SkyJacks, a supplier of access, material handling and lifting equipment, will introduce new electric and hybrid machines at the upcoming Electra Mining Africa event in Johannesburg as demand for greener alternatives grows.

The company has secured distribution rights from several manufacturers: Faresin Industries (an Italian manufacturer of telehandlers), Jekko (an Italian mini crane manufacturer) and Dingli (a Chinese producer of aerial work platforms).

There is growing demand for electric and hybrid-powered equipment due to regulatory requirements and the 2019 carbon tax, which imposes financial penalties on companies that do not adopt cleaner technologies, says Alistair Bennett, Managing Director of SkyJacks.

Equipment that was traditionally diesel-powered, including larger telehandlers and boom lifts, is now available in electric and battery-operated versions.

As battery technology advances and more machine models become available, demand for hybrid machines is expected to grow. Lithium-ion battery technology has facilitated the transition. These batteries now support faster charging times, longer operational periods and the ability to power larger machines, Bennett says. “Electric technology, previously limited to smaller machines, is now available for larger units, up to 4,5 tonnes in capacity with a reach of 16,5 metres. These batteries provide similar performance to diesel engines with the added benefits of reduced carbon emissions and lower noise levels.”