also come with Category 3 full-redundancy control architecture, a safety standard more commonly found in high-end industrial automation.