What Is The Difference Between Electric And Diesel Boom Lift

What Is The Difference Between Electric And Diesel Boom Lift

Meta Description: Learn the key differences between electric and diesel boom lifts, including power source, emissions, noise levels, terrain suitability, and operating costs.

This article compares electric and diesel boom lifts, the two main aerial work platforms commonly used in construction and facilities management.

Understanding the critical differences in their power sources, emissions, noise levels, operating costs, and suited terrains is essential for rental customers to choose the right lift for indoor and outdoor job site applications.

Key Takeaways

• Electric lifts produce zero emissions, making them suitable for indoor use and environmentally friendly.

• Diesel articulating boom lifts offer extended deck options for maximum maneuverability in outdoor settings.
• Consider non-marking tires for indoor applications to minimize floor damage.
• Understanding the differences between diesel and electric models is crucial for selecting the right lift for specific applications.

Key Differences Between Electric And Diesel Boom Lifts

Electric and diesel lifts are both commonly used types of aerial work platforms. While they serve similar purposes of lifting personnel and equipment, they differ in crucial aspects relating to their power source, emissions, noise levels, operating costs, and applications.

Understanding these differences is important for rental customers to choose the suitable option for their specific project needs.

1. Power Source

The key difference between electric and diesel model boom lifts through power sources is here.

Electric Boom Lifts – Powered By Batteries

Rechargeable lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries power electric boom lifts. They use electric motors powered by the batteries’ stored energy. Electric boom lifts can operate effectively on battery power alone for indoor applications and in areas where zero emissions are required.

Some key benefits of battery power include adequate ventilation and not requiring lift, as electric motors do not produce exhaust fumes. Electric boom lifts also feature auto self-leveling capabilities and motion sensors for maximum maneuverability in tight spaces and narrow aisles.

Diesel Boom Lifts – Powered By Diesel Engines

Diesel boom lifts derive their power from diesel fuel, which diesel engines use as input. Diesel engines can accommodate heavier loads and extend operation times for outdoor jobs, which require lifting equipment to boost productivity.

Diesel fuel allows diesel boom lifts to handle heavier loads and operate effectively on uneven and rugged terrain compared to electric models. However, diesel engines require refueling and produce exhaust fumes, making them less suitable for indoor applications.

2. Emissions and Environmental Impacts

Indoor or outdoor emissions are essential when choosing electric or diesel boom lifts. Their environmental impacts can affect where each type of lift is best applied.

Emissions From Electric Boom Lifts

Electric lifts powered by batteries produce zero emissions during operation, making them an environmentally friendly option for indoor applications.

Electric motors do not require fuel combustion, so they emit no exhaust fumes or particulate matter, which can pollute the air in enclosed spaces like production facilities.

Emissions From Diesel Boom Lifts

When used, a diesel scissor lift powered by diesel engines emits exhaust fumes containing nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide, and particulate matter.

The diesel fuel combustion process produces these emissions, polluting indoor air quality without adequate ventilation. Due to this environmental impact, outdoor jobs are generally more suitable for diesel boom lifts.

3. Noise Levels

Electric and diesel boom lift noise output is essential for different work environments.

Noise From Electric Boom Lift Motors

An Electric scissor lift powered by battery-electric motors tends to operate more quietly than diesel models. The electric motors produce minimal noise, making these lifts suitable for indoor facilities and noise-sensitive environments like hospitals.

Noise From Diesel Boom Lift Engines

Diesel boom lifts are noisier during operation as their engines involve fuel combustion. Diesel engines necessarily produce more sound than electric motors, which can limit their use in environments where noise pollution needs to be controlled, such as near residential areas.

However, diesel-powered scissor lifts offer sufficient power for outdoor jobs on rough terrain requiring heavy loads.

4. Terrain and Applications

The types of environments electric and diesel boom lifts can handle effectively are essential for rental customers.

Terrains Suited For Electric Boom Lift

Electric boom lifts powered solely by batteries are best used for indoor applications on smooth, flat surfaces or terrain. Their operation on flat surfaces ensures maximum maneuverability in tight spaces like inside production facilities without issues of refueling or emissions.

Terrains Suited For Diesel Boom Lifts

Diesel boom lifts, with their powerful engines capable of self-propulsion, can tackle a more comprehensive range of terrains, including uneven, rugged outdoor areas requiring heavy loads.

Their ability to accommodate heavier loads and operate longer makes diesel lifts suitable for job sites on all but the steepest slopes and most difficult terrain. Overall, a diesel-powered scissor lift is suitable for terrain conditions.

5. Operating Costs

Total ownership costs over time are an essential consideration for equipment operators.

Operating Costs for Electric Boom Lifts

Operating costs for electric boom lifts powered by batteries are typically lower as electricity is cheaper than diesel fuel. Electric models also require less maintenance due to simpler electric motor designs than diesel engines.

Operating Costs For Diesel Boom Lifts

While diesel boom lifts have higher initial fuel costs than an electric model, their ability to accommodate heavier loads and boost productivity for outdoor jobs may offset higher operating expenses. Regular maintenance is also needed to keep diesel engines in good working condition long-term.