Why Buy an Electric Loader? Let’s Talk About Battery-Powered Skid Steers, Track Loaders, Wheel Loaders and More

This article is part of a series on battery-powered compact loaders. In the coming weeks, we will be posting brand-specific stories summarizing the electric loader options from a variety of machine makers, including Volvo, Case, Toro, Cratos, Volteq and beyond. View those other stories right over here. Then enjoy the feature below.

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Diesel has long ruled the equipment industry. Every earthmoving equipment category on the dealer lot is engineered with a diesel power plant — from skid steer loaders to wheel loaders. Boasting impressive torque, fuel efficiency, durability and longevity, today’s diesel engines are the superior choice for the long days and harsh duty cycles of commercial construction, landscaping and agricultural equipment. But let’s be honest; it’s really been the only choice.

More and more contractors have been discovering applications where internal combustion engines (ICE) are not ideal — like indoor demolition, zoo maintenance, night projects or perhaps construction around a hospital. These specific jobs require machinery that is emissions-free, quiet and free of smelly fumes. In , finally, after years of prototypes and product previews, we can at long last entertain the choice of battery-powered construction equipment.

“We see electric vehicles as another tool in the toolbox for contractors,” says Brady Lewis, product manager for emerging products and technology at Case Construction Equipment, which will sell five electric machines by the end of . “Our diesel lineup provides all of the power and capability that Case has built our reputation on for over 180 years, but electric vehicles are becoming a critical part of the landscape for some applications and regions.”

When it comes to loader categories specifically — wheel loaders, skid steer loaders, compact track loaders, backhoe loaders and stand-on and walk-behind loaders — there are a variety of interesting players and products arriving on the market. We have famous traditional brands like Volvo, JCB, Toro, Case and Bobcat offering battery-powered variants of popular loaders, and then there are lots of newcomers and niche players eager to serve the market — often focusing only on electric equipment — folks like Firstgreen, Volteq and Cratos.

The use of electric power in construction machines is not new. Electric-powered equipment has long been used in the mining and demolition markets. Certain machine sectors like industrial forklifts and mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) have used batteries for years. Now, the loader tool-carrier categories of compact equipment are getting electrified, which is an exciting proposition for progressive contractors. Where does electric off-highway construction equipment fit in a fleet’s toolbox, and how can it be used to make a company more efficient and profitable? Let’s find out.

The Pros of Electric Loaders

Electric loaders produce less pollution. First off, battery-powered loaders create zero tailpipe emissions, significantly reducing the release of harmful pollutants such as carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter. There’s also less noise pollution; electric motors are inherently quieter than their diesel counterparts. The reduction in noise pollution is particularly beneficial for construction projects in urban areas, minimizing disturbances to local communities and improving the working environment for operators.

“Electric drivetrains inherently produce less noise and vibration compared to internal combustion engines,” explains Marcus Suess, chief operating officer of Firstgreen Industries (makers of electric skid steers). “This not only makes the loaders suitable for use in noise-sensitive environments such as residential areas and indoor facilities, but also improves operator comfort.”

Electric loaders have fewer moving parts than traditional internal combustion engines, which translates to lower maintenance requirements and costs. The simplicity of electric motors reduces the likelihood of mechanical failures. This reliability is crucial in construction, where equipment downtime can cause significant project delays and increased costs. Additionally, the cost of electricity is generally lower and more stable compared to diesel fuel, leading to substantial savings over the equipment’s life cycle.

“I think the one thing operators need to get their heads around is that there’s no idle time on an electric machine,” says Joel Honeyman, vice president of global innovation at Bobcat, which launched the industry’s first electric track loader (the T7X). “With a diesel machine, there’s all this idle time. We know it from our own telematics. A third of all equipment on the jobsite is at idle. We’ve found this is a wow factor for our early customers. They’ll say, ‘I couldn’t believe it. We used it all day, and it had 60 percent charge left.’ Well, you didn’t really move the vehicle all day. You might’ve used it throughout a workday, but when the operator was waiting, got up for lunch or got off the machine to do something, it wasn’t consuming energy.”

There are clear operational advantages as well. Electric motors provide instant torque, resulting in smoother and more responsive operation. This enhances the precision of tasks such as digging, lifting and grading, leading to increased productivity and reduced job completion times. Quieter loaders with less vibration and instant responsiveness make for happier operators.

“Everyone I’ve seen use one of our electric machines on a job or even just a test drive is pleasantly surprised at how powerful they feel — some even say they feel more powerful,” says Darren Ashton, product manager of compact equipment at Volvo Construction Equipment, which offers electric wheel loaders, excavators and rollers.

Going electric also offers plenty of interesting technological upgrades. The integration of automation, autonomy, software upgrades and telemetry are easier on e-loaders. “For instance, on our current diesel hydraulic loaders, you have auto bucket positioning, right?” says Honeyman. “Well, that’s all done hydraulically, but there’s hoses and valves to do that. On our all-electric loader, it’s software. We just programmed it.”

Battery-powered machines have several advantages over traditional internal combustion engines, particularly when it comes to considerations such as incorporating advanced programming and smart functions.

