Niftylift's new HR 17 Hybrid slashes weight

Niftylift has launched the HR (Height Rider) 17 Hybrid: an ultra-light 17 m articulated boom with an overall weight of just 4750 kg - that's 1750 kg lighter than Nifty's previous 17 m model.

Niftylift has reduced the weight of the machine in a number of ways including the use of high grade steel and the innovative hybrid propulsion system. Tim Ward sales manager said, "We innovate and add lightness."

The machine has a 14 kW (18 HP) diesel 722 Kubota engine, which uses 40 to 50% less fuel than non-hybrid models. While the engine is running it charges the batteries but, should the machine encounter particularly rough terrain, the batteries cut in to add extra power to the four-wheel drive.

The machine can be used in hybrid or electric only modes, the batteries can be completely recharged in eight hours conventionally or in 3.5 hours by the diesel motor.

The motor has a catalytic converter which reduces particulate emissions by 30%, hydrocarbons by 80% and carbon monoxide by 90% so the HR17 Hybrid has a low impact on the environment.

At the demonstration day on Mon 10 May at Towcester racecource in Northamptonshire, UK Scandanavian dealer Gantic bought the first HR17 Hybrid.

The HR17 Hybrid has a 9.1 m outreach and the Nifty Toughcage equipped as standard with the company's SiOPS (sustainable involuntary operation prevention system) can carry 225 kg.

Nifty also used the demonstration day to explain the SiOPS design to customers; show the 12 m SD120T trailer mount with outriggers and the SD210 deisel machine with outriggers which reduces the weight of a 21 m boom from 6.3 t to less than 4 t.

Read more about these new products and Niftylift in the May/June edition of Access International.