FIRST BATTERY-DRIVEN Ez17e MINI-EXCAVATOR DIGS DEEP
PLANT AND EQUIPMENT •
FIRST BATTERY-DRIVEN Ez17e MINI-EXCAVATOR DIGS DEEP
In February this year , Wacker Neuson South Africa unveiled its all-electric mini-excavator , the EZ17e , which offers zero direct emissions and low engine noise .
“ We are extremely excited about this battery-driven excavator , especially as it is the first of our comprehensive zero-emission compact equipment range that we are introducing to the South African market ,” states Dennis Vietze , MD of Wacker Neuson sub Saharan Africa .
‘ Mini ’ is really only applicable to this highly efficient machine ’ s dimensions because when it comes to performance duration , durability , safety and sturdiness , the EZ17e works just as flexibly as its combustion engine counterparts . The excavator features outstanding ergonomics , ease of handling , and cost efficiency . High-quality lithium-ion technology enables this robust digger to perform reliably for an entire average workday .
The stark reality of climate change has captured global attention . With carbon emissions identified as the major offender , the big drive towards achieving net zero carbon has led to ever more stringent environmental regulations being placed on industry and mining . Against this backdrop , capital equipment Original Equipment Manufacturers ( OEMs ) are successfully incorporating rapidly advancing battery technology into their products . This has led to the evolution of battery-powered electric machines and equipment that mirror the same capabilities and functionalities as fuel / LPG-driven products with the added crucial ‘ green ’ advantages of zero-emissions and low engine noise .
Committed to creating a holistic solution for the zero-emission work site , the Wacker-Neuson Group has been at the forefront of harnessing clean battery power into its light equipment and compact machines . This forward-thinking approach earned the company the SaMoTer 2020 Innovation Award in the category hydraulic mini-excavators , for the advanced engineering and design of the EZ17e . Its pioneered , zero-emission product line-up displays a distinguishing green ‘ e ’ that stands not only for the drive system but also for easy , efficient , electric , completely emissionfree operation .
battery heating , the electric digger can , regardless of the ambient temperature , be charged from any power source including the grid or even a renewable energy source ( 100 to 415 volts ).
As the low-maintenance EZ17e does not require the typical maintenance work demanded by conventional machines such as engine oil and filter replacement , service material costs and downtime are significantly reduced .
The EZ17e scores yet another zero as the first fully-electric Zero Tail mini-excavator without rear projection . The no-overhang design makes this compact machine ideal for efficient , seamless operation indoors , in tight , cramped spaces , and directly alongside walls and obstructions .
“ With the Wacker Neuson zero-emission solutions ,” says Vietze , “ a complete inner-city construction site can be operated today without direct exhaust emissions . Environmental compliance regulations are set to become ever more stringent , so using a machine or equipment that does not emit excessive noise or exhaust fumes in the first place eliminates the need to test for compliance with threshold values , giving end-users complete peace of mind .” He adds that zero direct emissions and low engine noise protect not only the working environment but also , most importantly , the operators .
Wrapping up , Vietze says customers can also look forward to a wide range of other battery-powered equipment that the company will be rolling out and systematically integrating into the local market . These include rammers , wheel and track dumpers , wheel loaders , vibratory plates as well as an internal vibrator system for concrete consolidation . •
EZ17e does not require the typical maintenance work demanded by conventional machines such as engine oil and filter replacement .
The company ’ s entire electric zero-emission range was tested on a city construction site by a customer in Stuttgart , Germany . The fact that the machines and equipment “ have the same power as conventional ones ,” impressed the customer who also reported that the products have “ fewer maintenance areas compared to combustion-engine equipment and operators can get to grips with the machines much more easily .”
“ We are also pleased to announce that the EZ17e has already been successfully tested in South Africa by our distributor partners , AFGRI Equipment and Maucal Mining and Minerals ,” affirms Vietze . Having put the machines through their paces , both organisations have reported extreme satisfaction with the excavator ’ s overall performance .
The advanced 23.4kWh lithium-ion battery at the heart of the EZ17e provides enough power to the mini-excavator to complete a full shift . In a bid to maximise customer and end-user uptime and productivity , the company has engineered a highly flexible battery power solution : the excavator can be connected to a power source while operating in stationary applications . Furthermore , owing to patented battery technology that incorporates integrated
The Ez17e delivers the same performance , durability and safety as its combustion engine counterparts – only cleanly and quietly .
Wacker Neuson www . africanmining . co . za African Mining Publication African Mining African Mining • June 2023 • 43