Small excavators are always useful equipment in many commercial industries. Now construction and other industries are highly dependent on mini excavators. This industry is growing continuously, with over 8 million employees. The net worth of the construction industry is almost $1.4 trillion.
Research revealed that construction projects use almost 34% of the world’s energy. In comparison, there is almost 45% of carbon dioxide emissions from these industries!
Why are Mini Excavators a Good Equipment for Electrification?
Zero-emissions at point-of-use:
We know that there is an increase in demand for zero-emission tools during operation. So, the off-highway projects are also trying to emit less carbon dioxide. Now many cities are imposing ZEZ for all vehicles either on the highway or off the highway.
That is the reason manufacturers are now introducing electrically powered machines. One of these is the mini excavator that may improve performance over diesel engines. Now this small machine is widely used in many indoor applications. In these applications, gallons of diesel engines are not the better option. The reason is that these emit more fumes.
Reduced noise pollution:
The best point about HIXEN Mini Excavator is that this help to reduce noise pollution. In the past and still, there were, and there are, many machines that produced more noise. But now there is a quiet machine in the industry.
Reduced noise during operation is not only an ideal option at construction sites. But it also reduces noise pollution globally. As a result, it has better impacts on the overall health of people. Not only do they reduce noise pollution, but these machines are also the better job performer.
Less noise during operation helps the operator to communicate with others. In simple words, electric-powered engines are more beneficial than diesel-based engines.
Interoperability:
Many operators of HIXEN Mini Excavator see a major difference in the working of machines. In simple words, the performance of the diesel engine and electric power was the same.
While the fluctuation in load is quick because of the high speed of the electric motor, as a result, the machine operates at a better speed and maximizes performance level.
Decreased maintenance:
Though electric motors are the best option over diesel engines, so, there is no need for a coolant and oil filter. As a result, there is much reduction in maintenance intervals. Now excavators don’t have many parts that need maintenance. It results in affordable maintenance of parts over diesel engines.
What are some of the challenges that electric excavators still face today?
Battery packaging requirements:
Packing of battery areas is much more challenging in machines. The reason is that these machines are designed to use diesel instead of a battery. No doubt, batteries require less power compared to fuel engines.
While batteries require some extra parts which are not necessary for diesel engines, the extra part may be the thermal management system. So many engineers have to face the challenge of packing the battery area.
Cooling and heating management:
Though the excavator is a small machine and the best option to work in confined areas, so, it is important for each machine to work under all climatic conditions.
Though the machine is compact so it is not possible to add a cooling system; in comparison, the battery of the machine is inoperative at under 0 degrees Celsius.
4 Tier Technologies Found in Compact Excavators:
Compact excavators have a feature of 4 tier technologies that are the game changer. Now many contractors, renters, owners, dealers, and manufacturers are using this technology. More information about this technology means more accurate results. So, each contractor and dealer must know some tips to know about this technology.
Commonly excavators give accurate results at the weight of 3.6 tons. So, many manufacturers prefer to manufacture excavators of this size. But they keep a small engine of almost 25.5 horsepower, according to EPA. As a result, there is a significant reduction in cost. The reason is that this engine doesn’t need costly control. Moreover, this engine type doesn’t have exhaust after use.
Though it is in the hands of renters and operators to minimize the cost of 4-tier technology, they actually prefer to use small engines and face damage. When the contractors use a 3.5-ton excavator with a small engine, it means the engine requires a lot of force to operate the machine.
As a result, it causes a reduction in productivity, efficiency, and performance. In simple words, contractors have to face more power reduction. It is the time when each contractor and dealer prefer 4 tier engine. Suppose you want to complete some large tasks using a powerful engine. Then make sure to have a big power engine according to the project’s needs.
New Trends and Supporting Filters in Small Excavators:
Many manufacturers have several engines with an exhaust system. These engines are different because of DOC and DOC plus DPF. Commonly DOC engines regularly emission of carbon dioxide.
While the combination of DOC and DPF plays a role in exhaust cleaning. For DPF, operators must focus on proper maintenance, such as generation. But this system is an ideal option for reducing emissions.
DPF (Exhaust Filter)
DPF is an exhaust filter that requires proper cleaning after the filter is plugged in. For this, regeneration is commonly used. It is a cleaning method that burns all the carbon particles in the filter. However, it is an automatic process for filter cleaning. But most of the time, excavators need regeneration for a short time. This way, the cleaning process is completed, and restore the efficiency of the filter is.
Another cleaning method is DEF present in large equipment. This system is not present in a machine having less than 76 horsepower. Hopefully, this system will be introduced in many compact machines of less than 76 power.
Emission from the machine’s engine is continuous and increases with time. But it is very challenging to understand such emissions. So, each buyer must contact the dealer and consultant about the machine manual. Shortlist the options of mini excavators and always rent the right one.
Push for Greater Efficiency Electrifies Compact Equipment Design
The construction industry has to face challenges. The reason for these challenges increases with an increased demand for power plants. In the near future, a diesel engine will be the most dominant source of power for machines. Hopefully, this engine will show more efficiency and minimize noise.
Not only diesel but there will also be a major increase in the use of electric models. All these machines were highly used in indoor applications and emission-sensitive areas.
Diesel Technology Evolves
Noise is the major challenge that each machine owner has to face. Whether you have a large excavator or any other machine. You have to bare a lot of noise during operation. In comparison, a mini excavator is an only best machine that may control the noise and vibration.
The reason is that small excavators put the operators near the engine. In comparison, it is not possible in large-size excavators. Now excavators have come up with features to regulate the engine noise.
Conclusion:
Mini excavators are the most versatile but small machines. It has faced many challenges in the past years. These challenges may be logistic and economical. Now many excavators work in places with no electricity.
Obviously, it is not possible to charge an electric machine with a diesel engine. For this, there is a keen need for batteries which results in much economical cost. Commonly lithium-ion batteries are in use, but these are more expensive.
Moreover, grid electricity is costly compared to diesel fuel. Hopefully, there will be less use of batteries in the near future. This way, the challenges of the increasing cost will fade!
