While most manufacturers of larger machines focus much of their engineering resources on Tier 4 performance and experiments with hybrid machines, Wacker Neuson, whose specialty is compact equipment, is hard at work building a zero emissions fleet.
At the Bauma show in Munich last month, Wacker Neuson displayed its ‘E’ lineup and discussed the machines with the press with quite a bit of excitement and optimism for its prospects.
And though Wacker Neuson has no plans as of yet to make these machines available in North America, it’s hard to imagine demand for zero-emissions machines never picking up stateside. And by the time that happens, the company will likely have a stable full of electric workhorses and a generous head start on the competition in terms of engineering dependability and experience with this technology, which is still very much in its infancy.
So let’s take a look at the electric machines the company is offering European customers. While we’ve seen electric equipment pop up here and there—a telehandler from Genie, work truck from Mitsubishi Fuso and cranes from Zee Cranes—no company is offering an actual electric lineup like Wacker Neuson. One that already includes two wheel loaders, an excavator, a dumper and two rammers.
The largest and newest electric machine from Wacker Neuson is the Kramer 5055e wheel loader, seen above. Like the rest of the company’s electric offerings, this battery-powered loader is designed for work on urban jobsites or inside buildings and tunnels where diesel emissions and noise make work a whole lot more complicated.
The machine is powered by two lead acid battery-driven electric motors: one for the hydraulics and one for the drive system. It features a 0.55 cubic-meter bucket and can work up to five hours on a charge. Depending on the options selected, charge time takes anywhere from three to six hours.
