Discovering Sustainable and Practical Tool Hire and Plant Hire Opportunities

Not just a battery…

25 April 2022

Not just a battery…

It’s easy to take rechargeable batteries for granted. Perhaps it’s because we associate them so often with the basic AA or AA types that power so many appliances and which are relatively inexpensive; or with the integral batteries in laptops or mobile phones that should have a reasonable lifespan. 

However, the batteries that are used on power tools and plant are high-tech components incorporating new technology such as onboard battery management systems, and they have a correspondingly high price tag. 

“When people hold in their hands a battery for some of the latest-generation power tools, it’s like holding a considerable quantity of conventional fuel,” a representative from one popular manufacturer told me. 

“One battery can be recharged hundreds of times and the tool it powers gives similar or better performance to a traditional corded or petrol machine. It’s the equivalent of a pallet load of fuel and its price reflects the R&D and technology that goes into making that happen.” 

There’s also no engine oil needed, obviously, and no risk of spillages. 

So the initial cost or upfront hire rate of a battery machine might be more than the traditional alternative, but the avoidance of future fuel costs gives reductions in the longer term.  

“More and more forward-looking contractors and hirers are realising this and interest is growing,” this industry professional adds. 

Certainly, the analogy between a battery and a container holding a sizeable amount of conventional fuel is a striking one that hirers might find useful in explaining the benefits – and cost – of the latest green technology to customers. 

And it is cold comfort, but given the extraordinary fossil fuel price increases in recent months that we are all having to come to terms with, the argument for adopting green alternatives is more compelling.  


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