“Battery-powered compact utility loaders can be easily integrated with advanced control systems, allowing for sophisticated programming and customization. This enables enhanced automation, precision and efficiency,” explains Sam Dando, senior product marketing manager at Toro, which builds electric stand-on loaders, mowers and power buggies. “With the ability to add sensors and connectivity, battery-powered machines can support various smart functions more easily. These include real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, remote diagnostics and over-the-air software updates. Smart functions improve reliability, reduce downtime and extend the lifespan of the equipment.”

Utilizing electric equipment is also a great opportunity to market a company as being environmentally conscious and less invasive. Both homeowners and commercial businesses appreciate eco-focused construction — especially when it means less noise and less fumes. Soon, projects may require them. Organizations like the California Air Resources Board are already setting rules for a zero-emissions automotive market. Off-highway equipment will likely be next. Employing electric equipment now allows companies and their customers to be good stewards of the environment and practice sustainability. That green halo is something contractors can also upsell to customers.

Why You Should Consider Buying an Electric Compact Wheel Loader

By now, anyone who uses compact equipment has probably caught wind of the push toward electric machines. If you’re unsure whether it’s right for your operation, you may be looking for some advice.

When it comes to compact wheel loaders (CWLs), there are three main reasons to consider going electric: operational benefits, environmental benefits and financial benefits. Let’s take a look at each.

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Operational

Some people think an electric machine won’t have as much power as a diesel machine, but that’s just not true. There are brands whose electric model specifications match up with their diesel equivalents. More importantly, early users of electric compact wheel loaders have reported that they’ve experienced no drop in performance compared with a diesel machine.

There are even some ways electric machines outperform diesel models. One of those is the instant torque of electric. When the operator moves the joystick, the response is instantaneous rather than the slight delay that’s common with a diesel machine.

One of the best things about a CWL is its versatility due to its compatibility with multiple attachments, and electric versions are no different. We’ve also heard from operators that the reduced noise and vibration of electric machines makes jobsite communication easier and lessens fatigue.

Runtime is a common question about electric machines, but charging is not as complicated as you might think. Basically, the more power you can put into the machine, the faster it will charge — like filling your vehicle with a fuel pump versus a gas can.

For optimal charging time, it’s best to have a 240-volt, 32-amp Level 2 AC-charging setup that utilizes an SAE J charging adapter or J plug. Before you get worried about the jargon, this is the same setup recommended for electric cars, and 240 volts is what many household appliances run on.

A regular 120-volt outlet should also work depending on the brand of the machine you have, but it will take longer. There are also options like off-board fast chargers and solar-powered chargers. And of course, research and development will provide a wider range of charging options in the coming months and years.

Runtime will vary based on the manufacturer, but the electric compact wheel loaders I’m most familiar with get several hours from a full battery in their most common applications. Another thing to consider is that an electric machine turns off when it’s not in use. So think about how much your diesel compact wheel loaders idle in an average shift versus doing actual work. That electric machine may have more than enough battery to get the job done in a single charge.

Another tip is to not run at full throttle all the time because you usually don’t need excessive power. Run in an appropriate rpm range and you’ll be just fine.

Environmental

Even if sustainability is not a top priority for you, it is to many others. Governments are increasingly enacting clean air regulations, and more project owners are putting sustainability targets into their RFPs. A machine with zero emissions could help you win more bids.

An electric machine could also open up new types of work for you. Just think about all the new and different ways electric CWLs can be used thanks to their zero emissions and significantly lower noise. They can work indoors, in congested areas, near animals and potentially at hours when noise restrictions are in place.

The ability to bid on emission- and noise-restricted jobs is part of a solid long-term business strategy and will help you qualify for applications where conventional machines aren’t welcome. Plus, it’s simply the right thing to do for our environment.

Financial

If you’re concerned about the cost of switching to electric, don’t forget to calculate the total cost of ownership (TCO) and not just the purchase price. Electric machines offer fuel savings, less maintenance and extended component life — and that’s on top of the additional work you may be able to win.

Maintenance is much simpler on an electric machine because there’s no engine to maintain. DEF and other filters also are not needed. Essentially, the only supplies required are grease and hydraulic oil. This is much different than a conventional machine that requires fluid, filter and component checks as often as every day.

Overall, the lifetime of battery-electric components should be equal to or better than that of the diesel engine on a conventional machine. My team conservatively estimates that users will see 35% savings in maintenance cost and time over the life of the electric machines we offer.

I mentioned earlier that many electric machines shut off when not in use. This means they can significantly reduce the accumulation of machine hours compared with diesel machines, which rack up hours while idling. This reduces operating costs — and it can also improve the resale value of the machine.

Summing It Up

Improvements on electric CWLs and charging infrastructure will continue, of course. But they are viable right now, too. Why wait to take advantage of their operational, environmental and financial benefits when you could get started today?

Talk to your dealer or OEM and determine whether an electric compact wheel loader might be a good addition to your lineup.

Lars Arnold is an electromobility product manager for Volvo Construction Equipment. Learn more here!