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Zero-emission operation is an important trend in the construction machinery industry. Electrification constitutes one of the main topics at bauma 2022. The world's leading trade fair for construction machinery, building materials and mining machinery, as well as construction vehicles and equipment will be held from October 24 to 30 at the Munich Trade Fair Grounds.
To reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with climate protection goals, more and more construction equipment and vehicles are being developed with electric drives. Other benefits are also driving this trend. For example, electric motors are quiet and protect operators and the environment from exposure to direct exhaust fumes. Another benefit is that electric motors are considered low-maintenance and efficient, meaning they provide low operating and energy costs. So it makes sense that "the road to zero emissions" is also one of the main topics at this year's bauma. Many exhibitors have already announced brand new e-solutions.
One is the first battery-powered reversible vibratory plate with direct drive. The APU3050e from manufacturer Wacker Neuson uses the proven hydraulic adjustment system to change direction, just like conventional models. With a working width of 50 cm and a centrifugal force of 30 kN, the machine is easy to operate and has the lowest overall height of any reversible vibratory plate on the market, making it ideally suited for use in narrow trenches.
In the future, electrically driven tandem rollers may be the answer where emission-free compaction is needed on a larger scale. Hamm AG is presenting eight models from the HD CompactLine series in their world premiere at bauma. They are powered by a maintenance-free lithium-ion battery with a capacity of about 23 kWh. In addition, the energy released by the traction and vibration motors during braking is used in recovery. The battery has enough capacity for an entire working day. The e-drive also significantly reduces noise emissions, making the e-tandem rollers suitable for all areas that require particularly quiet compaction. Because these settings also often require low vibration loads, the compaction specialist is introducing an electric combination roller with oscillation in addition to e-vibration and oscillation rollers.
The T7X, still in the concept phase, is the world's first all-electric compact tracked loader. The manufacturer, Bobcat, will use bauma to continue gathering feedback from customers from different segments. The goal is to better assess market opportunities for the machine in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. With its 62 kWh lithium-ion battery, the T7X can operate continuously for four hours. The mobile payload is just under 1,400 kg. Unlike all other loaders worldwide, the new machine requires virtually no fluids: Bobcat has completely replaced the traditional hydraulic system with an electric drive system consisting of electric cylinders and electric motors. The only fluid in the machine is about four liters of environmentally friendly coolant.
Putzmeister envisions a future with all-electric concrete transport thanks to its iONTRON e-mixer. The vehicle's battery has a capacity of 350 kWh, meaning that one battery charge is sufficient for five to six trips in urban areas - usually enough for an entire working day. The vehicle can be easily recharged if more trips are planned. The mixer can be charged at full power overnight at a DC charging station. Virtually silent operation allows unlimited use even in locations with strict noise regulations - a significant competitive advantage when bidding in metropolitan areas. Rising fossil fuel prices also make the e-drive an economical alternative.
In turn, Tadano's E-Pack is an electro-hydraulic system with an integrated 32 kW electric motor that provides low-noise and emission-free crane operation. This solution was presented at the last bauma in 2019. At that time, it was only available for a single crane vehicle. At the world's leading trade show this year, Tadano will show that in the meantime, five of its AC cranes can be ordered with the E-Pack or existing cranes retrofitted with it.
The Japanese manufacturer is also offering a preview of the world's first all-electric rough terrain crane. The machine is currently in an advanced stage of development and is expected to be launched in late 2023. It will be able to drive to and from construction sites and perform all lifting there using only the energy provided by batteries.
Other exhibitors have already announced new e-machines, but will not present their firsts until bauma. These include the successor to Kramer-Werke GmbH's 5055e four-wheel-drive electric wheel loader. In addition, the company promises to unveil a new electric telescopic loader. And that's another reason why a visit to the Munich fairgrounds in October is well worthwhile.
