Executive Hire News › Archives › January/February 2010 › Executive Report : Vital energy
Executive Report : Vital energy
Nine products have been selected for The Energy Zone at the Executive Hire Show, spotlighting equipment designed for energy efficiency and optimum resource usage. Hirers attending the event will be able to vote for their favourite.
The independent panel of judges comprised: Speedy Hire's Supply Chain Director Andy Connor; Richard Coffey, MD of Supply UK Hire Shops; Carl Banks, MD of P.E.T Hire; Matt Dolan, Director of Alpine Hire; and EHN Editor Alan Guthrie.
ArcGen Hilta EcoWeld 300
Principal Features:
This 300A constant current/constant voltage, diesel welder generator also functions as a dual operator machine, enabling two people to weld simultaneously up to 180A with 4mm electrodes. It also provides auxiliary power, reducing the need for separate generators. The EcoWeld can stop automatically when the operator has finished a task, re-starting when a welding rod is applied to another job, or a connected power tool is switched on.
Judges’ Comments:
The innovative automatic stop/start system is impressive, demonstrating how manufacturers are developing new technology to optimise energy usage. The panel noted the versatility of the machine and the fact that the unit can reduce resource usage and costs without compromising on performance. The multi-tasking capabilities of the product could also increase on-site productivity, and the fact that the machine incorporates noise reduction features is also noteworthy.
Briggs & Stratton Commercial Power Vanguard Engines with TransportGuard
Principal Features:
Incorporated on Vanguard 5.5-10hp petrol engines, this integrated ignition/fuel shut-off system requires only one action from the operator, turning off the machine for transportation and shutting off the fuel supply simultaneously. By eliminating risk of fuel/oil dilution, engine wear is reduced, lowering emissions over the product’s life cycle. A cylinder head design derived from motor sport technology gives more efficient combustion, reducing fuel wastage.
Judges’ Comments:
The judges were impressed that the system has been developed by the manufacturer following its specific research into the hire industry. This showed that, in up to 70% of equipment hires, end users do not shut off the fuel supply to the engine before transportation. Eliminating fuel/oil contamination risks can also reduce equipment failure and the need for servicing, lowering downtime and hirers’ associated repair costs. The simplicity of operation was also noted, which would encourage use of the feature.
Husqvarna Construction Products K970 Low-emission X-Torq Power Cutter
Principal Features:
The machine incorporates a 95cc low-emission engine that not only reduces exhaust emissions by 40%, but also lowers the tool’s fuel consumption by approximately 30%. The K970 also features an innovative method of metering the water flow to the cutting blade when using water as a dust suppressant. This is claimed to reduce the amount of coolant used by 40% compared with conventional systems.
Judges’ Comments:
Given the popularity of this kind of tool in the hire and construction industries, the panel believed this product’s fuel efficiency characteristics could make a significant contribution to energy saving. They noted Husqvarna’s estimate that, if every cut-off saw in the world incorporated a power unit with similar qualities to those of the X-Torq engine, 13,500 fewer tonnes of hydrocarbons would be emitted and 19 million litres less two-stroke fuel would be used per year.
IHIMER S.P.A. Carry 105 Electric Tracked Dumper
Principal Features:
This compact machine has a 500kg payload capacity but, instead of having an engine, power is provided by 12 batteries in three separate packs. This eliminates exhaust emissions and gives silent operation. The controls are configured so as to enable quick changes from fast to slow speeds, and when not in use the machine rests in standby mode, maximising battery life. The batteries recharge to 80% of capacity in two hours.
Judges’ Comments:
This machine shows new technology being incorporated to reduce energy use, while enhancing performance characteristics. It eliminates fossil fuel use and emissions, and its silent qualities enable operation in noise-sensitive locations, such as near hospitals. The product can also be used indoors and in confined spaces, and the use of such equipment on site would reduce manual handling, freeing operators to perform other tasks and giving greater overall productivity.
