The electric skid steer is a revolutionary piece of equipment that has recently gained significant popularity. It is a compact, maneuverable machine powered by electricity instead of traditional fossil fuels. This innovative technology has transformed the construction and landscaping industries, offering numerous advantages over its traditional counterparts.
The history of the electric skid steer can be traced back to the early s when manufacturers began exploring alternative power sources for construction equipment. As concerns about environmental impact and sustainability grew, the demand for greener solutions in the industry increased. The electric skid steer emerged as a viable option, offering reduced emissions and improved efficiency compared to its traditional counterparts.
Several key differences become apparent when comparing electric skid steers to their traditional counterparts. Firstly, electric skid steers do not rely on fossil fuels for power, resulting in a significant reduction in carbon footprint. This makes them an environmentally friendly choice, particularly in areas where air quality is a concern. Additionally, electric skid steers eliminate emissions such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide, making them ideal for use in enclosed spaces or sensitive environments.
Environmental Benefits of Electric Skid Steer
One of the most significant advantages of electric skid steers is their contribution to sustainability. These machines play a crucial role in minimizing environmental impact by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The elimination of emissions is particularly noteworthy, as it helps improve air quality and reduces the negative health effects associated with traditional skid steers. Furthermore, electric skid steers contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As the world grapples with climate change, every effort to reduce carbon footprint becomes increasingly important.
Cost Savings with Electric Skid Steer
In addition to their environmental benefits, electric skid steers offer significant cost savings for operators. One of the most noticeable areas of savings is fuel costs. Electric skid steers do not require gasoline or diesel, which can be expensive and subject to price fluctuations. Instead, they rely on electricity, which is generally more affordable and stable in terms of pricing.
Moreover, electric skid steers have lower maintenance expenses compared to traditional models. This is primarily due to the absence of complex internal combustion engines, which require regular servicing and repairs. Electric skid steers have fewer moving parts and are less prone to breakdowns, reducing maintenance costs and less downtime.
Another cost-saving aspect of electric skid steers is their longer lifespan. These machines can last significantly longer than their traditional counterparts with proper maintenance and care. This means that operators can enjoy a higher return on investment as they can use the equipment for a more extended period before needing to replace or upgrade it.
Electric skid steers offer several advantages
Firstly, they provide faster acceleration compared to traditional models. The instant torque provided by electric motors allows for quick and smooth acceleration, improving productivity on the job site. Additionally, electric skid steers offer higher torque, enabling them to easily handle heavy loads. This increased power translates into improved performance and productivity, allowing operators to complete tasks more efficiently.
Furthermore, electric skid steers boast improved maneuverability. The absence of a bulky engine and transmission components allows for a more compact design, making it easier to navigate tight spaces and maneuver around obstacles. This enhanced maneuverability saves time and reduces the risk of accidents and damage to the surrounding environment.
What is the Best Electric Skidsteer?
When considering the purchase of an electric skid steer, FirstGreen Industries emerges as a leading choice for those prioritizing innovation, sustainability, and advanced technology. FirstGreen Industries has been at the forefront of introducing fully electric skid steer loaders to the global market, with their Elise 900 model being the first of its kind.
For example, The Elise 900 boasts a 98% recyclable and sustainable design, reflecting FirstGreen's commitment to conserving natural resources. Its modular construction allows end consumers to keep the machines up-to-date, further extending their lifespan and enhancing their value proposition. The company's dedication to eco-friendly operations is evident in their development of the world's first 100%, fully electric skid steer loader, showcasing technology that addresses both current and future needs.
Considering the advantages of electric skid steers over traditional models, such as lower operating costs, environmental impact, and noise reduction, FirstGreen Industries stands out as a best-in-class option for those seeking to invest in electric machinery.
Reduced Noise Pollution with Electric Skid Steer
One often overlooked benefit of electric skid steers is their quieter operation. Traditional skid steers powered by internal combustion engines can generate significant noise levels, causing disturbance to both operators and those in the surrounding area. In contrast, electric skid steers operate with minimal noise, creating a more peaceful and less disruptive work environment.
