Innovative design for safety and environment 25 May 2017

A new battery powered electric wheel loader has been introduced to the market from innovative design manufacturer Wacker Neuson. With two electric motors, one for the drive system and one for the operating hydraulics, the wheel loader WL20e works electrically so that contractors can benefit from the advantage of zero emissions. With a bucket capacity of 0.2 m3 which matches the performance of a conventional machine, it saves costs, ensures higher machine utilization and expands the application areas of the wheel loader considerably. Zero emissions are becoming increasingly important in all construction practices and especially in urban areas.

WL20e battery powered wheel loader with zero emissions

The new wheel loader has been highly commended in the environmental innovation category at the upcoming Plantworx 2017 awards. “We are very happy about this honor, as it is a confirmation by industry experts that Wacker Neuson is taking the right steps towards the future with its zero emissions line” said Richard Harrison, Managing Director Wacker Neuson UK.

Wacker Neuson have also introduced a number of other new vehicles with innovative safety features and greater efficiency. These include cabbed dumpers fitted with a frame to offer the operator greater protection in the event of machine overturn or frontal machine impact, and a 10 tonne track excavator ET90 with excellent engine and hydraulic performance and a fuel consumption up to 30% lower than comparable models. This reduces production costs while providing digging power with up to 20% more bucket breakaway force. Conversely, the economical load sensing hydraulic system allows for finely controllable lifting arm movements with a full performance at the same time.

ET90 track excavator saves costs

The Vertical Digging System (VDS) for compact excavators compensates for height differences on uneven terrain and slopes and keeps the operator in an upright, more comfortable and safer working position. The system enables progressive tilting of the superstructure by up to 15 degrees and at the touch of a button operators can compensate for slopes of up to 27%, allowing greater productivity and efficiency.

A new range of tandem rollers ranging from 1.8 to 4.5 tonne includes five combination rollers for application in uneven ground conditions and on gradients which are available with vibration or oscillation drums. With its two synchronously rotating eccentric weights, the drum directs its entire compaction force in a targeted manner down into the ground while maintaining permanent contact, which is an advantage in vibration-sensitive areas such as on bridges. In the compaction of asphalt, a larger temperature window can be taken advantage of, since the material can also be compacted at lower temperatures.

The remote controlled trench roller RTx uses infrared technology so that the machine is stopped as soon as the line of sight between operator and device is lost. A proximity recognition sensor stops it from moving closer than within 2m of the operator. This infrared remote control was recently awarded for a particularly high level of safety.

These new vehicles and features will be shown at the Plantworx conference, 6th-8th June in Leicestershire, UK.