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.

Finance & Funding

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Innovation abounds at the smaller end of the compaction equipment sector
    August 22, 2013
    New machines are now being offered at the compact end of the asphalt compaction market - Mike Woof reports Manufacturers have developed an array of new machines and solutions for the compact end of the asphalt compactor market segment. These units have been designed to meet the latest regulations for Europe and the US, with low emission engines that are also more economical on fuel. But as these machines are made in large volumes, the market for smaller asphalt compactors sees fierce rivalry between fi
    Read More
  • New machines boost concrete paving performance and accuracy
    July 21, 2015
    New concrete paving machines offer greater versatility as well as performance – Mike Woof writes GOMACO said that its Next Generation Commander III paver has been designed to increase safety and all-round visibility, while offering improved performance. This four track paver benefits from the firm’s latest G+ Connect technology as well as 3D guidance options. A key to the improved performance is the G+ control system while the machine also has power from a quiet, low-emission Tier 4 engine. Fuel consumption
    Read More
  • New alternative to batteries for EVs
    November 15, 2013
    A new development looks set to offer an efficient alternative to lithium ion batteries for use in electric vehicles (EVs). At present the current generation of EVs feature lithium-ion batteries to store energy. However the performance of the lithium ion batteries has been criticised, particularly with regard to the recharge time required as this is considerably longer than the time needed to refuel a combustion engine-powered vehicle. While faster charging technologies are available for lithium ion batterie
    Read More
  • Smoother surfaces
    September 11, 2014
    Efficient new soil compaction machines featuring the latest technology are now coming to market – Mike Woof reports The start of 2014 has seen a major development for the construction equipment sector, with the Tier 4 Final emissions requirements at last beginning to take effect. The implications of the drive towards the introduction of low emission engine technology have been seen right across the off-highway machinery equipment industry, and the soil compaction segment is no exception.
    Read More

Highlighted Content