Reducing noise pollution is particularly advantageous when working in residential areas or noise-sensitive locations such as hospitals or schools, by minimizing noise levels, electric skid steers allow for a more harmonious coexistence with the surrounding community, improving overall satisfaction and reducing complaints.
Moreover, the quieter operation of electric skid steers also benefits the operators. Prolonged exposure to high noise levels can damage hearing and other health issues. Operators can enjoy a safer and healthier working environment by using electric skid steers.
Improved Operator Comfort with Electric Skid Steer
Electric skid steers offer several features that enhance operator comfort. One of the primary factors contributing to improved comfort is reduced vibration. Traditional skid steers powered by internal combustion engines tend to produce significant vibrations, which can cause discomfort and fatigue for operators. On the other hand, electric skid steers have smoother operation due to the absence of engine vibrations, resulting in a more comfortable experience for operators.
Additionally, electric skid steers emit lower heat levels than their traditional counterparts. This is particularly beneficial for operators who spend long hours in the machine's cabin. The reduced heat emissions create a more pleasant working environment, preventing excessive heat buildup and ensuring operator comfort throughout the day. Furthermore, electric skid steers often feature ergonomic designs that prioritize operator comfort and safety. These designs consider factors such as seating position, control placement, and visibility, ensuring operators can work efficiently without straining their bodies or compromising their safety.
Reduced Maintenance with Electric Skid Steer
Electric skid steers require less maintenance compared to traditional models. This is primarily due to their simpler design and fewer moving parts. Internal combustion engines are complex machines that require regular servicing, oil changes, and other maintenance tasks. In contrast, electric skid steers have fewer components that can wear out or malfunction, reducing maintenance requirements.
Moreover, the absence of an engine means that electric skid steers do not require fuel filters, spark plugs, or other engine-related components that need regular replacement. This further reduces the maintenance workload and associated costs for operators.
The lower risk of breakdowns with electric skid steers also translates into less downtime and increased productivity. Operators can rely on these machines to perform consistently without unexpected interruptions, allowing them to complete projects more efficiently and meet deadlines.
Increased Safety with Electric Skid Steer
Electric skid steers offer several safety advantages over traditional models. One of the most significant safety benefits is the lower risk of fire. Internal combustion engines can generate heat and sparks, increasing the likelihood of fires in certain situations.
On the other hand, electric skid steers do not have these ignition sources, reducing the risk of fire incidents on the job site. Furthermore, electric skid steers eliminate the chance of fuel spills. Traditional skid steers rely on gasoline or diesel fuel, which can leak or spill during refueling or in case of accidents.
These fuel spills pose environmental hazards and create slip and fall risks for operators. By using electric skid steers, operators can avoid these potential dangers altogether. Moreover, electric skid steers often feature improved visibility for operators. The absence of a bulky engine compartment allows for better sightlines and a clearer view of the surrounding environment. This enhanced visibility reduces the risk of accidents and improves overall safety on the job site.
Versatility of Electric Skid Steer
Electric skid steers are highly versatile machines used in various industries and applications. Their compact size and maneuverability make them suitable for a wide range of indoor and outdoor tasks.
Electric skid steers can be used in the construction industry for excavation, material handling, and site cleanup. Their ability to navigate tight spaces and operate in noise-sensitive areas makes them particularly valuable in urban construction projects. Similarly, electric skid steers find applications in the landscaping industry. They can be used for grading, trenching, and transporting materials.
The quiet operation of electric skid steers is especially beneficial when working in residential areas or public parks where noise restrictions may apply. Furthermore, electric skid steers can be equipped with various attachments to enhance their versatility. Attachments such as buckets, forks, augers, and sweepers allow operators to perform a wide range of tasks with a single machine, eliminating the need for multiple pieces of equipment.
Government Incentives for Electric Skid Steer
Governments worldwide are recognizing the importance of transitioning to greener technologies and offering various incentives to promote the adoption of electric skid steers. These incentives aim to make electric skid steers more affordable and accessible for businesses.
