Are friends electric? – the drives

Advances in drive technology are being seen from several key firms as new generation, compact electric systems begin entering the market - Mike Woof writes Major innovations in machine systems are being seen in the construction equipment sector. Several manufacturers are hedging their bets with regard to drive technology and introducing electric drive machines, which will suit use in urban ultra-low emission zones. Wacker Neuson has developed an array of electric machines in recent years including a numbe
October 3, 2018 Read time: 4 mins
Dana and Mecalac worked together to develop a construction machine with electric drive
Advances in drive technology are being seen from several key firms as new generation, compact electric systems begin entering the market - Mike Woof writes


Major innovations in machine systems are being seen in the construction equipment sector. Several manufacturers are hedging their bets with regard to drive technology and introducing electric drive machines, which will suit use in urban ultra-low emission zones.

1651 Wacker Neuson has developed an array of electric machines in recent years including a number of hand-operated construction tools. Most notable has been the firm’s all-electric wheeled loader, now available in a second generation variant.

Meanwhile 2254 Dana and 2441 Mecalac have collaborated to develop an innovative wheeled excavator featuring an all-electric drivetrain. The firms have developed the special e-Drivetrain system for the new Mecalac e12 electric compact wheeled excavator. This machine recently won the Energy Transition Award as part of the 2018 242 Intermat Innovation Awards.

Based on the proven Mecalac 12MTX model, this version is the world’s first all-electric compact wheeled excavator. The machine features Spicer 112 axles and a Spicer 367 shift-on-fly transmission. According to Mecalac, its e12 wheeled excavator delivers the range, performance, and compact size for use on urban construction sites and is designed to meet demand for equipment able to operate in low emission zones.

“As the European construction market embraces the trend toward zero-emission standards for small to mid-sized vehicles, our customers are demanding great strides in efficiency while also requiring reliable performance,” said Jean-Baptiste Rousseau, technologies manager at Mecalac.  “Dana was able to adapt the 12MTX drivetrain to add electric drive capabilities within our existing vehicle architecture.  With their technical expertise and open collaboration, we developed an optimal solution and accelerated the delivery of this vehicle to market.”

With an eight-hour working range, the engine compartment in the Mecalac e12 houses LiFePO4 battery technology – lithium iron phosphate for service life that is three times longer than classic batteries.  The batteries can be charged in around seven hours.


Dana has experience developing drivetrain systems for hybrid and electric vehicles. The company also offers patented battery and electronic cooling technologies, along with fuel-cell technology. In addition, Dana engineers had extensive experience with this particular application because the diesel-powered version of this vehicle also features Spicer drivetrain components.

“As a Tier-One supplier, we understand that the success of electrification in the off-highway industry is driven by performance. These technologies must support a smooth transition to fully integrated electric-drive technologies optimised within a single package, providing both electrified and conventional powertrain options,” said Aziz Aghili, president of Dana Off-Highway Drive and Motion Technologies. “Dana’s support for new energy vehicles has been considerable, and growing every year, as the importance of engineering for hybridisation and electrification is further elevated throughout the industry.”

5073 Bonfiglioli also unveiled a number of electric drive solutions at the recent Intermat exhibition. One of its latest projects has been the development of a hybrid drive system. The 610X unit is a two-speed, hydraulically-operated drive, which offers dynamic electronic speed shifting as well as integrated parking and service brake systems. The new drive is said to be compact in construction, with an optimised electric motor design. It has an integrated speed shift that operates within the optimum range and is said to maximise efficiency.

The system has been fitted to a prototype backhoe loader from Huddig. This machine features a 104kW 196 Cummins diesel as well as electric motors and a lithium iron phosphate battery with 25kWh. Maximum power is 135kW with 92V, with the machine offering several operating modes. The user can select from maximum performance in parallel or serial hybrid mode, quieter and more environmentally friendly in battery or plug-in operation.


Bonfiglioli claims that the system helps to increase driving precision and energy efficiency. The machine is equipped with four special traction drives, each driven by a 30kW electric motor and delivering a maximum output torque of 40,000Nm. The new 610X wheel drive from Bonfiglioli has been developed for heavy-duty machines requiring high torque. For the Huddig articulated backhoe loader, each wheel can be controlled, independently, controlled, providing better control on slippery surfaces. In addition, the machine can manoeuvre easily in confined worksites, while generating minimal noise.

Engines, Components & Tyres

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Caterpillar expands product range for China
    May 15, 2019
    Caterpillar has expanded its product range for the Chinese and emergent markets, with its own branded machines and also for its Chinese subsidiary, Shandong Engineering Machinery (SEM). Caterpillar has introduced three wheeled loaders for Chinese and emergent territory customers, with the 950 GC, 980L, and 982M models. Also new are the Next Generation 320 and 323 excavators, which benefit from a Smart Mode that automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to specific digging conditions, and an advanced
    Read More
  • LiuGong launches world’s first intelligent wheeled loader shovelling system
    May 20, 2019
    LiuGong has unveiled the firm’s first-ever intelligent remote-controlled shovel wheeled loader. The 886H is said by the Chinese global construction, quarrying and mining equipment giant to be a combination of intelligent remote control and intelligent technology. The model’s intelligent wheeled loader shovelling system senses material penetration; has one bottom loading and dumping; along with bucket auto levelling and controllable placement of the bucket. Intelligent shovelling enables the machine to
    Read More
  • New developments in bulldozers and graders
    February 7, 2017
    A number of new bulldozer and grader developments are now coming to market - Mike Woof reports Bulldozers and graders are often overlooked as earthmovers, with the focus all too often concentrating on excavators, wheeled loaders and ADTs. However, key manufacturers are rolling out new graders and bulldozers too, which are also benefiting from the latest low emissions engine technology as well as advanced telematics systems and improved cabs with better all-round visibility. Caterpillar’s 26tonne 14M3
    Read More
  • Komatsu Europe celebrates 1,000 Hybrid Excavators
    November 12, 2020
    Produced in the UK for the European market, the Komatsu “Hybrid” range has gone from strength to strength, with the 1,000th unit produced in the summer of 2020 at the Komatsu UK factory near Newcastle.
    Read More

Highlighted Content