Monkey Tower Monkey Tower Platform
Principal Features:
The product is a manually operated scaffolding system that can provide an alternative to powered access machines. The system can be set up by one person in under five minutes to its maximum height of 6.5m. The trailer-mounted product can be moved to site by cars and small vehicles, minimising fuel consumption, and because 95% of its components are sourced in the UK, the Monkey Tower’s overall carbon footprint is reduced.
Judges’ Comments:
Launched two years ago, the Monkey Tower demonstrates how existing products should be reappraised in terms of their energy efficiency and reduced carbon footprint. With many construction sites now seeking to reduce the amount of machinery they use, in order to meet environmental obligations, the product offers a mechanical solution without reducing effectiveness or productivity. The fact that it uses no batteries means related disposal issues and costs are also eliminated.
Pike Signals XLEclipse Traffic Light
Principal Features:
This solar-assisted product uses a combination of photovoltaic cells and batteries to provide a cable-less, radio-linked portable traffic system. Towed in a tandem configuration, each self-contained half-trailer unit has an independent power supply with low-consumption LED optics. No regular battery changes are required, reducing the number of site visits needed, as well as decreasing related fuel costs, as the solar panels charge automatically in daylight.
Judges’ Comments:
The panel was impressed by the modern solar power technology, and features that reduce energy usage like night-time dimmers. Not only does the XLEclipse reduce emissions, it also decreases the draw on the National Grid and gives silent operation. The reduction in service visits enhances hirers’ efficiency and lowers their, and their customers’, carbon footprint. Manual handling issues associated with battery replacement are also lessened, enhancing Health & Safety.
Red Band U.K. Eco Trowel ET60
Principal Features:
The Eco Trowel ET60 is a 60cm-wide eco-friendly power float that is driven by rechargeable batteries. Complementing Red Band’s existing line-up of professional concrete finishing equipment, it comes complete with two batteries, each of which can provide up to three hours of operation per charge. In use, the product has no trailing power cables and, being battery driven, the machine eliminates fossil fuel usage and associated emissions.
Judges’ Comments:
This is another example of a machine in which the latest battery technology is being used to address environmental issues in a popular product category. The panel also noted several Health & Safety benefits associated with this unit, including the ability to use the ET60 indoors and in confined spaces without the risk of any fumes being created. Being free of cables, trip hazards are avoided and there are no concerns about using mains powered electrical equipment in a wet environment.
Seddons (Plant & Engineers) Ltd. Honda EU30i Inverter Generator
Principal Features:
This innovative generator provides 3kW of power and enables optimal fuel usage, owing to the incorporation of Honda’s specially designed
Eco-throttle system. This electronic governor automatically matches engine speed to the specific loading, supplying large amounts of power to equipment requiring this on start-up, and extends continuous operation capability. This also reduces noise, fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.
Judges’ Comments:
The panel recognised this machine’s energy efficient characteristics, in terms of optimum fuel usage and lower emissions owing to its automatic speed control. They also noted that, as an inverter generator can produce more consistent, spike-free power than a typical mains supply, demand for such products should increase as people need to power computers and other sensitive equipment. The generator could also enable hirers to target new customer bases, such as the leisure market.
Tower Light VT-1+Eco Lighting Set
Principal Features:
Derived from the popular VT-1, this vertical mast lighting tower has an advanced light detection system and an automatic start/stop mechanism. The lamps illuminate when ambient light has decreased to a pre-determined level, and shut down when sufficient brightness is detected. This reduces the amount of fuel used as well as emission levels, and fewer maintenance visits to site are required. The machine is also fully bunded.
Judges’ Comments:
The panel noted that the machine has been developed following Tower Light’s research showing that construction and highway maintenance sites were typically lit for 12 hours a day, when illumination was usually needed for only eight. It could, therefore, reduce fuel usage and emissions by up to 33%. By operating less frequently, site maintenance requirements and related costs would be reduced, and the machine’s working life would be extended, maximising a hire company’s investment.
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