Most of the heavy equipment manufactured today is built in more efficient and environmentally friendly ways, particularly aerial lifting devices. Many industries are carefully considering the impact of hybrid bucket trucks to provide a competitive advantage. Green fuel technology and powerful aerial lift devices are rapidly increasing in popularity due to their influence over conventional technology, especially fuel efficiency. Before taking advantage of this technological innovation, it is helpful to learn the ins and outs of this unique vehicle to fully understand its importance in delivering longer life, cost of ownership and faster return on investment.

Advantages

There are certain definite advantages in using hybrid bucket trucks in various industries.

• fuel consumption – These sustainable bucket trucks feature a standard diesel-powered engine and a rechargeable electric battery pack that work together to enable the entire machine to save fuel by providing higher fuel consumption with fewer emissions. The hybrid system will shut down the diesel engine during stops or when idling, saving the use of gasoline. By using such efficient machines, fuel efficient operation can be achieved and money saved in the long run.
• environmental friendly – A large contributor to air pollution is the burning of fossil fuels. By using hybrid bucket trucks, carbon dioxide emissions are reduced, which translates to less air pollution. Compared to the conventional utility truck, hybrid vehicles use thirty to fifty percent less fuel, produce fewer smog-forming emissions, and help reduce global warming.
• noise reduction – These vehicles drastically reduce noise levels in a workplace by not using the diesel engine during operation. The rechargeable battery pack provides power for boom operation, air conditioning, and lighting.

Disadvantages

In addition to the advantages, there are certain disadvantages to buying a hybrid bucket truck.

• Price – The retail price of these unique bucket trucks is much higher than an equivalent counterpart. In fact, a hybrid unit can cost approximately $70,000.00 more than a conventional vehicle. Hopefully, the high cost can be recouped by saving on gas.
• Accident risk – Another major concern is the risks in the event of an accident. When involved in an accident, it can be difficult to get victims out of the vehicle due to the high amount of voltage stored in a rechargeable battery pack, which translates to a higher chance of electrocution.
• higher gross vehicle weight – Hybrid vehicles weigh approximately twenty percent more than conventional ones due to the heavy pack of rechargeable batteries. For urban operations, such a heavy weight might not be a serious concern; however, in non-urban operations, the additional weight could be a big problem.

The advantages of hybrid bucket trucks can help any business stay ahead of the competition, which is critical in the demands of newer technology. When considering an aerial lift device, it is essential to know the pros and cons of various types of hybrid systems because such a purchase can have a significant impact on overall business operations. In today’s economic climate, every business is looking for solutions to lower operating costs, extend vehicle life, and increase productivity levels, all while providing sustainability to the environment!