Ahlmann Netherlands puts electric range in spotlight during test days

During test days at Ahlmann Netherlands in mid-December, visitors could get to know the emission-free machines from Ahlmann and Mecalac. An excellent opportunity to experience how the electric models perform and thus discover what irons the multi-excavator e12, swing loader eS 1000 and dumper eMDX6 have in the fire.

Mecalac's e-Series was designed from the outset to be all-electric. This results in unparalleled efficiency. Compared to a medium excavator electrified by converters, consumption is about half as low. In addition, the design is "remarkably clean," according to the manufacturer. Whereas emission-free is usually synonymous with gigantic battery packs, which severely limits all-round visibility, the Mecalac e12 and eMDX6 and the Ahlmann eS 1000 look remarkably like average earthmoving machines with a combustion engine. Under the skin, however, some modifications have been made to make them perform as efficiently as possible. As a result, a relatively small battery pack of 75 or 150 kWh is sufficient to run an entire working day.

Outright praise

The test days in Ammerzoden created pleasant crowds, with visitors getting all the information about this renewed concept while enjoying a snack and a drink. A machine of each type was on static display and an e12 and eS 1000 could be found on the demo track. Many operators took the opportunity to experience how such an electric machine runs. They all praised the power and silence. 

Both Mecalacs have two electric motors; one for propulsion and one for working hydraulics. The Ahlmann has a third electric motor for the swing. A special plunger pump with optimal transmissions and reductions guarantees constant power. In terms of consumption, this provides an enormous efficiency gain.

According to Bram van Gelder, who as an operator at Van Werven of Oldebroek has worked more than 1,300 hours in nine months with the Netherlands' first Mecalac e12, the 11-ton tire crane effortlessly runs the entire working day on a full charge. The lithium-ion battery comes from Swedish quality brand Northvolt. Ahlmann Netherlands director Arjan van den Oord: "As an all-rounder, the e12 is really emerging as an emission-free alternative to 14-tonne mobile excavators. Unknown makes unloved, it is often said. The electric version of the Mecalac 12MTX set several visitors thinking. Whoever can convince a machinist to run with this, they are the real winners. In terms of versatility and practicality, nothing can match the e12."