MARKET REPORT HEATING & LIGHTING
Bright ideas and hot spots
New technology at the heart of the latest heating and lighting equipment offers benefits to hirers and end users.
Demand for eco-friendly products and the need for users to be ‘seen to be green’ is well demonstrated by the heating and lighting equipment market. Manufacturers are incorporating new technology for greater efficiency, economy and low emissions.
“Environmental considerations are the basis of our product development and this is demonstrated in our new X-Solar Hybrid,” states Paul Hay, MD of Trime UK. This lighting tower, which is amongst those in our product review in this Market Report, uses a combination of solar energy and battery power, backed-up by an engine driven battery charging system.
Similarly, Morris Site Machinery reports growing interest in its SMC TL55 Solar lighting tower which utilises four LED lamps and can be powered by its on-board battery or the mains. A-Plant recently added four of the units following evaluation and testing between Network Rail and the hirer. They are being used in trackside compounds in Surrey and Essex as part of Network Rail’s ‘Fuel-Free Site’ initiative.
Sustainability agenda
“Solar power is an evolving technology which is on everyone’s sustainability agenda these days,” said Daryl Doherty, A-Plant’s Director of Rail - North. “Following the joint evaluation, we were confident that, by investing in the SMC models, we would be helping Network Rail towards achieving its goal whilst providing them with robust, reliable machines.”
Echoing this, Alessandro Rossi, MD of Generac Tower Light says, “Customers are much more aware and discerning as the need for new
control and performance technologies such as Lithium-ion batteries, hybrid power systems and LED lighting are largely being driven by advances in the building and home automation sectors, and alongside the automotive industries. Operators can enjoy greater control, connectivity and smart use to improve long-term versatility and lighting tower performance, whilst reducing costs for hirers and operators.”
Mat Llewellyn, MD of MHM Plant, told EHN, “There is definitely a shift in demand. Traditional metal halide lights are still popular, but more contractors are realising the fuel savings associated with LED technology. All new machines that MHM is adding for this winter are LED units. Some customers are choosing both types for different clients and applications. We are also seeing the rise of battery powered units, which can run for up to two to three days depending on application. Hybrid machines are also available, but they still have to find their place in the market, as in the automotive industry.”
Hire Supply Co (HSC) MD Gary McWilliam says that, “If a new product is very innovative but expensive, the end user will hire rather than buy, so hirers will enjoy a healthy return. However, not all equipment is expensive; sometimes basic products can be overlooked and others over-engineered and confusing. This year, HSC is launching a twist on its current Elite quartz halogen infra-red electric heater to give wider application possibilities. It can run from a 16A 110V supply and is IP65-rated.
Hubbway Hire recently supplied a Trime X-Eco lighting tower to illuminate the striking Angel of the North in Gateshead. 39
“We are also introducing two new heaters, one at each end of the scale. The first is a battery powered diesel infra-red model which is more of a specialist item and will bring a good return. With regard to LED lighting and the energy savings it provides, HSC believes continuous investment in R&D is vital. The value of an LED lamp is in its lumens per watt ratio and its lifecycle, coupled with the type of fitting it is placed in. Two different 20W LED lights can have huge variations. We use quality units producing more than 90 lumens per watt and giving a minimum 30,000 hours life, with head fittings purposely designed to meet the demands of hire.”
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