One common incentive is tax credits. Governments provide tax credits to businesses that purchase electric skid steers to offset the higher upfront costs associated with these machines. These tax credits can significantly reduce the cost of acquiring electric skid steers, making them a more attractive option for businesses.
Additionally, rebates are often available for businesses that choose electric skid steers over traditional models. These rebates provide a direct financial incentive by offering a partial refund on the machine's purchase price. This further reduces the financial burden on businesses and encourages the adoption of greener technologies.
Furthermore, governments may offer grants specifically promoting sustainable practices in industries such as construction and landscaping. These grants can be used to subsidize the purchase of electric skid steers or to fund research and development projects related to green technologies. Governments incentivize businesses to invest in electric skid steers and contribute to a more sustainable future by providing financial support.
Why Electric Skid Steer is the Future
As the world continues prioritizing sustainability and environmental responsibility, the demand for electric skid steers is expected to grow. The potential for growth in the industry is significant, with manufacturers continuously improving the technology and expanding the range of available models and attachments.
Its numerous benefits, including environmental friendliness, cost savings, increased efficiency, reduced noise pollution, improved operator comfort, lower maintenance requirements, increased safety, versatility, and government incentives, make it a compelling choice for businesses in these industries.
The electric skid steer offers a practical solution for businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a greener future. Companies embracing this innovative technology, such as construction companies and landscapers, can enjoy its numerous benefits and actively create a more sustainable and environmentally conscious industry.
If you are interested in learning more about how you can purchase your first electric skid steer in Canada, contact us at www.evolutionmechanical.ca
The Bobcat S7X Electric Skid Steer - © Bobcat Company. All rights reserved.
Is an electric skid steer actually something you should invest in?
I know that with the rapid pace of change these days, it can be incredibly frustrating to keep track of the new developments in machinery.
All of us want to make sure we're getting the best value for our money, and investing in the latest technology can be a really effective way to do that.
So in this no-nonsense guide, I'll cut out all the noise and show you exactly what you need to decide if an Electric Skid Steer is something you should purchase.
The electric wave is hitting the construction industry. Have you noticed?
Electric Mini Excavators have already hit the scene, with brands like Volvo, John Deere, and Bobcat offering models as part of their line-up.
Komatsu even announced an electric mid-size Excavator that began development in .
However, at ConExpo , Bobcat revealed its first line of Electric Skid Steers and Compact Track Loaders.
Meanwhile, in the Czech Republic, there's a company with an Electric Skid Steer and a Mini Track Loader already out in the field.
The Battery-Powered versions of our machines are coming -- they offer more versatility in operations in certain scenarios, such as being able to operate indoors. With batteries becoming more efficient as well, the operating time is really on its way to becoming competitive.
Now that you have some context for how widespread this change is, let's take a look at what this means for Skid Steers and how this newly-announced electric lineup can seriously change your operations.
For those who are unfamiliar, Skid Steers are an incredibly versatile machine.
They're highly mobile and sport a huge variety of attachments available for almost any use-case you can imagine.
Whether you need to cut through brush, drill post holes, or do demolition or scrap cleanup, you can adapt your Skid Steer to the job with minimal effort.
Skid Steers are a staple on almost all construction sites and even find use by landowners with large areas of land or agriculture to manage.
So it makes perfect sense when, according to CALSTART's whitepaper on the electrification of construction equipment, Electric Skid Steers are poised to be the second largest market of electric equipment behind Electric Mini Excavators
CALSTART - Technology and Market Assessment of Zero-Emission Off-Road Equipment (Lund, Slosky, Whitson, McLane - )
Now that we have an understanding of how big this impact is going to be, let's look at the actual technology behind an electric Skid Steer.
What makes it different than a gasoline or diesel-powered Skid Steer? Are there things it can or can't do? I'll go over all of that in the next section.
An electric Skid Steer is a Skid Steer with an electrically-powered motor.
That's the qualifier. You'll notice I didn't say that it has no internal fluids. This is an important distinction to make.
When we're talking about Electric Vehicles, we're usually talking about replacing the engine as a source of energy with a battery as a source of energy. So we'll drive the motor with electricity, rather than combustion and pistons.
