Skip to main content

Imer’s hybrid technology unveiled in skid steer

The IMER Group was proudly displaying its prototype skid steer loader at Intermat 2015: the 3S, a ‘smart, sustainable, skid’. The new hybrid technology has been developed by the group’s earth moving business IHIMER which is a joint venture between the IMER Group and the construction machinery arm of Japanese giant the IHI Corporation.
April 24, 2015 Read time: 2 mins
IMER Group’s first hybrid machine – the 3S skid steer loader

The 6233 IMER Group was proudly displaying its prototype skid steer loader at Intermat 2015: the 3S, a ‘smart, sustainable, skid’. The new hybrid technology has been developed by the group’s earth moving business 4848 IHIMER which is a joint venture between the IMER Group and the construction machinery arm of Japanese giant the IHI Corporation.

The prototype is the culmination of a development programme which has involved both Pisa and Florence Universities, said Paolo Pianigiani, director of the IMER Access business unit. Following on from the skid steers, access platforms will be the next IMER products to benefit from hybrid technology followed by mini excavators.

“The aim was to develop power units which then could be used on other products in our company,” explained Pianigiani. “There could be a wide spectrum of uses.” IMER has four divisions: earthmoving, access platforms, small equipment and concrete.

With an operating weight of 1,330kg, the 3S has an operating load of 330kg and delivers a breakout force of 750 kgf. Power is stored in a lithium ferro phosphate battery pack  90 Ah 86 V, which provides a range of two hours with a 7 kW Worms Expert 7510X on-board auxiliary power unit.

The drive control system, which was developed in the access business of the company, sees the four independent wheels controlled electronically, managing power delivery according to the actual demand. “The integration of the hybrid technology and the drive system allows you to have better control of the traction and consequently safer operation,” said Pianigiani.

The unit, which should be in production by the end of the year, will be useful in a wide range of applications, said Pianigiani from landscaping, maintenance and civil works to use by the army - as it can be operated remotely if required.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Wacker’s latest skid steer offers increased performance
    June 14, 2017
    From Germany, Wacker Neuson recently launched a new line of medium-frame skid steer and compact track loaders that the company says are ideal for a variety of applications. The four new skid steer and two new compact track loaders have hinge pin height on the vertical loaders to provide maximum loading and unloading capabilities. For example, pin height for the SW16 wheel skid steer is 300cm while for the ST31 radial lift track model is nearly 319cm. An engine torque of 300Nm provides the power needed for i
  • Novel hybrid drive for backhoe loader from Bonfiglioli
    April 10, 2018
    Bonfiglioli has developed an innovative drive system, the 610X, for use with hybrid backhoe loaders. The 610X unit is a two-speed, hydraulically-operated drive. This 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 is now being used by Huddig
  • Asphalt paving developments
    March 13, 2012
    US and European asphalt paving needs are different, but some firms are bridging that gap, reports Mike Woof. With a clear differentiation between the US and European asphalt paving markets, manufacturers from the latter are now developing machines aimed at the former. The US and European markets for paving machines have developed along very different lines. North American pavers are designed for high throughputs and high paving rates, having been designed to meet a need to build roads over long distances wi
  • Improved pavers from Volvo CE
    March 24, 2020
    Volvo CE says that its latest P8820D ABG and P6870D ABG paver models combines size and versatility. The improved D-series variants benefit from a new design and smart features that are said to boost reliability and productivity.