INDUSTRY PEOPLE
will have a compressor mounted on the deck of their vehicle
or will have to tow one around. Ultimately there’s safety and
convenience issues around this system as Andy explains. It
can be clunky, unsafe and insecure.
“There’s two slightly different directions. One is a driveline-
driven unit, where the whole unit fits on the vehicle. It gives
us compressed air and electricity through a compressor
and generator. Both of those are very high-powered. For
example in the compressors we have in operation can go
to 110 CFM. For utility companies, rather than having a
compressor mounted on the deck taking up valuable space,
they’ve now got everything on the vehicle.
“It also removes the safety issues around having a trailer.
“That same system is used on a lesser scale which is just a
compressor unit for tyre fleet vehicles.
Front-wheel-drive vehicles can have a compressor fitted to
the engine in the same way.
“We have also got a range of hydraulically-powered
equipment. That has a huge range. It includes compressors,
generators, high pressure washers and submersible pumps.
It increases versatility. The submersible pump is useful for
guys who do foundation work in construction. It means that
they’ve got the pump there to get the water out and fast.
“Our smallest unit which is only 150mm in diameter has the
capacity to do 600 litres per minute, which is an amazing
rate, really. It drains the holes much faster and means that
you don’t have an auxiliary engine.”
It’s obvious how passionate and knowledgeable Andy is on
the subject of Onboard Energy systems.
“That will give us around 60 CFM up to 160 PSI, and again,
they are freeing up valuable deck space allowing for more
service jobs to be achieved per trip and ultimately per day.” Apart from it reducing downtime and making users much
more efficient, there’s a “green” component too, as the
vehicle power output is being utilised rather than a separate
source of power. There’s no double-up.
This system has been used extensively throughout Europe
by utility companies and civil engineering firms. At Beattys,
they can be fitted to most rear-wheel drive vehicles and light
trucks. “The beauty of this is that it all works without any external
power source, and can power anything from power
tools, pumps and can even be used for certain welding
applications.”
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