But we will still need coolant and brake fluids, at the bare minimum. We just won't need Engine Oil, Fuel, or any of the filters and mechanical parts that come with a combustion engine.
What this means, though, is that there's room for interpretation with the remainder of the design. How Electric are we going to go? Is there still a Hydraulic System?
That's actually a very exciting question to answer, which we'll get to right away.
On the surface, an electric Skid Steer can do everything a normal Skid Steer can -- we're just swapping the combustion engine for a battery.
However, the newly announced Bobcat S7X marks a distinct departure from traditional Skid Steer design -- It does not have a hydraulic fluid system!
The hydraulics on the Bobcat S7X are powered by an electric actuator -- and it can drive, lift, and tilt all simultaneously and without any input lag.
But -- and this is important -- remember all those attachments we discussed earlier? All of those operate off of Hydraulic Fluid.
Bobcat calls this "All-Electric" (see the FAQ section in that link) -- and they specifically distinguish this from "Battery-Electric" designs where there is still a hydraulic fluid reservoir and a hydraulically operated cylinder. This battery-electric design is what they have on their line of electric mini excavators.
This is a distinct design change and it is not universal!
For example, the Elise 900, a currently available electric Skid Steer developed by Firstgreen Industries, does have a hydraulic fluid system.
This would mean we now have two distinct classes of Electric Construction Vehicles: Battery-Electric, and All-Electric.
First off, from what we've seen so far, the Quick-Tach system is here to stay. So the answer really comes down to hydraulics.
Let's break this up into two classes of electric Skid Steers: All-Electric and Battery-Electric. We'll list out the hydraulic functions for each below.
The Battery-Electric Skid Steers are easy -- the hydraulic systems in these function almost exactly the same way that your diesel-powered Skid Steers do.
See the Elise 900 from Firstgreen Industries for an example. This machine has a battery-powered motor, but it has a 40L hydraulic fluid reservoir and the lift arms, tilt, and auxiliary hydraulics all operate exactly like a regular Skid Steer.
It only puts out about 17gpm of Hydraulic Flow, but it is fully compatible with all attachments that are hydraulically powered today (as long as their optimal hydraulic flow range is within this machine's capabilities).
For example, this 2DSS Auger Package by Digga will absolutely shine on the Elise 900.
The main detriment I see here is that the hydraulic flow is definitely on the weaker side compared to some diesel skid steers, and there's been absolutely no mention of a high-flow electric skid steer, so high GPM attachments may be out of the question for now.
This is where things divert.
The Bobcat S7X uses an Electric Actuator to control the Lift Arm and Tilt functions. That's right - An All-Electric Skid Steer does not have a Hydraulic System.
Bobcat specifically mentions "Our all-electric compact loaders do not have a hydraulic system, and weve replaced the hydraulics with custom-designed, fully electric lift arm actuators."
So what does this mean when it comes to hydraulic attachments for all-electric skid steers?
Well -- that has yet to be revealed. Bobcat just mentions in the FAQ from the link above that "Bobcat is working on a new line of Electric Attachments".
I'd venture to guess that a literal "plug and play" attachment configuration for All-Electric skid steers will emerge, where high GPM attachments like Augers and Brush Cutters will use a high-voltage plug to operate off of the battery's electricity.
We'll see what develops -- I can imagine that this will surely impact the machine's operating life on a single charge.
For now, we'll relish in being able to Lift & Tilt simultaneously with no input lag. Seriously, what a huge quality of life increase. It'll feel even better when you're using a high-quality bucket like the one below from Blue Diamond Attachments to do your earth work with.
Next, let's go over the Pros and Cons of making the switch to electric. There may be some situations where it is a huge asset to have an electric Skid Steer -- but there are certainly other situations where you'll still need the versatility of a diesel-powered machine instead.
If you've ever driven an electric car, you know the immediate difference in acceleration and initial torque that comes with a battery-powered motor.
Expect the same on the driving functions of an Electric Skid Steer.
