The construction industry is one of many industries moving towards electrification. Contractors, rental companies and OEMs are facing pressures around noise, emissions and reliability, and electrification provides a solution to many of these issues.

The challenges are particularly evident in the rental sector. Fleet managers rely on equipment that can be integrated from site to site easily. Traditional battery-powered systems can be slow to charge and have reduced runtime, resulting in OEMs facing similar pressures and in need of power systems that offer reliability, lower emissions and long-term serviceability.

Vanguard, Briggs & Stratton’s brand for commercial power solutions, has become a revolutionary supplier of a game-changing battery system. Its 48V 1,5kWh swappable battery pack (Si1.5) is designed to meet construction’s commercial challenges.

The battery also supports sensible procurement decisions, as understanding the total cost of ownership is essential when making power purchases. Beyond the upfront price of the machine, rental companies and contractors need to consider fuel costs, maintenance, downtime, and the lifespan of a machine. Swappable battery systems directly address these factors. Interchangeable batteries and rapid charging reduces downtime and maintenance needs, while standardising power sources across machines lowers management complexities. Over the lifetime of the equipment, this can lead to significant savings, making electric alternatives not just a sustainable choice, but a financially smart one.

Sjoerd Van de Velde, Managing Director at Briggs & Stratton EMEA said: “On job sites, operators work in emissions sensitive environments and deal with noisy equipment, whilst also have challenges with the downtime of machinery. A move to electrification as the standard in construction will simplify these day-to-day issues.”

Charging speeds of the Vanguard battery reach 80% in just 45 minutes using high performance chargers, so uptime is guaranteed. Durability remains a focus of the battery, helping to withstand pressures from job sites.

B-mac, a Belgium-based manufacturer, uses the Vanguard swappable battery to improve indoor operations for its finishing trowel. Concrete finishing demands uninterrupted runtime, especially on surfaces that cannot wait for a battery to recharge. The swappable battery allows for continuous operation, which is vital in this field. The reduced noise and vibration improves communication and operator satisfaction. Emission-free operation allows work to take place in enclosed spaces, where engine-powered machines are unsuitable.

The B-mac electric trowel demonstrates how Vanguard supports varied application. Each machine benefits from consistent runtime, fast charging and reliable power. These capabilities translate into higher productivity and a more versatile approach to indoor finishing.

An additional example is Muck-Truck, which has taken similar electrification steps with its E-Max wheelbarrow. The Vanguard Si1.5 battery was selected for its efficient swappable design, adaptability and performance.

The battery helps deliver the power needed for challenging terrain, heavy loads and steep slopes, whilst also offering zero-emission operation and lower noise than traditional engines. This makes it ideal for residential zones and noise-sensitive environments. For rental companies, reduced downtime and rapid battery charges help maximise its effectiveness and user satisfaction.

Together, B-mac and Muck Truck show how Vanguard is driving meaningful progress in construction electrification. The Si1.5 swappable battery ensures fast-charging, reliability, and easy management when combined with Briggs & Stratton’s expert support. This delivers peace of mind for OEMs and operators that they have the best equipment for their needs.

Sjoerd Van de Velde, Managing Director at Briggs & Stratton EMEA said: “With Vanguard’s swappable and high-performance batteries, downtime is no longer an issue for users. Not only do the batteries benefit the environment, but they allow for smarter, faster and more confident work with less issues.”

From concrete finishing to material transport, Vanguard’s technology demonstrates that the next wave of construction machinery can be cleaner, quieter and more efficient, without compromising on power or performance.

While swappable batteries are ideal for reducing downtime and efficiencies, Briggs & Stratton also offers a wide range of Vanguard fixed battery packs to suit different machine types. Whether for continuous heavy-duty usage or for smaller, specialised equipment, Briggs & Stratton has power solutions suitable for a variety of needs.