Applied Fluid Power Blog

Dissecting the Benefits of Electric and Hybrid Powered Equipment

Written by Applied Fluid Power® | Jan 16, 2023 4:18:14 PM

For companies considering electrification, the benefits are numerous, with options to choose from as you make the switch.

But it’s the competitive advantage electric and hybrid-powered equipment has to offer that really mark the difference between you and your competition.

Electrification and the Bottom Line

Fossil fuel costs are high – and not just at the pump. It can be felt in ancillary expenses associated with hydraulic equipment including: down time for maintenance, cleanup costs for leaks and spills, and lowered output based on equipment age. 

Electrification offers numerous advantages and opportunities including: potential tax incentives, the ability to sell machines in regulated areas, the ability to operate in areas with sound ordinances, environmental benefits, and more. 

But of all the advantages when using electric-powered machinery, efficiency is perhaps the largest. In fact, adopting electrification could be your biggest competitive advantage, as the ability to run leaner, cleaner, and more efficiently could lead to better operating margins. 

It’s no secret that electric and hybrid-powered equipment are fuel efficient, and what this means for you is a better bottom line. Because electric works “smarter, not harder,” with greater reliability and lower maintenance costs, you can potentially reduce your operating costs and, in turn, generate better profits. 

 

Small but Mighty

In addition to increasing efficiency, electric and hybrid-powered machinery can also be efficient in terms of overall footprint – and overall ease of operation. 

Because electrified equipment is smaller, it requires fewer components – no manifolds, valves, etc. A basic electric system includes a battery, motor, and inverter for a compact setup that’s more efficient. And, a less complicated set-up means more control over operation. 

A simple, less-complicated set-up means:
•    Getting up and running faster
•    Easier to route wires/hoses
•    Tuning and adjusting machinery at a faster rate
•    Greater control over speed and torque

But don’t mistake small with ineffective! Electric and hybrid-powered machinery may look small, but their output is powerful, in many cases delivering the same, or more, power as hydraulic.  

The Smarter Option

What if you could manage your equipment from a computer without adding extra sensors: monitor its output; control its functions. With electrification, you can.  

Similar to devices for the home, electric- and hybrid-powered machinery are smart and can be controlled via your computer or other electronic device. Easier to control and tune than a hydraulic motor, controlling the speed, torque, and position of your electric and hybrid-powered devices is possible thanks to electrification. 

Again, the savings this offers your bottom line can potentially be significant. Not having to shut down the line for adjustments means your equipment is running – and getting the job done – faster and easier. 

 

Making the Switch to Electrification

Isn’t it time to add electrification to your product portfolio? With everything electric and hybrid-powered machinery has to offer: potential tax incentives; the ability to sell machines in otherwise regulated areas; the ability to comply with sound ordinances;  decreased environmental impact; energy efficiency; compact power density; better adaptability; lower maintenance – it’s an option that could make good business sense. 

Simple. Powerful. Compact. Talk to the experts at Applied Fluid Power about how we can help you make the switch. From planning and design, to sourcing and building parts and equipment, we can help you realize potential savings and get you that competitive advantage.