The Pros and Cons of Hybrid Bucket Trucks!

Most 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 in fuel efficiency. Before taking advantage of this technological innovation, it helps to know the pros and cons of this unique vehicle to fully understand its importance in delivering longer life, cost of ownership, and quicker return on investment.

Advantage

There are certain definite advantages to 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 lower emissions. The hybrid system will turn off the diesel engine during stops or when idling, saving the use of gasoline. By using such efficient machines, you can achieve fuel efficient operation and save money 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 into 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 dramatically reduce noise levels on a job site 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 pros, there are certain cons to buying a hybrid bucket truck.

• Price – The retail price of these exclusive bucket trucks is much higher than that of 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 recovered by saving gas.
• Accident risk – Another important concern is the risks in the event of an accident. When involved in an accident, it can be difficult to extricate victims from the vehicle due to the large amount of voltage stored in a rechargeable battery pack, resulting in a higher chance of electrocution.
• higher gross vehicle weight – Hybrid vehicles weigh approximately twenty percent more than conventional vehicles due to the heavy rechargeable battery pack. For urban operations, such a heavy weight might not be a serious concern; however, in non-urban operations, the extra 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, knowing the pros and cons of various types of hybrid systems is essential 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 reduce operating costs, extend vehicle life and increase productivity levels, all while providing environmental sustainability!