10.03.2016

Genie adds Hybrid version of Z-60/37

Following the recent launch of the battery electric 60ft Genie Z-60/37DC
the company will launch a hybrid version - the Fuel Electric Z-60/37FE at Bauma in April.

The Hybrid model is based on the full electric machine, unveiled at last months ARA - with its four AC wheel drive motors, but with the addition of a 24hp Tier 4 Final /Stage IIIB diesel powered generator to top up/recharge the battery pack or boost machine performance.
The machine’s system constantly monitors the battery state, starting the generator up as needed to top the battery pack and then automatically shutting-off to minimise fuel consumption.
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The Genie Z60/37FE is an ideal machine for combining indoor and outdoor duties

The generator is able to charge depleted batteries to full in around four hours, but is also able to provide power directly to the AC wheel motors, boosting the power coming from the 48V battery pack, helping the lift cope with steeper inclines or particularly rugged terrain.

The Z60/37FE offers two modes of operation: ‘Full-electric’ making it the same as the straight electric which can handle a full shift on a single charge, or ‘Hybrid’ mode which combines the two and provides more than a week of run time on a single tank of diesel. The unit can handle 45 percent grades, has a ground clearance of 330mm and a full-time active oscillating axle. Its drive speed is said to be 25 percent faster than most similar sized diesel-powered boom lifts and the AC wheel motors are sealed to the point that they are able to work continuously when submerged in up to 900mm of water.
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The hybrid Z60/37FE combines generator and battery power to provide additional 'grunt' on rough ground

The operational specifications are the same as the all-electric model with 20.16 metres of working height, 11.14 metres of outreach and a 7.4 metre up-and-over clearance. The standard jib has 135 degrees of articulation, while platform rotation is 160 degrees. Maximum platform capacity is 227kg and the machine is equipped with three entry points. Total transport weight is 7,756kg with an overall stowed length of 8.15 metres.

Product manager Adam Hailey said: “The Genie Z-60/37 FE boom is a revolutionary new approach to our mid-size Z-boom family and adapts to our customers’ evolving needs for high performance, high efficiency and low emissions. On long-term jobs, even when on-site power is not available, this machine is sufficiently versatile to handle multiple tasks ranging from work on rough and unprepared ground to indoor applications where reduced noise and emissions levels are necessary. This model is an extremely cost-efficient solution designed to provide high rental returns for general construction and industrial applications, such as sports arenas, shopping malls and convention centres.”

Vertikal Comment

This looks like an excellent machine and should prove very popular in Europe, where this sort of technology is most appreciated. With rental rates for standard 60ft booms being so poor in most markets, an increasing number of rental companies have been turning to more exclusive and versatile products such as the Hybrid booms offered by Niftylift etc…. Genie will of course hope to piggy-back on this growing market which could actually increase the take-up to the point where both manufacturer’s benefit.

We should not forget that JLG has had a 60ft articulated hybrid boom lift that operates in a similar way to the new Genie for some time, and is currently in the process of upgrading it, including the addition of direct AC drive motors, so there will be plenty of choice now.

One just hopes that as more of these machines enter the market, rental companies buying them for the first time avoid their usual trick of undercutting existing suppliers in order to try and win business. When new models like this enter the fleet it is much easier than usual to obtain a premium rate based on a decent return, as those customers who just want low price can take a regular machine. It just needs a little discipline.
Let’s hope that this exciting new product introduction proves to be a win win situation for manufacturer’s and rental companies alike as it should be and that it sets a trend that other similar new products benefit from.