The construction industry is making a big effort to be more sustainable, and heavy equipment manufacturers are launching all-electric versions of everyday construction vehicles. The importance placed on the sector to be more conscious of this has only intensified over the last couple of years, so now electric equipment is becoming the new solution.
Whilst most construction sites around the globe still heavily use diesel engines, it is cities such as Oslo, Copenhagen and Helsinki that are attempting to pilot the world’s first zero-emissions construction sites. Work began at Olav V Street in iOslo and the noise and fumes created by equipment were so low that café owners even left their doors open, a simple but positive step in the right direction. Helsinki plans to ensure all city construction sites will be fossil fuel free by 2025 and zero emissions by 2030. And closer to our location, London has announced it plans to bring construction site emissions down to zero, but by 2040.
Hybrid Machinery
Did you know it is estimated that the fuel consumption of a medium-duty excavator of 100,000 litres of diesel during its lifespan? Switching from diesel to electric-powered construction equipment is expensive at the point of purchase. However, it is one of the most immediate ways to minimize the impact on the environment.
A hybrid machine is a piece of equipment that uses two or more distinct power sources to provide motion. Most often a diesel internal combustion engine is combined with a generator and electric motors. How it works is by converting energy generated when the upper structure reduces its speed while turning, storing this energy in the capacitor, and then using it to assist the power of the engine via the power generation motor when the engine accelerates.
Benefits of Electric Machinery
Less Noise Pollution – Electric equipment is quieter. Because of this, job sites can work through the night even when close to residential communities, allowing companies to save money and meet deadlines. In New York machinery that produces noise is not allowed before 7 am or after 6 pm. Another great benefit of this is that the operator is less likely to develop hearing loss later in life, which is a common side effect of working within the industry.
Fewer Carbon Emissions – Whilst hybrid equipment isn’t completely emissions-free like electric machinery, it does drastically reduce emissions produced in comparison to diesel-only powered models.
Lower Project Costs – Motors and generators on hybrid equipment have fewer wear parts and therefore require less overall maintenance than a diesel machine. Also with hybrid, the equipment has features such as coast control and standard traction control meaning owners see extended life on worn parts, including brakes and tires.
Fewer Fines – As government emissions regulations continue to get tougher and tougher, fines increase significantly, particularly for those in emission-heavy states like New York and California. But with hybrid and all-electric machinery, you can avoid costly fines, job-site shutdowns, and the rage of the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).
Omnia Machinery is an industry expert in used construction equipment and a trusted machinery trader. We stock a wide variety of quality used construction equipment, both diesel and hybrid, to suit many different jobs such as cranes, road equipment, quarry, earthmoving, piling, drilling and underground mining. We provide our customers with all information and pictures with their quotation before any sale is agreed. From inspections to shipping, we are here to support you through every step of the transaction and keep you informed throughout the whole process enabling you to purchase in confidence. Contact us today with your machinery requirements.