One of the biggest questions we get is can electric sideloaders replace diesel side loaders? The momentum for electric-powered sideloaders, and machines in general, has gathered paced throughout the last three to five years. Nevertheless, there is still some anxiety about changing the method of power.
Many businesses that are replacing diesel sideloaders with electric sideloaders are reporting benefits such as them being low maintenance and often benefiting from green incentives. They are less noisy and more comfortable, and even operators that claim to prefer an engine to rev profess to loving the feel of electric trucks once they have experienced it.
The Difference Between Electric Sideloaders and Diesel Sideloaders
Of course, they do operate differently. For a start, that engine revving will usually give a boost to the lifting speed. For electric sideloaders, all the parameters are controlled by the CPU. They can be adjusted and refined to suit the working style, but occasionally operators and managers don’t see eye to eye!
Getting enough power into the machine is key to both its runtime and efficiency. We are the only people that make a 120-volt sideloader, with a single-piece battery above deck. You can browse the EXL Range here.
Our ELX and EGX ranges of trucks come in a variety of capacities, from 3 to 8 tonnes capacity, and are now our most popular selling products.
The EGX in particular is a 120-volt truck designed for multi-shift operations. The battery is above deck so is easily removable by crane or fork pockets to allow battery exchange. See it in action here!
This is an electric sideloader that is replacing many diesel trucks. Because it is a 120-volt truck, it loses less energy due to heat and electrical resistance, and customers are reporting nine hours runtime, sometimes more, on a single charge. With an eight-hour window to recharge, it is allowing them true multi-shift capability, and changing the battery is a simple five-minute operation.
On engine trucks there is a lot of “idle time” – activity which is neither working time nor run time. On Baumann electric sideloaders that is eliminated, via sensors in the pedals, joystick and steering wheel that cut off power when it is not needed. The result is that nine hours of runtime would supersede most people’s expectations.
Cost Efficiency of Electric Vs Diesel Sideloaders
When you look at diesel trucks now, as well as the cost of (white) diesel, unless you are under the 55kw power threshold, you also have AdBlue.
AdBlue helps reduce certain emissions, helping the engines to meet the stringent legal standards. It does this by breaking down the nitrogen oxides into harmless elements before being released into the air. Prices vary wildly, depending on the amount purchased, but as with many products related to the oil and gas industry, prices have rocketed in 2022.
The rise in the cost of Adblue, diesel, and previously LPG, have all outstripped rises in electricity, and improved battery and charger technology have simultaneously reduced the amounts needed to ‘get the job done’.
Of course, batteries and chargers also require components and materials that are subject to demand-led price increases, but in the minds of most users, the economic case, as well as the environmental case, has been won.
Objections over the remaining practicalities of battery capacities, load capacities, runtimes, power supplies, maintenance and charging routines are slowly but surely becoming a thing of the past.
Ready To Talk About Switching?
We have been manufacturing and supplying sideloaders to the steel industry for over half a century. We understand our side, and we listen to you to learn from your side.
That means you get a product that is perfect for your needs, to help your business grow and to protect your team.
Get in touch with us to see how we can help. Email info@baumann-sideloaders.co.uk or contact us here.
