Lithium option introduced to Hy-Brid Lifts

Hy-Brid Lifts’ lithium battery option.

Hy-Brid Lifts is offering lithium batteries on its equipment for the first time.

The option was first shown at the ARA Show, which took place in the US during February, where the company was also exhibiting its new confined access solution and safety light option. 

The engineering phase for the lithium option was completed leading up to the ARA Show and the has now entered the sales phase. It means three battery options are now available on the company’s Push-Around Series and Pro Series scissor lifts; those being lead acid, AGM, and lithium. Lithium is also an upgrade option for the Pro Series and Zero-Turn Series lifts.

As the company pointed out, lithium batteries can be a hard sell as the cost of a lithium battery added to Hy-Brid Lifts’ low level access equipment is quite high. Lithium batteries can increase the cost of machines by 8% - 10%, compared to those supplied with lead acid batteries.

(Hy-Brid Lifts has been concentrating on new options for its existing equipment over the last yearm with a range of additions, including last year’s heavy duty pipe rack. )

Cost advantages 

Hy-Brid Lifts new Safety Lights option, offers lighting on each side of the lift.

However, over the long-term lithium has a cost benefit, added a company spokesperson. “Despite the higher upfront cost of a lithium battery, the true cost of ownership is far less than lead acid batteries when considering lifespan, maintenance, and performance.”

Lead acid batteries will need to be replaced several times over the life of a lift and require frequent maintenance to maximise battery life.

“Switching to lithium will lower the cost of ownership by buying fewer batteries and reducing labour costs. These savings make a lithium battery the more valuable long-term investment than lead acid batteries,” added the company spokesperson. 

The company continued, “From slow charge time to yearly battery changes lead acid batteries are just not worth the hassle. Lithium provides a maintenance-free, better return on investment, and more efficient battery solution.”

Hy-Brid Lifts’ confined access solution, currently at prototype stage, allows easy access through ceiling panels with an extra 18 inches of height. It was on display at the ARA Show.

Over the span of 10 years, lead acid batteries will need to be changed an average of 14 times, said the manufacturer, and the battery water level checked more than 120 times.

Combined with the ability of lithium batteries to utilize more of the available capacity than lead acid options, and the minimal voltage drop, which means the scissor lift does not slow down as capacity is used, Hy-Brid Lifts said lithium is set to grow quickly in popularity.