Hird now has a Genie S-60 FE hybrid telescopic boom lift. The business is reportedly the first powered access rental company in the UK to take delivery of the platform. The glass lifting hire specialist has taken the first two platforms available in the UK, they say, supplied by Workplatform, Genie’s authorised distributor.
The Genie S-60 FE is marketed as the first hybrid and lightweight rough terrain telescopic boom in the 20-metre working height class. It has a maximum working height of 20.6 metres and a platform height of 18.6 metres, with a maximum outreach of 12.3 metres and a platform capacity of 300kg.
The product has two operational modes, all of which are electric and hybrid, allowing the straight stick cherry picker to be used for indoor and outdoor working. This feature will allow customers to greatly improve utilisation rates, representatives of Hird have said.
The Genie S-60 FE sets out to provide a full day’s operation in all-electric mode and a whole week on one tank of diesel fuel in hybrid mode. Regenerative braking and start-stop technology maximises fuel and battery efficiency while reducing the mobile elevating work platform (MEWP)’s carbon footprint.
Phil Hird, Hird’s managing director, said: “With the price of diesel increasing dramatically, being able to operate with electric power and highly fuel-efficient hybrid technology is a big advantage that our customers recognise. More and more of our customers want to use hybrid or electric booms, which is why we’re investing heavily in technology like this.
“The Genie S-60 FE gives our customers all the benefits of the most sustainable methods for working at height with no disadvantages. For example, the platform charges its own batteries as it operates, eliminating downtime caused by the need for plug-in charging.”
Dean Brooks, operations director at Workplatform, added: “The Genie S-60 FE is at the forefront of MEWP development to support more sustainable working at height. We’re very pleased to be able to assist Hird in taking a place in the vanguard of this movement.”
The Genie S-60 FE includes a low-emissions Stage V engine fitted with a diesel particulate filter and sealed AC electric drive motors. These aspects enhance reliability and reduce the risk of hydraulic oil spills, according to leaders of the business. The platform provides full rough terrain performance with four wheel drive, oscillating axles and 45% gradeability yet it weighs a third less than comparable booms, making it applicable for operation across low load-bearing floors or soft and loose ground.
