Snorkel’s First Lithium-Powered Boom

Snorkel has unveiled its first lithium powered boom lift. The A46JRTE benefits from higher torque than the diesel equivalent, which results in increased traction and improved rough terrain performance.

The electric motor also delivers 62 per cent less job site noise – and with no engine fan, dust generation is reduced for safer and cleaner operation in low emission zones and green cities. With minimal battery and electrical system maintenance required, Snorkel says servicing costs are reduced by up to 93 per cent when compared to a diesel engine, while also eliminating the costs and risks of waste oil and filter disposal.  Less servicing also reduces the load on service engineers.

Matthew Elvin, CEO, Xtreme Manufacturing and Snorkel, said, “The launch of our first lithium-powered boom lift is an exciting next step in our development of zero emission alternatives to diesel. The compact and mid-size aerial lift and telehandler segment is a sweet spot for electrification, and our lithium-battery technology is proving to be a zero-compromise solution in this product category, delivering zero emissions, reduced noise and equivalent or better performance than the diesel.”

The A46JRTE joins eight other lithium-powered Snorkel models, including the SL26RTE and SL30RTE electric Speed Levels, five  rough terrain scissor lifts, and the SR5719E/SR626E compact rough terrain telehandler. Using the same lithium-ion battery pack solution as the other platforms in this family, the A46JRTE is fitted with three 111Ah (5.75kWh) lithium-ion battery packs.

Tests in climatic chambers have proved that the zero maintenance battery packs will operate between -77°F (-25°C) and +140°F (+60°C), making them suitable for use in most environments. Based on typical use in rough terrain under test conditions, a single charge can last for more than one week, and in light use on elevation jobs with minimal driving, this increases to more than two weeks on a single charge.

It has the same working envelope as the diesel-powered Snorkel A46JRT, providing a maximum working height of 52 ft. 11 in (16.3m) and working outreach of 24 ft. 11 in (7.35m). Other benefits include zero tailswing and 5 ft. (1.5m) jib boom for maneuverability in confined spaces.

Snorkel unveiled the new boom at the Vertikal Days trade show. It also launched a new, lithium-focused website at www.snorkelnetzero.com. Designed to help companies make the switch from diesel to lithium equipment, the site features a range of resources including cost calculators for both rental companies and contractors, as well as frequently asked questions, photos, videos and region-specific information on market drivers and adoption. Snorkel is also offering direct training for its rental customers, to help them educate their customers on the benefits of this new technology.