--- title: "Understanding the Hird Test: Benchmarking Battery Endurance for MEWPs" description: Explore the groundbreaking Hird Test for assessing battery endurance in MEWPs, setting industry standards for performance and safety. Discover its origins, methodology, and impact. image: https://blog.discoverbattery.com/hubfs/Hird-Test-Photo-1.png --- [![discover-logo.png](https://blog.discoverbattery.com/hs-fs/hubfs/discover-logo+tag-CMYK.png?width=250&height=73&name=discover-logo+tag-CMYK.png "discover-logo.png")](https://discoverbattery.com/) # Understanding the Hird Test: Benchmarking Battery Endurance for MEWPs ![Hird-Test-Photo](https://blog.discoverbattery.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Hird-Test-Photo.png?width=1050&height=656&name=Hird-Test-Photo.png "Hird-Test-Photo") ## Understanding the Hird Test: Benchmarking Battery Endurance for MEWPs Posted by [Ileana Skorlich](https://blog.discoverbattery.com/author/ileana-skorlich) on Aug 31, 2024 10:00:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Topics: [Battery 101](https://blog.discoverbattery.com/tag/battery-101), [Motive Power](https://blog.discoverbattery.com/tag/motive-power), [Transportation](https://blog.discoverbattery.com/tag/transportation), [Deep Cycle Batteries](https://blog.discoverbattery.com/tag/deep-cycle-batteries), [Lead Acid](https://blog.discoverbattery.com/tag/lead-acid), [AGM Batteries](https://blog.discoverbattery.com/tag/agm-batteries), [MEWP Batteries](https://blog.discoverbattery.com/tag/mewp-batteries), [AWP Batteries](https://blog.discoverbattery.com/tag/awp-batteries) Topics: Battery 101, Motive Power, Transportation, Deep Cycle Batteries, Lead Acid, AGM Batteries, MEWP Batteries, AWP Batteries - [Understanding the Hird Test: Benchmarking Battery Endurance for MEWPs](https://blog.discoverbattery.com/hird-test#Understanding) - [The Genesis of the Hird Test](https://blog.discoverbattery.com/hird-test#Genesis) - [Conducting the Hird Test: A Step-by-Step Guide ](https://blog.discoverbattery.com/hird-test#Conducting) - [Self-Propelled Electric Articulating Booms](https://blog.discoverbattery.com/hird-test#Booms) - [Self-Propelled Electric Scissor Lifts](https://blog.discoverbattery.com/hird-test#Scissor-Lifts) - [Key Considerations](https://blog.discoverbattery.com/hird-test#Key-Consideration) - [The Impact and Importance of the Hird Test](https://blog.discoverbattery.com/hird-test#Impact) - [Explore the Hird Test in Action: Watch the Discover Battery Video](https://blog.discoverbattery.com/hird-test#Watch) ### Understanding the Hird Test: Benchmarking Battery Endurance for MEWPs In the world of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), battery endurance is crucial for operational efficiency and safety. Recognizing this need, Hird developed a pioneering method known as the Hird Test, which has become a global standard for assessing the battery performance of DC electric MEWPs. Let's explore the history, methodology, and significance of the Hird Test in ensuring optimal performance and reliability of these machines. #### The Genesis of the Hird Test The Hird Test was conceived in the late 1980s by Peter Hird Snr, the founder of Peter Hird & Sons after a customer raised concerns about poor battery performance. This innovative test was explicitly created for self-propelled electric articulating booms and scissor lifts, addressing a critical need in the industry. Battery manufacturers and operators worldwide have adopted the Hird Test to validate performance claims and compare against competitors. #### Conducting the Hird Test: A Step-by-Step Guide The Hird Test involves subjecting a fully-charged MEWP to a series of operational cycles until the machine shows signs of power depletion. Here’s how the test is conducted for two common types of MEWPs - **Self-Propelled Electric Articulating Booms** - Choose a clear, smooth area—preferably concrete or asphalt. - - Fully charge the machine overnight and complete all pre-use