As a bonus, if it's an All-Electric Skid Steer, you'll be able to Drive, Lift and Tilt simultaneously.
All in all, your machine will feel more responsive and more intuitive to operate -- no more anticipating the small pauses when switching functions.
As operators, we make our living off of the environment. It's how our society operates, and the harvesting and processing of natural resources is a staple component of the global societal ecosystem. It's a very important role that we are lucky enough to fulfill.
So in addition to the noticeable shift in responsiveness and performance of the operating experience, we get to add the benefit of performing this role in a way that lets us do this forever.
Less emissions preserves the environments we build our society with - and it doesn't require us to do anything other than use a battery instead of a combustion engine.
Small change, big impact, and the assurance that the next generation of operators after us can follow in our footsteps with plenty of resources to continue to move humanity forward -- you just can't beat that.
On a whole, Electricity is significantly cheaper than Diesel or Gasoline as well by volume of output. Add to this the fact that Electric Skid Steer batteries are not getting drained at idle and you start to see how quickly the savings add up over a lifetime of operating a machine with a battery powered motor.
Done for the day? Plug it in a 240v outlet and let it charge overnight for tomorrow's work.
You're going to be surprised at how quiet the operating sound of an electric skid steer is. We get so used to the din of the engine on our standard skid steer loaders that it's not something we think about.
With no idling engine to fill the air around you, you'll be able to use your ears to fine-tune the work you're doing. You'll hear when you hit rock when you're digging or drilling, or when your brush cutter catches a hidden stump, and can react much quicker than you would have before.
No more shouting over the engine to relay instructions either communication on-site will be significantly improved with the lower operating noise of these machines.
Firstgreen Industries has a really excellent tool on their website to hear the noise difference between the Elise 900 and a standard skid steer check it out here.
Isn't that wild?
No Engine = No Oil Filters, No Oil Changes, No Engine Maintenance, and No Costly Repairs.
Regardless of which type of Electric Skid Steer you get Battery-Electric or All-Electric the most costly part of owning a Skid Steer after you start to get up there in operating hours becomes the engine.
With Electric Skid Steers, that part of the system has been replaced with a battery pack. So many less moving parts, so many less opportunities for mechanical failures, and so much less maintenance over the life of your machine.
In fact, Bobcat states that it has 50% fewer components and 96% less fluid than the combustion engine Skid Steers it offers.
It's no exaggeration to say that you will drastically reduce maintenance and simplify all troubleshooting with an Electric Skid Steer.
Now that we've covered the benefits of owning an Electric Skid Steer, let's make sure we're prepared for the obstacles that this transition can present to our operations.
With all Electric Vehicles, regardless of use-case, the purchase price tends to come at a premium because of the initial cost of the battery. We pay up front for the stored energy, and amortize it over the time we use it.
We don't have prices on the S7X or the Elise 900 yet, but the tradeoff we tend to make when we buy electric is that the price is higher at the start and then significantly lower as time goes on.
This is the opposite of a Diesel Skid Steer, where it is cheap to start but expensive over time with fuel and maintenance costs.
From what we've seen in other industries, the switch to Electric ends up being a significant money-saver over time, but it comes after paying the high initial purchase price to access those savings.
This is something you want to be mindful of when considering whether or not an electric skid steer is right for you.
Now, let's take a look at what this means for operating time over the course of a day's work.
With competitive price and timely delivery, YuchaiHI sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.
Right now we only have clean information on the Elise 900, which according to this page can have a battery life under load of 6 hours with the largest battery option
Add to this that the charge time to 80% is about 3 hours on a 240v outlet, and you can see where this can get challenging.
If you have to run a job that requires more than 6 hours of work in any one day, you aren't going to be able to do that with the Elise 900 just yet given current battery capacities and energy outputs.
And until we can either swap batteries out or increase their capacity to last for a full day under load, this is a limitation EVs will continue to have compared to their petrochemical-fueled brethren.
The S7X & T7X don't have official numbers yet. However, they do have technical specs that we can glean some information out of with a quick comparison to the Elise 900.
