Buyers Guide: Hybrid Bucket Trucks Hybrid models are key to addressing ‘range anxiety’ while eliminating wasteful engine idle While other industries are embracing EVs, irregular routes and rural areas may limit all-electric bucket truck applications in tree care By Sarah Collie
It’s 2024, and electric vehicles (EVs) are all the rage. With pretty much every major vehicle man- ufacturer releasing an electric or hybrid option for personal use, this technology is just starting to make its way into the tree care industry. Major manufacturers like Altec Industries , SEA Electric , and Terex have all released fully electric bucket trucks in recent years. And while these have been embraced by the utility industry and others, several challenges are preventing tree care from doing the same. While electric technology continues to improve, hybrid options are providing an intriguing step- pingstone to help tree care companies looking to go green. Which begs the question: Is it time to add a hybrid bucket truck to your fleet?
PROGRESS IN EV TECHNOLOGY Bucket trucks were first invented in the early 1900s. Originally called “cherry pickers,” they were primarily used to safely and efficiently har- vest cherries. The power industry quickly saw the benefit of the aerial li and began using it in their applications. By the mid-1900s, engineers were building hydrau- lic systems into bucket trucks, and more industries began to use the technology. Today, the technology exists to run battery-powered bucket trucks that rival similar trucks with internal combustion en- gines. Altec collaborated with Smith Electric Vehicles U.S. Corporation on the “ first all-electric utility vehicle ”
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