Construction and mining fleet owners were able to experience the real-world power of electric earthmoving machines at a special event hosted by ELB Eq
Construction and mining fleet owners were able to experience the real-world power of electric earthmoving machines at a special event hosted by ELB Equipment to demonstrate the capabilities and seamless integration of the machines into their fleets.
ELB Equipment is among the first major supplier to launch multiple models of its electric LiuGong wheel loaders with the first three models launched already in operation at some of its customers’ sites. The event held at its Middleburg branch was attended by more than 300 customers who were given the chance to operate the powerful machines alongside some of the company’s traditional diesel equivalents.
ELB Equipment divisional director, Keon Kardolus, was on hand to walk customers through the experience explaining that skyrocketing diesel prices are strengthening the case for electric machinery in applications where charging infrastructure is available. The relative simplicity of the electric drivetrains require significantly less maintenance offering unmatched reliability in the toughest of conditions.
The event allowed an unusual opportunity to customers to compare the performance of electric loaders with LiuGong’s established diesel range where the consensus among attendees was that the electric machines could match the diesel loaders in every way including working all day without the need for recharging. The electric range on display included the LiuGong 856HE, 870HE and 8110TE for different loading requirements in heavy construction and smaller-scale mining with the larger 8110TE suited to larger-scale operations.
“Some of the differences our customers noticed was that the electric drive systems provide high torque from standstill and have much lower noise levels. There are no emissions and the operators have an easier and safer working experience with fewer vibrations, effortless controls and technologically advanced safety features built-in to the cab environment.
“But the main factors driving the move to electric equipment is the potential savings which are particularly significant for machines operating for long hours in fixed locations wherever suitable electrical infrastructure and the machine’s duty cycle allows.
“Luckily wherever the case does not suit electric machines we have a full range of LiuGong diesel loaders. These are well proven in the market with tried-and-tested engine, driveline and hydraulic systems designed for our hard-working local conditions and in every application our sales and support representatives will be able to assess and advise of the available options,” says Kardolus.
He added that LiuGong is one of the largest earthmoving equipment manufacturers globally with world-leading research and development facilities that are pioneering new ways of powering earthmoving operations into the future. Its partnership with ELB Equipment has created one of Southern Africa’s fastest growing and most successful earthmoving equipment operations with branches in 14 locations across South Africa as well as dealerships in Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Eswatini, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and subsidiary operations in Kenya.
“Events like these bring us closer to our customers and gives them the opportunity to view and even operate machines that have the potential to move their own operations forward. They have relied on us to bring them the best earthmoving and mining solutions from across the globe for more than 100 years and with the addition of world-beating electric machines from LiuGong we believe we are showing them the way forward for the next 100 years,” Kardolus said in closing.