Bobcat's T7X loader boasts a 60.5kWh gross battery capacity an impressive feat.
For comparison, the Elise 900 has a maximum 39kWh battery capacity with the 400Ah size.
The ROC of the T7X is about lbs, compared to the lbs ROC of the Elise 900.
But the Operating Weight of the T7X is much heavier coming in at nearly 12,000 lbs compared to the 9,259 lb total weight of the Elise 900.
So let's review this:
Although the battery is bigger, the fact that it's so much heavier has me thinking that the operating time of the Bobcat T7X under load is actually probably only a bit longer than the Elise 900. I'm thinking it will come out around 8 hours under load.
We're painting with broad strokes here. The point I want to make with this is that, for the most part, the efficiency of just quickly refilling a fuel tank with diesel and getting back to work is still unmatched.
For longer jobs, batteries still have a long way to go until we match the uptime of a Diesel Skid Steer with readily available fuel.
Next, let's take a look at the charging process for these batteries but first, take a second to subscribe if you're enjoying the content.
The charging infrastructure to support the transition to Electric Construction Vehicles is still in its infant stage as well.
The currently available charging options can be divided into three different levels:
However, as you can guess, we won't always have access to a Level 3 charger. So we'll go into the different options for At-Home operators and Commercial Sites below.
For At-Home Charging, much like Electric Cars, you can usually access Level 1 and 2 charging with relative ease if you're plugged into the country's electrical grid.
Level 1 Charging will be available to anyone with a standard home outlet, and will very slowly charge the battery over the course of a day most of the time.
Level 2 Charging requires a 240-volt AC outlet so you'll need to have one installed at your house or garage in order to plug a Level 2 charger into it. This is a common install considering the rise of electric cars, so it's not a heavy lift plus it hooks directly into your home's electrical system.
Unfortunately, Level 3 Charging requires tapping directly into the electrical grid and installing a 480v DC plug. This is likely off-limits to the average home or farm owner without an explicit permit and specialized equipment.
In general, the Mobile Battery Pack solution seems to be the frontrunner for the commercial EV infrastructure rollout at this time.
Energy companies like Northvolt are starting to develop highly mobile energy systems intended to be used for commercial construction sites.
The Voltpacks that Northvolt has developed are essentially just giant, portable battery arrays and they can be moved, stacked, and arranged via Crane or Forklift to create an ad-hoc refueling station.
Other options developing from Volvo's partnership with BEAM include things like a Solar-Powered Trailer for charging batteries off of.
Both of these can theoretically be used to recharge an Electric Skid Steer on a commercial site. However, both also require an additional initial investment.
As the options here continue to develop, we'll keep this post updated with the new innovations that appear.
For now, though, let's move on to the considerations we need to have around the types of jobs we take with an Electric Skid Steer due to the attachments we can actually use with them.
We'll keep this short and sweet.
All-Electric Skid Steers (Bobcat S7X & T7X)
No. You cannot use Hydraulic Attachments with All-Electric Skid Steers because they do not have a hydraulic system (see the FAQ in that link and expand the last option). Bobcat has stated that they are working on All-Electric attachments but as of right now, none have been announced.
Battery-Electric Skid Steers (Firstgreen Industries Elise 900)
Yes! You can use Hydraulic Attachments with Battery-Electric Skid Steers. For example, the Elise 900 puts out 17gpm of hydraulic flow at PSI this is plenty to use Augers, Grapples, and smaller Brush Cutters with.
However, we have yet to see a High-Flow Electric Skid Steer model so be aware of that when considering if this is right for your job!
Keep this crucial difference in mind when assessing whether you'll be able to make the jump to electric. Next, let's hit a quick comparison between Diesel and Electric. How different are they in performance, really?
Author's Note: This section was last updated in June . We will continue to update this section as new machines and technical specifications are released.
Listen, not only are machines constantly changing, but they are expensive. So we get that when you make an investment, you need something reliable that's going to last you a long time.
We've put together a quick comparison of diesel and electric Skid Steers so that you can quickly check if you'll benefit from the advancements brought on by the new machines.
