On-vehicle power offers a number of benefits and is suitable for many vehicles and applications. But which is best for your business? Paul Smith, Commercial Manager at Winton, discusses the considerations when it comes to on-vehicle power solutions.
On-vehicle power is the fuel-efficient, low-noise and convenient alternative to transporting separate generators from site to site. Systems can provide mobile compressed air, electric and hydraulic power and high-pressure water, whilst delivering improved vehicle utilisation and lower exhaust emissions, with a model available to suit each type of commercial vehicle and business.
These systems are designed for a wide variety of applications, so first and foremost you must consider what the system will be used for; whether it be for the operation of road drills, breakers, hand tools, site lighting or mobile tyre changing equipment. From there you will know what power solution you require.
It’s also vital to consider which systems are available for your vehicles, and the level of power which will be required to operate your equipment.
With this in mind, we’ve put together a brief guide to the different on-vehicle power solutions on the market, and how they can benefit your business.
Engine mounted systems RWD/FWD
Rear Wheel Drive suited to: VW Crafter, Mercedes Sprinter, other vehicles on request
FWD suited to: Vauxhall Movano (Single & Bi-Turbo), Renault Master (Single & Bi-Turbo), VW Crafter (2017 >), other vehicles on request
An engine mounted system harnesses the power of your vehicle’s engine to provide a safe source of compressed air, electric or hydraulic power. Utilising a tried and tested electromagnetic clutch to drive compressed air and hydraulic FWD and RWD power solutions, this system provides a lightweight and flexible option, and can often be installed on vehicles with or without air conditioning.
Aside from the general benefits of on vehicle power (no need to carry noisy and cumbersome generators or compressors in vehicle load space, no need for fuel supply, quiet operation etc), these systems have several specific plus points. For example, they are lower cost than underfloor systems with similar outputs, they are lightweight, and they can be supplied with secondary inverters to provide power up to 4kVA.
System engagement is controlled from the vehicle cab and/or load area and also includes a number of safety features. Furthermore, Mattei compressors are standard across all Winton on-vehicle power products, meaning users can expect high quality compressed air, in these models delivering up to 12 bar.
Under floor mounted systems RWD
Suited to: Vauxhall Movano RWD (Single & Bi-Turbo), Mercedes Sprinter (inc. 4×4), VW Crafter RWD, Renault Master RWD, Ford Transit, Iveco Daily, Hyundai H350 Euro 6, other vehicles on request
These systems operate on a driveline power take off (DLPTO) and include the complete range of on vehicle power solutions (hydraulic, electric, high-pressure water, compressed air) available for fit on all rear wheel drive vehicles from 3 to 36 tonnes.
These PTOs outperform standard gearbox PTOs and can therefore offer a wider range if applications. Winton’s underfloor DLPTO systems, for example, can deliver water pressure at up to 250 bar at a flow rate of up to 85L per minute, ideal for jetting, firefighting and drainage work. Equally, they can be used for hydraulic drive solutions, and offer up to 200L per minute, perfect for hydraulic cranes, pumps and generators, and can supply compressed air up to 12 bar.
Bespoke on-vehicle systems
Suited to: Available for a wide variety of vehicles
In certain circumstances, and for certain applications, a bespoke on-vehicle power solution is required. Winton says it can give complete control over the specification and full system design capability.
Systems can be supplied with 110v/240v power at up to 60kVA to operate lights, tools, welfare equipment and site equipment/plant. There are many options available when designing a bespoke system, which mean that even highly specialised applications such as water pumping with foam suppression, concrete pumping and emergency service vehicle equipment can be catered for.
Finally, when it comes to choosing any on-vehicle power system, Winton recommends comparing life cycle costs (including fuel consumption) and the service offering.
