From mobile electrification to telematics and IoT, modern utilities equipment is becoming more controllable and smarter for efficient and reliable designs. By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor The most conspicuous trend in the utility equipment industry — as with most mobile machinery — is electrification. Electrification of mobile machinery previously referenced electric control through solenoid or […]
EV Engineering
The future of mobile hydraulics and sustainable off-road machines
Volvo Construction Equipment is at the forefront of global efforts toward electrification and non-diesel alternatives for mobile machines, and the company aims to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. It has offered battery-electric wheel loaders and mini excavators for several years and will soon launch an electric road asphalt compactor and an electric version […]
A glimpse at the future of unmanned machines
When engineers consider next-generation construction equipment, much of the attention today centers on electrification, alternative-fuel engines, automated functions that increase precision and reduce waste, and “smart” control networks that wirelessly tie together all the machines on a worksite for greater efficiency and productivity. Perhaps a bit under the radar, but potentially game-changing, is the possibility […]
Electric machines complement diesel-hydraulics
Last year Bobcat introduced the T7X, the world’s first all-electric compact track loader. The company is now expanding its electrification portfolio with the recent introduction of the first all-electric skid-steer loader, the Bobcat S7X, and its new concept track loader, the Bobcat RogueX. “At Bobcat, we are always pushing the boundaries to explore the next […]
Volvo Construction forms new Compact Business Unit
To maximize the opportunities in the growing compact equipment segment, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has announced the launch of a new Compact Business Unit. The new Compact Business Unit will: Take advantage of the shift to electrification in the compact equipment segment to secure a fully electric line up of productive and sustainable products […]
Dump truck features on-demand hydraulics
The DT6 articulated dump truck from Hydrema, based in Støvring, Denmark, marks the company’s first foray into the electric vehicle segment. The completely new design, showcased at Conexpo 2023, combines an electric direct drive with on-demand hydraulics. Among the key features: quiet operation and zero emissions. The machine has an articulated chassis with a center […]
Telehandlers rely on battery powered hydraulics
The Manitou Group, with North American headquarters in West Bend, Wisc., is a long-time manufacturer of equipment like telehandlers, lift trucks, loaders and work platforms. Recent R&D and commercialization efforts have included electrification of numerous models. This includes the introduction of new electric rotative telehanders that are offered in six versions. The MRT 2660e, for […]
Volvo Penta & Gradall partner on electric excavator concept
Gradall has unveiled an electrified concept model of its multipurpose, highway speed wheeled excavator, powered by Volvo Penta’s electric driveline. In a nearly decade-long partnership, Volvo Penta has been an exclusive supplier of 5- and 8-liter Tier 4f engines for Gradall’s diesel-powered telescopic boom excavators. The companies are now taking the first step into electromobility. […]
John Deere to expand E-Power options
Customer interest in more-productive and sustainably focused construction equipment is certainly on the rise. To help address the growing market for alternatively powered machines, John Deere showcased new E-Drive (hybrid-electric) and E-Power (battery-electric) machines at Conexpo 2023. “As a leader in the construction industry, John Deere is committed to helping decrease contributions to climate change […]
Best of both worlds
Wacker Neuson, Menomonee Falls, Wisc., aims to help construction contractors meet their daily job-site challenges, whether the task demands conventional equipment or alternative-powered battery electric machines. A central focus of the company’s booth at Conexpo 2023 was the EZ17e 1.7-ton battery-powered mini excavator, essentially an electric analog of the company’s proven diesel-powered EZ17 excavator. The […]
