The green movement has long called for hybrid vehicles to become standard technology in the automotive industry; many manufacturers have been ushering in the new millennium by producing a plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV). The use of environmentally friendly technology is also being applied to heavier equipment. Wisconsin-based Dueco began marketing a line of PHEV utility trucks in the previous decade and unveiled a PHEV version of a digger derrick in 2008. Two years later, Altec introduced a hybrid DM47-TR digger for sale derrick at the World Truck Show. The PHEV technology offers a range of benefits to the type of work utility trucks perform on a daily basis while remaining kind to the environment.
Power Source
The typical hybrid model digger derrick is powered by a strong battery in combination with an internal combustion engine running on diesel fuel. The battery is charged by connecting it to a three-phase 240 volt electrical outlet, which is readily available in the garage where the truck is returned each night. Alternatively, an on-board 5 kw charger can fully restore a battery within 8 hours, saving money by using off-peak electricity. Although developers like Dueco have stated that the diesel engine does not need to be started at all during an average work day, the engine can be engaged when desired to give an additional performance boost to the vehicle operations. By using battery power for the booms, aerial lifts, diggers and compressors, hybrid vehicles can reduce fuel consumption by 5 to 10 gallons per day.
Regenerative Braking
Hybrid technology makes good use of regenerative braking, which transforms kinetic energy generated by moving vehicle parts and transfers it to capacitors which in turn reduces fuel consumption. This recovery mechanism is ideally suited for utility vehicles that tend to stop and start frequently throughout the working day. Brakes also suffer less from wear and tear with regenerative braking, which contributes to the truck’s lifespan.
Job-site Safety
Job-site safety is another factor that is improved by using PHEV technology. When the diesel engine is not used, exhaust emissions are almost completely eliminated resulting in higher visibility, cleaner air and reduced lung cancer risk for on-site workers. The use of battery power over a combustion engine also means significantly less noise at the work-site which allows for better communication between workers and reduces accident risks.
Making Headlines
Hybrid digger derricks made headlines in 2012 when Commonwealth Edison Company, the largest utility company in Illinois and one of the larger in the entire country took delivery of a brand new Terex Commander 4042; this is the first truck of its kind to feature an advanced plug-in hybrid propulsion system from Odyne. The makers of this model promise that the truck will operate even more efficiently and with minimal noise levels and job-site emissions; it is rechargeable using domestically produced electricity harvested from the grid. The new hybrid digger derrick was developed using funding from the City of Chicago and alternative-fuel awards, which in turn were granted from the Department of Energy (DEO) as part of its program for cleaner cities.
Hybrid digger trucks are here to stay and are becoming widely popular all across the United States. They have many benefits and have a positive effect on the environment. Make this new model an important consideration when it is time to purchase another digger for sale!
