Historically, horsepower has been a key parameter for customers as they spec telehandlers for the rental applications. Customers generally felt that “more is better” when evaluating telehandlers, and since it was relatively inexpensive to add power, manufacturers easily matched each other. However, as engine emission regulations become ever stricter with Tier 4 compliance, it has become more and more challenging for all of the equipment manufacturers in the aerial rental industry to offer high horsepower to telehandler customers in a cost-effective package.
These developments inspired the Genie team to rethink telehandler engine choices, and in doing so, we decided that what’s really important when spec’ing a telehandler is not horsepower but torque — as you need the low-end grunt to perform the work that telehandlers do. Horsepower gives you speed, which is less important in the applications telehandlers are used in.
At Genie, engineers have been working closely with engine manufacturers who offer high-torque engines that match our machines. To date, they have been able to identify and qualify high-torque versions of several of their engines below 75 hp. This enables Genie to offer an engine without the need for a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system or a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). The after treatment components that these types of systems require cost thousands of dollars because they are filled with exotic materials and sensors. By selecting a lower horsepower engine that offers higher torque, Genie can offer a less expensive engine, keeping acquisition costs low, yet still delivering a highly capable machine of meeting demanding job
Sourcing lower horsepower engines also reduces the complexity of routine maintenance and operating costs on your telehandler. For example, a telehandler with a SCR requires the use of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), adding to the operating cost of the machine. Similarly, a machine with a DPF will need to regen regularly, which influences the productivity of the machine. Maintenance costs for these type of engines are also expected to be higher as technicians need to be specially trained to work on Tier 4 technology — the more sophisticated the engine components are, the more attention the engine will need over time.
At Genie, they believe that lower horsepower, high-torque telehandlers are an excellent way to offer customers the same category performance characteristics that you’ve come to expect from their machines, in a format that offers a less complex engine and a lower acquisition cost which translates to a better return on your investment.
