Skyjack has launched a new range of DC electric scissor lifts, featuring AC brushless electric drive motors and other significant design changes. The machines will be available globally – in all regions – throughout 2024, replacing the current hydraulic drive models.
The innovative drive system provides exceptional duty cycles and fully proportional controls, resulting in a superior drive experience. The new range also boasts greater efficiency, controllability and torque. This means that productivity is boosted with an improvement of up to 20% in run time per charge. E-Drive delivers consistent power, traction and torque, with over 25% gradeability, so that climbing loading ramps is easy and excellent all-round jobsite performance can be achieved.
During development of the new E-Drive DC scissors, Skyjack has focused on increasing operational uptime. As a result, the new range provides users with more while also reducing cost of ownership and improving resale value, thus offering a higher return on investment.
“A longer run time per charge and fewer lifetime charge cycles mean our customers will find they spend less on batteries over the life of the machine, and that is just one of many benefits,” said Corey Connolly, senior product manager at Skyjack.
All major service points are easily accessible, enabling straightforward troubleshooting and repair. The sealed drive motor is maintenance free. The motors’ enhanced efficiency reduces charge time and power consumption, which saves costs and in turn reduces battery maintenance.
The drive motors have no oil leakage potential, and an optimised hydraulic lift and steer manifold reduces hydraulic connections by 70%, thereby minimising the potential for ground contamination and associated clean-up costs. An optional leak containment system (Ecotray) provides further peace of mind.
Mr Connolly added, “Ever since we launched E-Drive on our vertical mast range, we have been excited about this launch. Our new vertical masts were very well received and now, after more than two years in the market, we see E-Drive as a proven winner; and I am sure our customers will welcome this change on our core scissor range.”
Ken McDougall, president of Skyjack, said, “This is an exciting time. Rolling out our new E-Drive across our eight-model DC scissor range takes time. I think it is worthy of note that we have been able to achieve that without real term increase in cost. By providing significant reductions in our customers’ cost of ownership, we have a truly competitive offering that more than lives up to the Skyjack ‘simply reliable’ ethos. With our new E-Drive machines, we will see our customers getting more done for less.”
Supporting sustainability
These latest models will feature a new designation carrying ‘E’ to signify E-Drive, for example ‘SJ3219 E’. In addition, the range will carry Skyjack’s ‘Eco’ mark as rental companies and major contractors face increasing demands for sustainability information. The environmental benefits of Skyjack’s E-Drive scissor range include: operational carbon saving compared to previous models; improved run time per charge; zero emissions; inherently quiet machines, with an optional white noise alarm; an optional leak containment system (Ecotray); and an optional biodegradable oil.
With E-Drive, Skyjack has also introduced a new CAN bus-based operating system. While the company’s standard colour-coded and numbered wiring remains, it now combines with an externally visible diagnostic system display. This means that no plug-in tools are necessary for day-to-day troubleshooting. With the diagnostic display outboard facing, the system can be accessed without the need to open service trays. It provides real-time data and easy-to-understand machine faults.
Furthermore, the new models see a revised emergency lowering location. A single location, single step, valve actuated emergency lowering toggle switch is integrated on the outside rear of the machine with the other base controls.
While the new E-Drive range offers many new features, there are existing features that remain, such as Skyjack’s scissor stack design with symmetrical load distribution and cross member bracing, providing operator comfort and confidence when working at height; the removable, high strength and impact resistant composite upper control box with integrated shroud to protect against inadvertent operation; and ElevateLive QR code label on each machine, which gives operators access to critical machine information – including pre-use inspection guides and familiarisation materials – via a mobile device.
According to Skyjack, the new DC electric scissor range will be available through a phased introduction by region, starting with the smaller SJ3215 E and SJ3219 E models followed through to Q1 of 2024 with the remaining machines in the range. The E-Drive models will be available in all other regions throughout 2024.
