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Wacker Neuson South Africa is proud to introduce its all-electric mini excavator, the EZ17e, which has no direct exhaust emissions and exceptionally low noise levels. “We are very excited about this battery-powered excavator, especially as it is the first of Wacker Neuson’s full range of zero-emission compact equipment that we are introducing to the South African market,” says Dennis Vietze, Managing Director of Wacker Neuson Sub-Saharan Africa
“Mini” only applies to the dimensions of this highly efficient machine because when it comes to performance duration, durability, safety and robustness, the EZ17e performs with the same flexibility as its combustion engine counterparts. Its coup de grace is that it offers all this cleanly and quietly. The excavator has exceptional ergonomics, ease of handling and profitability. High-quality lithium-ion technology allows this rugged excavator to run reliably throughout an average workday.
The harsh reality of climate change has captured the world’s attention. With carbon emissions identified as the main offenders, the huge drive towards achieving net zero carbon has led to increasingly stringent environmental regulations being applied to industry and mining. In this context, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Wacker Neuson are successfully incorporating rapidly advancing battery technology into their products. This has resulted in the evolution of battery-powered electrical machines and equipment that reflect the same capabilities and functionality as fuel/LPG powered products with the added crucial ‘green’ benefits of zero emissions and low engine noise.
Committed to creating a holistic solution for the zero-emission workplace, and subsequently also helping to protect the climate, the Wacker-Neuson Group has been at the forefront of harnessing clean battery power in its lightweight and compact machines This advanced approach earned Wacker Neuson the 2020 SaMoTer Innovation Award in the hydraulic mini excavator category, for the advanced engineering and design of the EZ17e. Wacker Neuson’s cutting-edge zero-emission product line, innovative and pioneering, proudly displays a distinctive green “e” that not only represents the drive system, but also easy, efficient, electric and completely free operation emissions
Wacker Neuson’s entire zero-emission electric range was tested on a city construction site by a long-standing customer in Stuttgart, Germany. The fact that the machines and equipment “have the same power as conventional” impressed the customer, who also reported that the products have “fewer maintenance points compared to combustion engine equipment and that operators can take the machines much more easily.”
Having successfully stamped a green footprint around the world, Wacker Neuson’s zero-emission battery electric solutions have now arrived on South African soil. “We are also pleased to announce that the EZ17e has already been successfully trialled in South Africa by our distributor partners, AFGRI Equipment and Maucal Mining and Minerals,” says Dennis. After putting the machines to the test, both organizations have reported extreme satisfaction with the overall performance of the excavator.
The advanced 23.4 kWh lithium-ion battery at the heart of the EZ17e provides enough power for the mini excavator to complete a full shift. With the goal of maximizing uptime and productivity for customers and end users, Wacker Neuson has designed a highly flexible battery power solution: the excavator can be connected to a power source while operating in stationary applications. In addition, thanks to the patented battery technology that incorporates integrated battery heating, the electric excavator can be charged, regardless of the ambient temperature, from any power source, including the mains or even a power source renewable energy (from 100 to 415 volts).
Because the low-maintenance EZ17e does not require the typical maintenance work required of conventional machines, such as engine oil and filter replacement, service material costs and downtime are significantly reduced.
The EZ17e scores another zero as the first all-electric Zero Tail mini excavator without rear projection. The cantilever-free design makes this compact machine ideal for efficient and seamless operation indoors, in small, tight spaces and directly next to walls and obstructions.
“With Wacker Neuson’s ‘zero emission’ solutions,” says Dennis, “an entire construction site in the city center can be operated even today without direct exhaust emissions. Environmental compliance regulations are are becoming increasingly 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 compliance with threshold values, giving end users a total peace of mind.” Dennis adds that zero direct emissions and low engine noise protect not only the work environment but also, most importantly, the operators.
Finally, Dennis says customers can also look forward to a wide range of battery-powered equipment that Wacker Neuson will systematically implement and integrate into the local market over the coming months. These include rammers, wheel and crawler dumpers, wheel loaders, vibrating plates, as well as an internal vibrating system for concrete consolidation. “We invite customers to join us on our exciting and sustainable zero emissions journey and move closer to achieving their net zero carbon goals.”
