Groundhogs catch the ‘i’
13 February 2023
Genquip Groundhog continues to develop its low-emission welfare cabin line-up with the introduction of its iRrange models with lithium-ion batteries.
This builds on the success of the company’s Fusion Pulse models and goes further in terms of achievable energy savings and longer product life. There are currently three models within the iRange, the i360, i500, and i550. The company has advanced plans to introduce a range of static units designated the i760 and the i610.
Roof-mounted solar panels trickle charge the battery that powers the onboard heater, lighting and microwave. Rather than a conventional generator, the iRange cabins have a 2kVA unit with a 12V DC alternator running at 2,000rpm.
“The charger starts automatically when the battery has 20 per cent of charge, cutting out at 80 per cent,” Peter Beach, Genquip Groundhog’s sales manager told me at the Executive Hire Show where the products were launched last week. “So there is less responsibility on the end user in operating the unit.
“We had one of the cabins operating in our yard in Neath for the whole of last summer and the solar panels provided sufficient power for at least eight hours’ operation every day. The charger never came on.
“We’ve also had one on a site in Scotland since 20 December and the charger has only kicked in on six days. We can monitor a unit’s performance and the environmental benefits remotely via our Hogwatch telematics system.”
Peter said that another benefit from not having a generator running permanently is greater longevity. “Some hirers with our Fusion Pulse units have said they expect a ten-year working life from them, rather than the conventional eight years, and that equates to 80 weeks of additional hire revenue.”
A new option for Groundhog units are flat-side walls that give a sleeker look and make it easier for companies to apply their own branding. Rounded corner posts can also be fitted.
Photo: Alan Guthrie
● Don’t forget to explore the Site-Eco area of the blog for news of sustainable products and developments relevant to the world of hire.