Without further ado, let's get into the big one right away performance and power.
Winner: Diesel
We'll need to give this one straight to Diesel. It is true that Electric has a higher peak power (The T7X peaks at 107HP).
However, on an operational level you are going to get more effective sustained use out of a Diesel Skid Steer for the time being.
We will concede, however, that the quality of life increases promised by the T7X will be incredible. Lifting, Tilting, and Driving simultaneously and with no input lag that truly is the future.
However, the operating time of the electric skid steers just isn't there yet for long work days, and the refuel time is far too long to win out here.
For example, just compare the Bobcat S770 to the Bobcat T7X.
Bobcat S770 (Diesel):
High Flow Option: Yes
Horsepower: 92hp
Rated Operating Capacity: 3,350 lb
Travel Speed: 12.3 mph
Operating Weight: 9,314 lb
Fuel Tank: 23.9 gal (approximately 20 operating hours under load)
Bobcat T7X (All-Electric):
High Flow Option: No Hydraulic System at all
Horsepower: 107hp
Rated Operating Capacity: lb
Travel Speed: 7.8 mph
Operating Weight: 11,970 lb
Battery Capacity: 60.5 kWh (estimated approximately 8 operating hours under load).
Winner: Electric
This is actually an easy win for Electric.
It truly is just cheaper long-term to own an Electric Vehicle. Less moving parts for maintenance and repairs, and the cost of energy/fuel per operating hour is heavily in favor of Electric.
Check out this cost comparison Firstgreen Industries put together. Translated to USD:
Annual Energy Cost of 750 operating hours with an Electric Skid Steer: $810.00
Annual Fuel Cost of 750 operating hours with a Diesel Skid Steer: $12,960.00
Winner: Electric
This should be a surprise to no one. Even factoring in the emissions created in the production of the batteries and the refinement of lithium, Electric Skid Steers are still significantly better for the environment than Diesel Skid Steers.
Just check out this image from that same CALSTART whitepaper we quoted at the start:
Technology and Market Assessment of Zero-Emission Off-Road Equipment (CALSTART, )
We do a lot of construction and agricultural work around the world for very good reasons. So it's easy to understand how much all of that fuel use adds up, and how much of a benefit a zero-emission electric skid steer is for the environment compared to a diesel one.
Winner: Electric
I'm sure some of you have come home from a day of work with your ears ringing and your head still buzzing from the noise.
That's called noise exhaustion and it adds up.
Electric is an Easy Winner here again there are plenty of videos of just how silent these operate, but our favorite example is this tool that Firstgreen Industries put together which shows the stark difference in ambient noise.
Pretty big difference, huh?
Winner: Diesel
Diesel, by a mile, wins out here.
When it comes to maximizing the utility of your machine for different jobs, the current Attachments market just does not support Electric Skid Steers yet.
Trust me, we would know.
The massive reveal of Bobcat's S7X & T7X not even having a hydraulic system immediately means that there is not a current attachments market for all-electric skid steers.
Luckily, our battery-electric machines (like the Firstgreen Industries Elise 900) still have a hydraulic system, and can still use any attachment that operates in the flow range they put out.
However, we have yet to see a High-Flow Battery-Electric model announced.
The fact of the matter is, the current market supports Hydraulically-Operated Attachments and even Battery-Electric Skid Steers cannot compete with High-Flow Diesel Skid Steers.
Winner: Electric
Hand-in-hand with the Long-Term Costs comparison, Electric Skid Steers just have less parts to maintain.
No Engine, No Oil Filters, No Spark Plugs or Exhaust Systems or anything.
Bobcat's All-Electric Machines have a flat-out 50% reduction in components compared to their Diesel Skid Steer line.
Electric Vehicles are just easier to maintain and service, because there are just less parts to maintain in general. That's all there is to it.
The current market for Electric Skid Steers is still heavily in its infancy.
Already, though, it's been split into two categories:
The First-To-Market is the Battery-Electric Firstgreen Industries Elise 900.
There is not currently an All-Electric Skid Steer available. Bobcat announced their S7X model at ConExpo , but we have not seen them readily available yet.