checks. - Start with the machine at position A, driving it in the folded position to position B, then back. - Elevate each boom section individually to full height, telescope out, slew the basket, and return to the  stowed position. - Record each complete cycle and repeat until the machine starts to power down. - **Self-Propelled Electric Scissor Lifts** - Drive the lift to position B, reaching maximum speed, and engage the steering motors. -   - Lift and lower the platform to complete cycle 1, then repeat the process at position A. - - Continue this routine, recording each cycle until battery depletion signs appear. ![Untitled (Facebook Ad) (1200 x 670 px)](https://blog.discoverbattery.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20(Facebook%20Ad)%20(1200%20x%20670%20px).gif?width=545&height=304&name=Untitled%20(Facebook%20Ad)%20(1200%20x%20670%20px).gif) #### Key Considerations An essential aspect of the Hird Test is the caution against fully discharging the batteries, which can cause damage. A second person should be present to monitor the test and manage any emergencies, ensuring safety and accuracy. **The Impact and Importance of the Hird Test** The Hird Test has become integral to product development and maintenance programs. Providing a reliable benchmark for battery endurance helps manufacturers enhance their products and offers operators a dependable performance measure. The test's widespread adoption underscores its value in ensuring that MEWPs meet rigorous operational standards, ultimately contributing to improved productivity and safety on work sites. In conclusion, the Hird Test is more than just a battery endurance evaluation—it's a testament to innovation in the MEWP industry, driving advancements and setting benchmarks for years to come. **Explore the Hird Test in Action: Watch the Discover Battery Video** To gain a deeper understanding of the Hird Test and its practical applications, we invite you to watch a detailed video by Discover Battery on YouTube. The video "Understanding the Hird Test: Benchmarking Battery Endurance for MEWPs" provides a comprehensive visual guide to the test. [Check it out here](https://youtu.be/8hHM3oEI2-o)and enhance your knowledge about this innovative method.   Watch video:     **Hird Ltd was referenced for the creation of this blog.** For more information on the Hird Test and how to conduct one, visit [https://hird.co.uk/service-and-maintenance/the-hird-test-measuring-mewp-battery-endurance](https://hird.co.uk/service-and-maintenance/the-hird-test-measuring-mewp-battery-endurance). ### Subscribe Here! ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Tag - [Lithium (15)](https://blog.discoverbattery.com/tag/lithium) - [Battery 101 (14)](https://blog.discoverbattery.com/tag/battery-101) - [Energy Storage (14)](https://blog.discoverbattery.com/tag/energy-storage) - [News (14)](https://blog.discoverbattery.com/tag/news) - [Transportation (12)](https://blog.discoverbattery.com/tag/transportation) - [Motive Power (9)](https://blog.discoverbattery.com/tag/motive-power) - [Media Coverage (5)](https://blog.discoverbattery.com/tag/media-coverage) - [AGM Batteries (3)](https://blog.discoverbattery.com/tag/agm-batteries) - [MIXTECH (3)](https://blog.discoverbattery.com/tag/mixtech) - [Deep Cycle Batteries (2)](https://blog.discoverbattery.com/tag/deep-cycle-batteries) - [Lead Acid (2)](https://blog.discoverbattery.com/tag/lead-acid) - [MEWP Batteries (2)](https://blog.discoverbattery.com/tag/mewp-batteries) - [AWP Batteries (1)](https://blog.discoverbattery.com/tag/awp-batteries) - [Acid Stratification (1)](https://blog.discoverbattery.com/tag/acid-stratification) - [Battery Recycling (1)](https://blog.discoverbattery.com/tag/battery-recycling) - [Dual Purpose (1)](https://blog.discoverbattery.com/tag/dual-purpose) - [Marine Batteries (1)](https://blog.discoverbattery.com/tag/marine-batteries) See all Have Questions?      We're happy to help. 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