Protecting the environment is one of the important worldwide responsibilities too often neglected. For the past several years, large companies have been called upon to become more aware of the problem of global warming and the decrease in non-renewable energy sources such as crude oil. The effects of the worldwide impact of climate change are being felt in certain parts of the United States in the form of rising atmospheric temperatures – and that could be the result of too many chemicals in the air.
Carbon Emission Problems
Air pollution appears to be causing damage to the environment as well as other living organisms. The presence of chemicals in the air, such as carbon dioxide, is mainly the result of human activities. Extensive research has shown that the major source of this gas in the air is due to internal engine combustion. While carbon dioxide is essential for plant life, too much of it can contribute to global warming.
Hybrid Bucket Trucks
Many utility companies are beginning to purchase hybrid bucket trucks. This effort on the part of these businesses is aimed at protecting the environment by reducing carbon emissions during the operation of this equipment. The introduction of the hybrid bucket truck to the market is in response to the growing demand of utility companies looking for “green” solutions for their fleet of company vehicles. This hybrid technology is not just another alternative; it is an actual solution to help reduce global warming. Using energy other than non-renewable fuel to run heavy equipment greatly reduces the footprint that carbon dioxide leaves on the environment and is a huge step for businesses that are leaning towards going in the “green” direction.
Improved Technology
Hybrid technology has gained popularity with utility companies who are anxious to contribute to improvement of the environment. Companies that have gone this route have also discovered that their effort to help the atmosphere does not have to come at the sacrifice of the productivity found in the technology of a “normal” bucket truck. In fact, quite the opposite is true.
According to manufacturers, a hybrid vehicle is more than a modified bucket truck; it is actually an improvement. Compared to the regular aerial lift, most of the market is enjoying the optimal efficiency that is part of a hybrid bucket truck. Operators can use the lift without worrying about prolonged idling; this can also eliminate a great deal of the noise of a diesel engine running while operating this vehicle.
Another great feature of this hybrid truck is its advanced system. When the vehicle arrives at the work site, the operator can turn off the engine and the boom can then be operated through its battery pack. When the battery power level runs low, the system automatically restarts the engine to power the bucket as well as recharge the battery.
The battery pack can actually be recharged in two ways: by plugging it into a normal power source overnight which recharges the battery to sustain it for an entire day of operation; and through the engine which allows the battery to be recharged while the vehicle is running.
Future Impacts
Through hybrid technology, companies can experience the benefits of a reliable, safe and cost-effective bucket truck. This science greatly reduces the overall operating costs for the company which decreases the dependence on foreign oil. It also improves the condition of the environment by producing cleaner emissions.
Purchasing bucket trucks that are equipped with hybrid technology is one way for utility companies to demonstrate their desire to improve the effects of global warming and help create a better environment. The initiative of high-profile utility companies in using hybrid bucket trucks is a major step in influencing other businesses to develop and use equipment that uses clean energy and to go green the bucket truck way!
Christopher M. Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks and Bucket Truck Sales
