Genie to launch hybrid/electric booms at ARA Show

The 91ft (27.91m) working height S-85 XC FE hybrid and S-85 XC E electric boom lifts are powered by Lithium-Ion batteries and feature four independent AC drive motors, 4-wheel drive and active oscillating axles.

The new Genie S-85 XC FE will be launched at the ARA Show. (Photo: Genie).

The existing S-85 XC is commonly used for steel erection, rail and bridge construction, and in shipyards and refineries. Offering the XC in hybrid and electric configurations expands utilization to job sites that require quiet daytime or emission-free performance.

Genie will debut the S-85 XC FE and S-85 XC E at the ARA Show, taking place 29 January - 1 February in Las Vegas. The boom lifts will be available to customers in all global markets beginning early in the third quarter of this year.  

“These boom lifts are a complete upgrade, with thoughtful engineering and more than 80 quality improvements with the goal of keeping our machine in the field longer with fewer service intervals,” said Dominik Damm, Director, Product Management, Booms Portfolio.

Right-sized batteries 

The FE and E models are both powered by 48-volt Lithium-Ion batteries, which is the smallest Lithium-Ion battery in the industry in the 85ft (27m) height class. These right-sized batteries, which are more cost effective, are made possible by efficiency improvements throughout the machine that lower energy consumption compared with competitors’ booms.

The S-85 XC FE carrying out welding duties. (Photo: Genie).

“Utilizing a 48-volt Lithium-Ion battery limits cost transfer to customers by keeping the battery small, but still is capable of supporting a full day’s work. Lithium-Ion batteries also do not require maintenance like FLA or AGM batteries, so there’s no watering or replacement,” said Damm.

“The batteries also are smart, with software management systems to protect themselves from damage. Additionally, we’ve made service easier because the battery is only 48 volts. Specialized technician certifications are required for anyone working on a 60-volt or larger battery, so we’ve made service access easier by keeping the battery smaller.”

Built to last, the battery is rated for extreme temperatures (from -22° F/-30° C to 122° F/50° C) and Genie is extending its warranty to five years.

“Genie’s Lithium-Ion solution has spent years in design and has been rigorously tested to ensure compliance with global standards,” said Damm, explaining that the intelligent Battery Management System software protects the battery throughout operation to ensure it won’t be damaged by any operation the machine is capable of.

Two battery sizes are available: standard size for the FE hybrid, or an XC battery for the electric E machine. The XC version of the 48-volt battery has a 7-hour rapid recharge, compared with 10-15 hours that other machines on the market require. The XC battery can be added as an option on the FE machine.

Performance features 

The Genie S-85 XC FE has a 74ft, 6 inch (22.71m) horizontal outreach. (Photo: Genie).

Genie’s third generation hybrid system on the S-85 XC FE includes the 48-volt Lithium-Ion battery and 24 hp, DPF-free engine. The engine/generator combination  provides enough power to run a full workday in electric mode, or a full work week on a single tank of fuel. It also allows for ‘dead-battery’ operation: when the batteries are completely drained, the engine/generator provides enough power to run any function. Rapid recharge of 4.5 hours is twice as fast as other systems on the market, says the manufacturer. 

The dual capacity XC models mean operators can load the platform up to 1,000 lb (454kg) for the majority of the lift’s range, and to 660 lb (300kg) through the full envelope. Additionally, Genie’s powerful Lift Power solution also is available in these new machines.

According to Genie, the new models are the first electrified boom lifts to offer a lithium-ion powered AC generator welder-ready tool. Genie’s Lift Power tool is capable of providing 7kW for the Australian market, and up to 12kW for the North American market - the highest power output in the industry for welding applications. A 3kW power inverter, available globally, provides power to the platform to support power washers, drills, and other power tools.

Design updates 

The more than 80 design upgrades include improved solid-state proximity switches, which have replaced limit switches. Switches are now fully sealed, preventing weather damage. And because there is just one part, moving parts that could cause fault codes have been reduced. Onboard LEDs on the new switches also will indicate their status for easy serviceability.

The machines’ cable tracks have been better organized, improving both serviceability and longevity. Durable separators are now found every second track, spacers separate hoses and cables, and hose and cable wear has been tested to prevent overlapping and rubbing.

The all electric Genie S-85 XC E will also make its debut at the ARA Show. (Photo: Genie).

In addition, the IP67-rated electric AC drive motors and maintenance-free Lithium-Ion battery are integral to reducing costs associated with ownership. The AC drive motors are fully sealed, preventing dust and water ingress, and they are brushless. Overall, there also are fewer hydraulic components, which reduces the chance for hydraulic leaks and spills, and many maintenance points are eliminated.

The 24 hp engine that delivers hybrid power for the FE model is DPF free, which means it does not require complex after treatment, reducing maintenance costs. This smaller engine also experiences less wear and tear, costing less to maintain.

Genie’s new Plus+1 control system has been updated to speed up troubleshooting. Damm explained: “The new LCD screen display helps technicians assess faults more quickly. For example, in the past it was a trial-and-error process for a technician to adjust hydraulic pressures on the secondary boom. Now, a test can be run that provides a visual display of the hydraulic pressures. The software automatically sets the pressure points between the desired high and low.” In addition, 50% of the required recalibration is automated for faster service and less down time.

All this adds up to a 15% decrease in total cost of ownership, according to Genie. 

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