EUROPE'S 1ST ELECTRIC TELEHANDLER

Flannery Plant Hire is pleased to announce that they have taken another step forward in dramatically reducing on-site emissions for their client Kier on HS2.

As part of the company’s sustainability drive towards net-zero, they have invested in Europe’s first Faresin 1745 fully electric telehandler. Manufactured in Italy and with an operating weight in excess of 12 tonnes, the 1745 has a maximum lifting capacity of 4.5 tonnes and a maximum lift height of 16.4m. Already operating several smaller electric telehandlers from Faresin, the addition of this new machine takes Flannery’s move into alternative drive technology a huge step further. Powered by a 45kWh battery pack, an 8-hour shift can be achieved with intermittent use. The Faresin’s charge time from 20% to 80% is just 1 hour and 30 minutes from a 50kW fixed charging point.

“We have been leading the way in delivering our commitment to a more environmentally friendly fleet by investing in electric, battery, and hybrid technology, not only to HS2, but to the wider construction industry for several years with great success.” Niall Hester Operations Director at Flannery comments. “Ongoing discussions with one of our key clients Kier have prompted us to look at a variety of new electric Technology available to the market and following detailed evaluation, we chose the Faresin 17.45 for this particular section of works where keeping noise and emissions to a minimum was a key factor.”

Replacing a traditional fossil fuel powered Telehandler, the Faresin is operating in a compound adjacent to the site offices handling a variety of incoming material for the project and has already made a huge difference in noise levels and engine emissions within the area.

Oliver Gutteridge, General Foreman for Kier states, “Our commitment to net zero goes hand in hand with integrating cutting-edge technology. The significance of this electric telehandler extends beyond mere productivity. It represents a careful balance of management and efficiency. Placing it strategically in our compound where it can excel in short travel distances and material handling amidst congestion, makes it an ideal machine for the job. Working in close proximity to our on-site charging station allows the operator to ensure it is regularly charged up and ready for work.”

OLIVER GUTTERIDGE GENERAL FOREMAN Kier

Flannery have chosen experienced telehandler operator Alex Chirvase, to look after the Faresin. With over a decade of machine operating experience, three of which have been solely on Flannery’s huge telehandler fleet, Alex says, “It takes a bit of getting used to without the traditional noise coming from the engine, although there is enough noise from the hydraulic system to let you know it is running. All the controls are as you would expect, they are well laid out and easy to navigate. What has really impressed me is the smoothness and response from the machine. The cab is comfortable with excellent all-round vision. Overall, I’m really impressed with it.” Further enhancing the safety aspect of the telehandler, it is fitted with a Spillard personnel detection system and Safety Shield digital thumbs up system.

In conclusion, Niall Hester comments, “We are very pleased to be working closely with our client Kier on delivering this section of HS2 and being able to reduce machine borne emissions to almost zero is a huge benefit for ourselves, our clients and the wider community we work in.”