The construction industry has seen a lot of changes in recent years. Two of these changes have been the push for more environmentally friendly practices and new emissions regulations from the EPA. This has led to the development of electric construction equipment, including electric loaders. It’s not just one brand developing them either: Bobcat, Volvo, JBC, and many more have started to add electric-powered equipment to their lineup.
How are Skid Steers and Track Loaders Different?
Find Out Here!
Benefits of Electric Construction Equipment
There are many benefits to using electric construction equipment including:
Reduced noise and vibrations
- Electric machines can be made to be much quieter than their diesel counterparts (they make half as much noise) and have greatly reduced vibrations due to the lack of heavy moving parts in the engine.
Lower operating costs
- Unlike traditional equipment which needs to be left running when it is going to be used again soon, electric equipment can be turned off and on quickly. These short amounts of downtime can add up to hours of operating time saved.
Reduced maintenance costs
- With no engine, the maintenance of an electric machine is greatly reduced.
Full workday battery life
- Depending on the machine and the rate of use, most electric machines can go up to 8 hours between charges. Constant use may bring this number down.
Lessened environmental footprint
- Electric construction equipment releases zero emissions into the atmosphere. Not only is this good for the environment, but it also makes your work site cleaner with no fumes hanging in the air.
Downsides of Electric Construction Equipment
Along with the benefits, there are some downsides to be aware of when using electric construction equipment.
Limited availability
- Electric construction equipment is still a new concept for many companies and the selection of products can be limited. Right now, it would be difficult to replace every piece of diesel equipment you own with electric equipment. Some companies are also only offering electric equipment in certain countries and regions.
Installing/finding charging ports
- Most manufacturers recommend a 240-volt, Level 2 A/C setup for charging the equipment. This means the standard 120-volt in most households/businesses won’t work for charging. This can become especially tricky when working on-site for extended periods.
Slower
- While some electric equipment can keep up with their diesel counterparts, many others are slower in comparison. While speed is not always important with equipment, it is good to know how fast your machine will run.
Finding mechanics
- Since electric construction equipment is still so new, some mechanics may not know how to maintain or work on them. Check with your mechanic or foreman when considering whether an electric machine will work for your business.
The Future of Construction Equipment
While a fully electric construction site is still probably years away, electric construction equipment is making its way into the industry. This shift towards electricity over fuel is happening in many industries. If you are looking to buy a new loader in the coming years, it might be worth it to look into electric loaders. No matter how the construction industry changes though, know you can trust LPS with your loader part needs. Contact our team today for our full list of available parts.
