TRACK-MOUNTS
45
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013
ACCESS, LIFT & HANDLERS
we are seeing smaller rental companies more
interested in trying some in their fleets.”
Lithium future
There are mixed views from the manufacturers
when it comes to Lithium technology. In the
states, with 110 volt main electricity supply,
compared to 220 volts in other countries,
lends itself to Lithium as it can offer greater
and longer lasting power, rather than having
to rely on the relatively low main supply. The
downside is that it is very expensive, up to four
times more than a standard battery.
Büscher at Tuepen says, “We are keeping
an eye on the advances in Lithium technology.
But with tracked machines weight and space
limitations as well as reliable power supply are
important factors. At the moment we do not
see this introduced as a technically mature mix
in the market by any tracked lift manufacturer.”
According to Hinowa, 50 percent of tracked
platforms in the U.S. are Lithium powered,
compared to 20 percent in Europe. But Negri
is confident that figure will grow despite the
higher 220 volt supply, which provides better
speed and operation capabilities. “In Europe,
there is real potential for Lithium. People are
interested in pollution and the environment.”
For Carlo Molesini, managing and sales
director at Italy-based Platform Basket,
“Lithium is the future.” He adds, “It is still
quite expensive, but I am sure that in the future
we will be able to produce enough power for
A Tuepen LEO 50 GTX carries out roof
maintenance work.
products to complete a day of work – that’s
the mission. Ultimately, engines will disappear,
and you will have the same performance and
same working cycle,” Molesini continues,
“Even arborists and people working outside are
looking for battery power as they are working
early in the morning, close to schools and
hospitals, etc.”
There is full agreement from Christensen.
ReachMaster represented Hinowa in the U.S.
before the Italian manufacturer set up a deal
in 2010 to supply tracked platforms to JLG.
“When we started with BlueLift one of the main
focuses was to have them design the Lithium
system that we have today.”
“The strength of this type of machine is its
versatility for inside and outdoor use. While
smaller machines have been able to operate
with 110 volts, the drive speed for 22 m or 23
m is like watching paint dry.”
“There are also a lot of applications using
bigger booms that are more difficult to
transport, and/or they are using ladders or
scaffolding. In these cases tracked platforms
can come and do the job much quicker and
safer.”
Nevertheless, Lithium remains a luxury for the
A ReachMaster Bluelift tracked platform
erecting lights in a church in the U.S.
