Hire and Rental News - Access in Action - February 2018

ACCESS in ACTION Nifty’s John King said: “Niftylift was the first manufacturer of elevating work platforms to produce a true hybrid product, starting with the Nifty HeightRider 21 Hybrid launched in 2007. Nifty Hybrid technology is now available on 80% of our HeightRider products. “Nifty doesn’t play games,” John said. “During 2016 our mission was to revisit the design of our Hybrid system and increase its performance and efficiency to provide an improved product to our customers. “The first machine to be installed with the second generation Hybrid system is the redesigned Niftylift HeightRider 21 MK2.” John explained the hybrid has three power modes: Electric mode: The machine can operate on DC power zero emission. Nifty now has AGM maintenance free batteries, giving a total of 25-27 Hird cycles, which is around a day and a half work time; Hybrid mode: The diesel engine (Kubota 902, Tier 4, 18kW) runs, operating the machine function and drive. If all the power is not being used it will regenerate the batteries, so there is no waste of power. If the machine requires more power the hybrid power plant will go into Boost mode. The electric motor then comes into assist the diesel engine, which gives a combined power of 26Kw. If the engine is just idling it will be regenerating 40 amp of power back to the batteries, at a minimal fuel consumption of 1.08Lts an hour; Diesel Only Mode: This is an involuntary state of the machine where the batteries are below 10% of charge and Boost is disabled but drive and boom functions will still operate. All surplus power from the engine is being used to regen the batteries. “The HeightRider 21 MK2 control system is now digital using PLC and CAN BUS communication. In the past, all electronic components needed to be hard-wired to the electrical system to be connected. Over time, these connectors would be susceptible to rust, vibration, or even moisture damage. With so many wires, locating the problem in the electronic Second generation hybrid system now in Australia Featuring Nifty’s second generation Hybrid system, Nifty has now released the redesigned Niftylift HeightRider 21 MK2 in Australia. wiring harnesses could be difficult when trying to repair a machine. CAN BUS uses a total of five wires, PLC control also gives the ability to fault find on the machine. This feature is built in to the control panel, so there is no need for hand held diagnosing tools,” John said. “The control screen at both base and cage gives the operator visual information on the Hybrid power plant functionality, weight in the cage, fuel load and fault code information and ability to log overload evidence and to reset. “The machine will be available with telematics. At present that will show on a phone or mobile device, information such as location of the machine, whether the machine is working and how many hours it has done. Also it will show when the batteries were last charged and the voltage on the machine; this is only just the beginning to telematics,” John said. “Other new features on the machine include 250Kgs SWL, increase drive speed to 6kph, better gradeability at 45%. We have still retained the outstanding outreach of 13m with an overall machine weight of 6640kgs. “The new Nifty HeightRider 21 Hybrid MK2 has already been launched in the European market. We had a lot of success with the MK1, but this is a leap forward again in technology,” John said. Contact: 02 4964 9765 or visit website: www.niftylift.com.au 38 ACCESS IN ACTION • FEBRUARY 2018 Scissor lifts and aerial work platforms supplier, Custom Equipment has been purchased by an affiliate of Stratford- Cambridge Group (SCG), a boutique private equity and investment firm. Founded in 1981 as a welding and fabrication business, Custom Equipment is a designer and manufacturer of specialised scissor lifts sold primarily under the HyBrid Lifts brand. Custom first developed lifts for the cemetery and mausoleum markets which evolved into a range of scissor lifts and aerial work platforms for the construction and industrial markets featuring an electric drivetrain, low weight and high manoeuvrability. “Our family started this business over 36 years ago and are very proud of what we’ve built and the relationships we’ve made. We are happy to announce our partnership with Stratford Cambridge Group. They see the value in our products and understand the rich history we have developed over the years with our customers, vendors and employees,” Steve Kissinger, who founded the business along with his wife Lynn, said. The sellers will retain a 20% stake in the Custom Equipment purchased business post-close and chose to partner with SCG for its financial, strategic and operational expertise and to continue the company's growth trajectory. Visit: www.hybridlifts.com Scissor lifts and aerial work platforms supplier, Custom Equipment has been purchased The Niftylift HeightRider 21 MK2 features the second generation Hybrid system