Five lithium-powered Snorkel rough terrain scissor lifts enter full production

Snorkel has commenced full production on five lithium-ion battery powered compact rough terrain scissor lift models.

Now in production in Snorkel’s assembly facilities in the UK and New Zealand, the five new ‘RTE’ electric rough terrain scissor lifts expand Snorkel’s lithium-powered range of zero emission rough terrain aerial lifts and telehandlers to a total of eight models. They join the Snorkel SL26RTE and SL30RTE electric Speed Level’s launched in 2019, and the Snorkel SR5719E/SR626E electric compact rough terrain telehandler launched in 2020.

Available for delivery globally, the range includes lithium-ion battery versions of two narrow width units, the S2255RTE and S2755RTE, as well as three standard width units, the S2770RTE, S3370RTE and S3970RTE. These scissor lifts are designed to offer a true zero emission rough terrain solution, without compromising on the reliability and four-wheel drive capabilities of the diesel equivalents.

The five new scissor lifts are equipped with maintenance-free lithium-ion battery packs with built-in battery management systems (BMS), which last up to twenty-times longer than lead acid batteries. Suitable for most environments, the lithium-ion battery packs have been tested in climatic chambers between -77°F (-25°C) and +140°F (+60°C). These Snorkel models are offered as standard with two 5.75kWh lithium battery packs and can be optioned with an additional 5.75kWh battery pack for extended range for very heavy use applications or where long-distance driving is required.

In both test conditions and real-life applications, the standard two battery pack system has been proven to deliver at least an eight-hour shift on a single charge, and in some cases, up to one week between charges, subject to usage. Unlike lead acid batteries, the charging pattern for lithium-ion batteries is designed to seamlessly fit into a normal working day schedule and can be top-up charged during breaks and shift changes.

Designed for outdoor applications, a powerful and efficient AC electric motor creates efficiencies in the hydraulic drive system with higher torque than a diesel engine, which in turn provides improved gradeability and enhanced performance on rough terrain than traditional combustion scissor lifts.

The electric motor also delivers up to 62% less jobsite noise than the diesel equivalent, enabling the lifts to be used indoors or in work environments with noise regulations, 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, servicing costs are reduced by up to 93% when compared to an engine, while also eliminating the costs and risks of waste oil and filter disposal.

Matthew Elvin, CEO, Snorkel, said, “We are delighted to extend our proven lithium-ion battery solution to these five popular compact rough terrain scissor lift models. Within the past two years, we have developed and fully released eight electric zero emission models with four-wheel drive capabilities, with more to come. We understand that our customers need robust, reliable and easily adopted products that help them achieve their net zero goals without compromising on performance and are proud to offer these innovative lifts which deliver on all fronts.”

The Snorkel S2255RTE and S2755RTE can reach maximum working heights of 27 ft. 10 in (8.5m) and 33 ft. 1 in. (10.1m) and offer lifting capacities of 925 lbs. (420kg) and 660 lbs. (300kg) respectively. Popular for their narrow width of just 4 ft. 9 in (1.45m), these lifts feature a spacious 4 ft. 7 in. x 12 ft. 8 in. (1.4m x 3.93m) platform with the 3 ft. 11 in. (1.2m) roll-out deck extension deployed. Weighing less than 6,062 lbs. (2,750kg), these lifts can be towed by a car or light commercial vehicle on a trailer between jobs.

Measuring 5 ft. 10 in (1.8m) wide, the S2770RTE can lift up to 1250lb (580kg) to a maximum working height of 33 ft. (10.1m), while the S3370RTE can lift 1000lb (454kg) to a working height of up to 39ft (12m). Reaching up to 45ft (13.8m), the S3970RTE is the largest compact rough terrain scissor lift in the family and is capable of lifting up to 771lb (350kg).

All five lifts are available with high grip, non-marking tires for indoor/outdoor use, and have powerful four-wheel drive capabilities with 35% gradeability and an oscillating axle. Four auto-levelling stabilisers come as standard, which benefit from Snorkel’s inverted leg design that protects the cylinder rod from damage and debris and can level up to 6deg front-to-rear, and 10deg side-to-side.

These same models also continue to be offered as ‘RT’ versions with a diesel engine or as ‘BE’ versions with Snorkel’s innovative bi-energy solution that enables the operator to switch between an internal combustion engine and lead acid battery power for indoor/outdoor working.

All five ‘RTE’ models are now in full production with initial customer deliveries underway. For more information on availability and ordering, interested parties can contact their local Snorkel sales representative or dealer.