Vanguard showcased a comprehensive portfolio designed to define the future of rental jobsite efficiency at The American Rental Association (ARA) Show 2026. 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.
The ARA Show was scheduled for March 2–4 in Orlando, Florida.
Flexible Power Across Brands
Central to the Vanguard booth is a display demonstrating how Vanguard lithium-ion batteries serve as a scalable, serviceable and sustainable solution for many applications. This showcase highlights 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,” said 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.”
Briggs & Stratton | Vanguard
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).
The 24V Fi3.5 (3.5kWh2), Fi5.0 and Fi7.0 in both long and tall configurations were also on display in the booth alongside Vanguard’s lineup of motor controllers, including the MC2000, MC4000 and MC8000. All Vanguard batteries are backed by an eight-year commercial limited warranty and supported by the Briggs & Stratton dealer network.
Commercial Engines for the Rental Industry
Beyond electrification, Vanguard continues to innovate with internal combustion engines designed to withstand the rigors of the rental environment. The enhanced BIG BLOCK 40 Gross HP1 EFI/ETC engine 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 60° F 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.
