How new boom lifts are adapting to global needs

There is little doubt that electric equipment plays heavily on the mind of rental companies and manufacturers, particularly in China and to a lesser extent Europe, where non-diesel equipment is seeing greater uptake than the other major market in access’ big three, the US.

Dingli’s BT 44 ERT delivered to Kranpunkten.

Even with the challenges caused by a lack of charging infrastructure in Europe, there is accelerating awareness and demand in the continent, with Scandinavian countries being especially fast adopters.

An example is Sweden-based Kranpunkten which continues its transition to a fully climate-neutral rental fleet with its latest large delivery of fully electric boom and scissor lifts with working heights of 44m and 32m respectively.

Rikard Jönsson, Purchasing Manager at Kranpunkten, said, “We continue to invest in fully electric lifts in line with our strategy of being climate-neutral by 2030. We must place high demands on our equipment suppliers to continuously develop more environmentally friendly products.”

During the spring and summer, Kranpunkten received deliveries of the BT 44 ERT boom lifts and 3225 DC scissor lifts from Dingli.

The 44m BT 44 ERT is the tallest fully electric straight boom lift on the market, and Kranpunkten is the first equipment rental company in Sweden to buy it.

Climate targets

While such large electric booms are impressive, some users are choosing the hybrid option, as a solution where charging is not available on more remote worksites.

The new 12m HR12 from Niftylift.

As such, Niftylift continues to expand its hybrid range, this time with the new and updated version of its HR12 4x4 in the company’s core 12m range. The modified boom has increased horizontal outreach to 6.4m, while working height is set at 12.1m.

The 4x4 performance is combined with Niftylift’s Gen2 Plug-In Hybrid system to enable operation from an efficient EU stage V-compliant engine or with zero-emissions via its electric-only power mode. SiOPS and Niftylink are also included.

“The HR12 range is one of our best-loved machines and the updated HR12 4x4 means the full line-up offers the latest technology,” said the compant.

“We’re continuing to give customers more outreach and better performance from machines that weigh less.”

XCMG has been updating too with the The XGA20H.

XCMG has also been updating its line with further hybrid offerings, including a new 20.4m working height articulating boom lift. The XGA20H uses a 51.2V/346Ah large-capacity battery, while a diesel generator set provides the hybrid solution.

The unit is designed to be maneuverable and flexible with a load capacity of 320kg that leads the class in terms of working height. Another notable feature is the turning radius of 1.85m, and climbing ability of 40%.

Transport was also a key part of the design and two complete machines can fit into a standard container. The integrated four-wheel axle system provides strong power and smooth transmission, while there are three steering modes and the combination of AC pump and proportional control technology.

Hybrid options

Shifting ever further away from diesel power, and demonstrating the demand for electric equipment with a back up charging solution, Haulotte introduced the electric 16m working height rough terrain HA16 E earlier this year - the latest in its Pulseo range.

Haulotte’s HA16 E was added to the Pulseo line earlier this year.

The HA16 E offers several charging solutions: main plug, three-phase outlet accelerated charger, or charging with a range extender combustion motor. It is quiet at less than 70 dB in electric mode, and the range extender is interchangeable with the Pulseo HS15 E and HS18 E scissor models and can be installed in less than five minutes.

The HA16 E is also equipped with optional non-marking tyres, a low rear overhang and 4-wheel steer, available on the HA16 E Pro version. It can climb slopes up to 40% and work on tilts up to 5 degrees.

LGMG is updating too, with the all-electric AR18JE. Its auto-levelling platform has a dual-capacity of 260/350kg. The model’s up and over height is 7.7m, making it easy to effectively span obstacles.

The permanent oscillating axle allows the machine to negotiate uneven terrain. It can also drive on slopes up to 4 degrees.

Equipped with three steering modes, the AR18JE offers integrated four-wheel-drive system and 45% gradeability. The basket has 360 degree continuous rotation, expanding the working scope.

Coming in at a total weight of 8150kg, the AR18JE is driven by 80V/228Ah Lithium battery, designed to provide high power. Full electric models are now available across LGMG’s product line.

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Electric approach

Skyjack launched its first pair of electric booms early in 2024.

As reported in a feature earlier this year, Skyjack has launched its first electric boom lifts, under the company’s Eco brand name.

The introduction of the pair of rough terrain articulating eBooms close to Skyjack’s UK base, reflects the new regional approach of the Canada-based company.

The AGM-battery powered SJ45 AJE + and SJ60 AJE + feature 15.7m and 20.1m working heights, respectively. They offer 454kg in the basket.

During the launch event, the company said the electric boom lifts are set to be followed by hybrid versions in 2025, providing customers with the option of diesel, electric or hybrid, depending on their requirements and the market.

JCB also expanded its electric line last year.

Features of the SJ45 AJE + and SJ60 AJE + include all-electric axle-based drive, while AC electric traction and pump motors deliver high torque. The oscillating axle keeps all four tyres on the ground, with up to 45% gradeability.

The models are capable of more than a typical full day’s use on a single charge. An additional 30 minutes reserve allows them to drive stowed to a charging point.

JCB launched its latest electric offering, the rough terrain A45E articulated boom last year. The full electric machine offers a maximum platform height of 13.84m, 7.47m forward reach and 300kg lift capacity.

It is powered by eight 6V batteries, creating a 48V, 400AH operating system. The battery packs are located on either side of the lower chassis, enabling it to maintain a low centre of gravity.

It has four-wheel drive and two-wheel steering as standard and is capable of climbing up to 40% gradients. The platform itself measures 0.84m x 1.84m.

First telescopic Nifty Another very recent boom launch, at the UK’s Vertical Days in September, was Niftylift’s first ever telescopic boom lift. The all-electric HR22 SE follows requests from its customers for a telescopic boom and is designed to cover a large working area with up to 21.7m of reach from a platform that extends up to 19.7m vertically and with a horizontal outreach of 18.8m. Niftylift’s first telescopic boom is a 22m electric model. Other features include a compact tail swing of 0.55m for operation in congested spots and a vertical articulation of the basket of up to 150˚and equivalent horizontal movement of 170˚, to access difficult-to-reach areas. The unit’s zero-emissions, electric drive is based on Niftylift’s existing technology and there’s a low-noise pump for even less disturbance. Power comes from a configuration of 8 x 400 Ah batteries that deliver 48 V, with a 60 A charger for re-powering. The driving experience is smooth thanks to a rear suspension system and travel speeds can reach up to 5.5 km/h with a 7.7m turning radius. “Customers have been asking us for a simplified, lower cost, straight boom option,” said John Keely, Managing Director at Niftylift. “It’s perfect for construction, and other industrial applications, and delivers great reach and control from an all-electric design that ensures lower noise and emissions on site.” The basket on the new HR22SE can accommodate up to 280kg of personnel and tools inside the 2.4m x 0.9m basket.

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