Vanguard introduces swappable battery ecosystem and rugged engine durability
The ARA Show unveils the power of a swappable battery ecosystem alongside the latest commercial engine innovations.
Vanguard recently showcased a comprehensive portfolio designed to define the future of rental job site efficiency at The ARA Show 2026, March 2–4 in Orlando, Florida. Vanguard highlighted its full lineup of integrated commercial battery systems alongside its commercial engines, including the Vanguard Big Block 40 Gross HP1 EFI/ETC engine and premium single-cylinder horizontal shaft engines.
Flexible power across brands
Central to the Vanguard booth is a display demonstrating how Vanguard Li-ion batteries serve as a scalable, serviceable and sustainable solution for many applications. This showcase highlighted the value of a swappable battery ecosystem across multiple OEM brands, leveraging the Vanguard™ Si1.5, a portable 48V 1.5kWh2 swappable battery. The booth features diverse equipment powered by the Si1.5, including:
● Bartell Global plate compactor: Compresses soil and gravel.
● Classen turf rake: Removes thatch from lawns.
● Ecolawn applicator topdresser: Evenly spreads bulk materials.
● Ruwac USA industrial vacuum: Collects and contains hazardous and non-hazardous materials.
“The true advantage for the rental industry lies in the standardization of the power source. By leveraging the Si1.5 ecosystem, a rental yard can power a diverse fleet with a single, interchangeable battery,” says David Frank, senior vice president and president of electrification at Briggs & Stratton. “This eliminates the operational burden of maintaining distinct charging platforms for every piece of equipment. It simplifies inventory management, reduces the infrastructure needed for charging and ultimately maximizes the return on investment for electrified assets.”
The booth also featured the Mi-T-M Corporation ePowerStation, further highlighting the versatility of Vanguard's battery solutions for portable power. The ePowerStation is available in two models, powered by the Vanguard Fi5.0 (5kWh2) and Fi7.0 (7kWh2).
Commercial engines for the rental industry
Beyond electrification, Vanguard continues to lead in internal combustion innovation with engines designed to withstand the rigors of the rental environment. Visitors can explore the latest in engine technology, including the enhanced Big Block 40 gross horsepower EFI/ETC engine, which features significant upgrades, such as a redesigned cylinder head that works in tandem with an optimized airflow system to allow the engine to run up to 60F cooler in harsh conditions compared to the previous model. This engine offers Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) and Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) for smooth, responsive power under load.
Vanguard also highlighted the Vanguard 300 and Vanguard 400 EFI/ETC single-cylinder engines. The Vanguard single-cylinder lineup is known for innovations like the exclusive TransportGuard system, a direct solution to the common issue of engine failure caused by customers neglecting to shut off fuel during transport. By integrating the fuel and ignition shut-off into a single action, TransportGuard prevents oil dilution, resulting in fewer unscheduled oil changes and ensuring that equipment is ready to rent when customers need it — ultimately minimizing downtime and enhancing ROI.
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