CPA Bulletin

TAIL PIECE CURRENT ROUTE The move towards electric machines continues to gather momentum with Deutz recently revealing an interesting development. This company, whose roots go back to the invention of the four- stroke internal combustion engine, is now busy working on the electrification of construction equipment with the Manitou Group. As part of its E-Deutz programme, there are now two new prototype Manitou telehandlers – one with hybrid drive and the other with a full electric drive. The all-electric version of the 13.0m MT1135 telehandler has a 60.0kW (80.5hp) electric motor powered by 30 kWh capacity batteries. By contrast, a conventional MT1335 generally comes with a 75.0kW (100hp) Deutz diesel engine. Another forward thinking French machinery manufacturer also focused on electric kit is Haulotte. It showed a preproduction version of the new Pulseo Generation HA20LE articulated boomlift at the Intermat exhibition earlier this year. And now this 20.0m class electric platform is being demonstrated in this country. Haulotte’s laudable intention is to develop a new fully electric line of boomlifts able to provide the same performance and capacity as their equivalent diesel forerunners. Indeed, the stated intention is that there will be no more new Haulotte boom products launched with internal combustion engines as their primary power source. Designed for use primarily as a quiet, fume-free all-electric model, the Pulseo HA20LE has twelve Trojan lead acid batteries. It also sports what is described as a ‘range extender’– an 18.5kW (24.8hp) Kubota diesel engine and a generator. The conventional HA20RTJ has a 36.5kW (49.6hp) Kubota diesel as its sole power source. As well providing enhanced ‘green’ appeal, the Pulseo HA20LE scores highly on the safety front. It has Haulotte’s new Activ’Lighting System that provides 11 LED spotlights to better illuminate the basket, controls and the manoeuvring area around the machine. It should prove very beneficial during machine loading and unloading from road transport on the pubic highway at night or when visibility is restricted. NEW VIEWING PLATFORM Recently I went past Battersea Power Station in London and I was pleased to see that, as part of its epic rejuvenation, the four iconic chimneys have been rebuilt in their original style. The great news is that the northwest chimney is to be fitted with a custom-built glass elevator which, when it emerges at the 109.0m high summit, will provide an amazing 360° viewing platform. The bad news for me is that this glass lift will become operational after all the very many tower cranes currently on site have been dismantled! It would have provided a great vantage point from which to get very close to one of the largest luffing jib tower cranes in Europe. For amongst all the 25 or so Terex luffers from CPA member Select Plant Hire which currently working on or around the power station is the big CTL1600-66. Its maximum capacity of 66 tonnes will be used to install large beams and treecolumns to create a spectacular interior to this great London landmark. Nick Johnson’s tail piece Plant Journalist Nick Johnson gives his opinion on some current issues www.cpa.uk.net CPA Bulletin > December 2018 59