12.05.2016

Riwal sells first 86ft battery boom

Dutch international sales and rental company Riwal has sold its first full electric 86ft boom lift to Swiss company Airnace.

The new machine a JLG 860SJ was converted by Riwal to a battery powered unit, complete with a 400 volt integrated battery charger. Airnace required a silent emissions free machine for some of the work that it does in city centres and shopping malls. The unit offers over 23 metres of working outreach, a 28 metre working height, and 230kg platform capacity.
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The handover of the new battery electric JLG 860SJ in Airnace colours

Airnace specialises in the rental of access equipment, mini/spider cranes, telehandlers, vacuum lifters and construction lifts. General manager Olivier Mettan said: “This machine is a great solution for us to work in industrial areas, power plants and tunnels without needing any particulate filters. Thanks to the reduced noise level and zero emissions, we can now easily meet local restrictions. In addition we experienced a great cooperation with Riwal who followed through on their timely delivery promise and provided a great working machine”.
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(L-R) Dustin Keizer of Riwal), Francis Richard of Airnace, Nico den Ouden of Riwal with Remy Loïc and Richard Mathieu of Airnace

Norty Turner of Riwal added: “The modifications we made to convert the diesel JLG-860SJ to an electric machine is an excellent example of how we translate our vision of delivering the best customer experience in the industry into practice. At the same time this aerial work platform is a sustainable alternative to diesel powered machines while maintaining all of its features”.

Vertikal Comment

The adoption of all electric or hybrid machines is gathering pace, particularly in Europe and is likely to prove to be a trend that is set for the long term. In a way it is an example of regulation working, in that with ever tighter emissions regulation and customer demand, it is getting to the point where it is simply easier to go electric.

An before anyone makes the comment – why the buyer did not simply take a standard off-the-shelf Niftylift HR28- don’t’ forget that this is a straight telescopic which is often preferred for tunnel and power plant work.