Tree management professionals have conventionally chosen to use diesel-powered spider lifts. But, to quote a current Oscar favourite, times are a-changing.
Lithium battery power is emerging as an increasingly popular option for tree management, says Chris Banks, Technical Director at Access Platform Sales, the UK and Ireland authorised distributor for Hinowa spider lifts.
Albeit with some diesel backup.
Trailer transportation
Chis Banks explains: “With the tried and tested diesel technology – and a couple of fuel cans in the back of the 4x4 – tree professionals know they have power on tap in all conditions.
“Power to weight ratio has always been the telling issue. Most tree care workers want to tow spider lifts, whether owned or rented, on a 3.5t trailer behind a car of van.
“The extra weight of lithium batteries places a challenging limit on the size of spider lifts able to shimmy under the 3,000kg bar that allows them to be transported in this way.”
However, as technology has progressed, lithium battery spider lifts that are light enough and have the right performance characteristics for tree work are coming onto the market.
Lithium bi-energy benefits
“Diesel-powered spider lifts are seen as having a reliable fuel source, and they’re flexible,” says Chris Banks.
“Especially if teams are working a long day in woodland, with lots of tracking and platform repositioning.
“But a growing number of tree care companies are realising the very real benefits of using spider lifts with diesel thermal engines and lithium batteries.
“The combination can be a classic win-win, for the tree care company and their customers.”
A case in point, is the new Hinowa Lightlift 18.80 Performance IIIS. It is no coincidence that the diesel and lithium battery bi-energy version of the platform weighs a 3.5t trailer-friendly 2,990kg.
Greater versatility
Its maximum working height of 18.55m and maximum outreach of 7.8m is a little less than the tree care industry’s favourite MEWP, the Hinowa Lightlift 20.10.
However, it can still do a very effective job, and it shares Lightlift 20.10’s 230kg unrestricted basket capacity valued by tree workers, because they always know where they stand, and repositioning is minimised.
What the lithium bi-energy version of the Hinowa Lightlift 18.80 also delivers is greater versatility and even more business opportunities.
A full battery charge provides 4 to 4.5 hours of continuous working. So, for all but the most arduous of days, battery power is likely to suffice. If it does not, the operative just has to switch to the diesel engine.
An alternative approach is to use the diesel engine to track the platform to a work location, the switch to battery power to work at height. Either way, diesel fuel is being saved.
Extending working hours
The much smaller carbon footprint of lithium battery power impresses a growing number of customers. Near silent and zero emissions working supports working close to sensitive sites, like schools and hospitals.
It also extends the working day when customers and their neighbours demand peace and quiet early or late in the day.
When the spider’s not needed for tree work, its bi-energy credentials command premium rates when rented to other businesses, like electricians, roofers and maintenance specialists.
Medway Tree Surgeons, based in Chatham, Kent, has realised all these benefits with its Hinowa Lightlift 18.80.
‘Huge’ resale value
Director Joel Sims said: “Having a lithium bi-energy spider lift is epic. It’s transformed our business, and is creating new ways to generate income.
“We use electric power 80% of the time. In a lot of cases, we can run the platform via a plug-in 110v cable, so there is no power cost to us at all.
“Because electric power is so smooth, there is less wear and tear, so maintenance costs are likely to be less.
“Also, the battery is only working when the platform or boom is moving. So, my platform clocks up fewer operational hours than a diesel one. That’s huge in terms of maximising my platform’s resale value.”
Half-way house advantage
Another advantage with the Hinowa LL 18.80 is that it is the first Hinowa platform with its drive track stowed inside the boom.
This eliminates snagging risks if falling branches come into contact with the boom.
Chris Banks says: “There is little chance tree specialists will give up diesel power altogether very soon. But the half-way house bi-energy option will clearly be a growing force in tree management.
“The Hinowa Lightlift 18.80 is already demonstrating its capabilities, both for tree-work and creating lucrative new business opportunities for entrepreneurial tree specialists.”
Find out more
Talk to APS today about the Hinowa Lightlift 18.80 spider lift and all other spider lifts in the Performance range – with working heights ranging from 13.3m to 40.2m.
APS can offer excellent finance and contract rental deals, plus fixed-price servicing and LOLER Thorough Examination packages, as well as our fast and efficient UK-wide mobile repairs service.
Telephone: 01480 891251. Email: sales@accessplatforms.co.uk.
