A sustainable and safe deployment of the (existing) foundation machine

Fundex Equipment is taking its responsibility in the energy transition. The manufacturer of foundation machines has previously launched a large-scale electrical offensive. The FUNDEX F4800E has already successfully performed a first construction pit and the Fundex Power Switch (FPS) bridges the step to fully electric where you can flexibly use existing equipment without emissions. And with the Last Moment Indicator (LMI) this also happens safely.

The infrastructure sector is slowly moving to electric, but that comes with huge investments. "Many of our customers still have young and diesel-powered machinery," knows Arjan Roubos of Fundex Equipment. "For maximum flexibility, you would also want these machines, which can often last for decades, to run emission-free. At least, where it can. Because emission-free construction pits are not yet commonplace in the infra. With that in mind, we developed the Fundex Power Switch (FPS), an electrically driven hydraulic power unit."

Ready-to-go

With the FPS, Fundex offers its customers a fairly lower entry level to make the switch to electric, while retaining the conventional diesel engine for those projects where emission-free is still a bridge too far. "The FPS is placed on the back of the foundation machine and has a capacity of 1250 liters per minute," says John Brakman of Fundex Equipment. "Of that, 450 liters per minute is available for the machine functions (driving, slewing, winching) and 800 liters per minute for the hydraulic flow of the auxiliary equipment." There is a lot of interest in the FPS, which is also available as a rental unit, according to both men. "It allows our customers with existing equipment to flexibly tender for emission-free projects. Combined with our Fundex Battery Pack, the customer is ready-to-go."

Online portal

All data from the FPS is also visible in the MYRIX online portal for insight into production and the associated energy consumption. "Via the performance dashboard, you can estimate in advance how much power you need to get through the day," Arjan explains. "Battery sets can be adjusted accordingly, for example, in combination with the available grid power." In addition to real-time machine data, MYRIX also provides real-time insight into all pile data, allowing you to watch the drilling process live.

In addition to focusing on the sustainable aspect, Fundex Equipment also emphasizes working safely. "Stability is and remains an important factor to work safely with a foundation machine," John knows. One of the latest developments is a Last Moment Indicator (LMI). "The LMI software provides notification when the critical point is reached based on real-time data of, among other things, the pressure in the supports, ground pressure, broker strength and lifting load. Note that this is a notification, not a limiter. But it does help increase safety awareness." And there is a lot of interest in this from the market, because Fundex has already equipped several machines with LMI software.