When it comes to Charging Infrastructure as well, there is not a lot of support for these machines yet.
Most operators will be charging at home with a Level 1 or a Level 2 charger.
Commercial Companies can invest in battery arrays like the Northvolt mobile voltpacksor the BEAM solar-powered charging trailer, but this is very much a burgeoning market that has not hit maturity.
We are keeping our eyes peeled as the landscape continues to unfold, and will update this post regularly with industry developments.
The largest opportunity for advancement still lies in Batteries. They are just not at the capacity or the availability yet to be a no-brainer replacement for Diesel.
The battery problem can be solved in one of two ways:
However, the global battery production infrastructure is still being built and batteries are not fully commoditized yet so this is still the major constraint on Electric Skid Steers.
There are other advancements we can discuss in the meantime, but for the purposes of this article we want to keep the focus on the viability of Electric Skid Steers and this is the single biggest variable in that system.
Bobcat's choice to go All-Electric and remove the hydraulic system entirely was a shocker, to be sure. These machines are completely cut off from the current attachments landscape.
With this change from such a major player, we would not be surprised to see more machines developed with this approach.
And with that context, we at Attachments King envision a new branch of All-Electric Attachments that will begin to take market share over the next decade.
As the market begins to grow as batteries become more commoditized and as more All-Electric machines get released we believe an entire new market for all-electric tools will start to take root and that these tools will eventually gain considerable market share for lightweight jobs.
Is your company developing attachments for Electric Skid Steers? We'd love to work with you reach out to us today to discuss how we can get your products the reach that they deserve.
As you saw in this article, Electric Skid Steers present a massive change in the Construction Machinery market.
The choice to purchase one definitely requires consideration around your specific job requirements and what you'll need your Skid Steer to accomplish.
Check out our five key considerations from the posts above :
So, is an Electric Skid Steer right for you?
We'll, it depends on what you'll be doing!
We've summarized the main points in the article in two columns below for you to quickly assess if an Electric Skid Steer is right for you.
An Electric Skid Steer is a GOOD Idea if:
You do a lot of jobs indoors where a skid steer would be helpful but you can't operate them inside because of the emissions.
You do jobs in short bursts in locations where you can charge these machines safely overnight.
You don't need high-flow hydraulic attachments.
You would benefit from the reduced noise and the ability to Drive, Lift, and Tilt simultaneously.
An Electric Skid Steer is a BAD idea if:
You need to operate long, sustained shifts in a skid steer.
You need to utilize High-Flow hydraulic attachments
You need lighter machines due to working conditions Electric Skid Steers are heavy!
You don't have access to a place to safely charge the machines for long periods of time.
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How long does the battery of an Electric Skid Steer last?
The only information we have on this comes from Firstgreen Industries' Elise 900, which has an Operating Time Under Load of 6 hours with the highest available battery size.
What is the average cost of an Electric Skid Steer?
At this time, we don't have enough models on the market and price information of those models to answer this question. However, we anticipate that the initial cost will be higher, but the long-term costs of ownership will be significantly less than a Diesel Skid Steer.
Can I convert my diesel Skid Steer to electric?
No. There is significant and costly reengineering of the machines internal systems required to convert a diesel Skid Steer to an electric one. This is not something accessible to the common owner.
What attachments can I use?
Any Non-Hydraulic Attachments can still be used as normal. If you buy a Battery-Electric Skid Steer, you can still use hydraulic attachments that work with your machine's hydraulic flow capacities. If you buy an All-Electric Skid Steer, you won't have a hydraulic system and you'll need specialized All-Electric attachments.
What are the best brands of Electric Skid Steers in the market?
Currently, the only available Electric Skid Steer is the Firstgreen Industries Elise 900. However, Bobcat has announced the S7X and T7X, so be on the lookout for those options as well.
Are there any government incentives for buying electric machinery?
Not at this time. The Construction Industry has committed to Net Zero Carbon by , but no incentive packages have been released for businesses or landowners for electric construction equipment. We do anticipate this happening, however, so keep your eyes peeled.
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