2024 sees the official launch of the most highly anticipated electric mini excavator, Takeuchi’s new TB20e.
The new 100% battery powered TB20e is now available in the UK following extensive 2-year field testing. The power performance, work-rate and operating hours have been key to the unique design and Takeuchi can confidently say that the TB20e matches a TB216 in every aspect, it’s just quieter with zero emissions. The new TB20e is a 100% battery powered mini that delivers 8 hours of continuous working time at 65% load. That is a significant output that matches the typical work-rate of its equivalent diesel TB216. The TB20e matches for dig depth, dump height, travel and slew speed. It features electro-hydraulic controls, 24.7kW lithium-ion battery and 3 charging options: onboard, offboard and tethered. Available with a portable fast charger that securely rests on the blade when transporting. The Electric Takeuchi has been in the United Rentals fleet for 2 years in the USA and Takeuchi are confident of its performance credentials. It delivers a quieter zero emission model that can get to work anywhere. For the hirers and utilities companies looking for a zero carbon high performance machine the new TB20e is certainly one to watch.
Utilities contractor Falco has teamed up with Takeuchi UK Dealer, CBL, to trial the new TB20e fully-electric mini excavator from Takeuchi.
A demonstration at Falco’s premises in London saw the TB20e battery powered compact excavator perform tasks alongside its diesel-powered equivalent (TB216) watched by representatives from industry and Falco’s client base. “Everyone present was impressed, the Takeuchi model is the first electric excavator we have seen that performs comparably with more traditionally powered models. We estimate that replacing our current fleet with TB20e’s would directly remove over 150 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year and be a major step forward on our road to Net Zero.” said Falco’s Support Services Director, Alan Seyfi. Falco currently uses over 120 mini excavators to facilitate the maintenance and repairs of under- ground utilities assets for clients throughout the South of England including UK Power Networks and Thames Water. As well as reducing or eliminating CO2 emissions, the electric-powered excavator is a much cleaner alternative as it emits zero pollutants such as nitrous oxide (NOx) and particulates (PM2.5).
Furthermore, it is much less noisy than its diesel equivalent producing up to 13 decibels less noise during normal operation which is great news for nearby residents, pedestrians as well as Falco’s machine operators. With an estimated 5000 mini excavators operating on any given day in Greater London, the transition to renewably powered models could reduce annual carbon emissions by over 50,000 tonnes, NOx and PM2.5 by 75,000 and 6,000 tonnes respectively while significantly reducing noise pollution throughout the capital. The new machines will now be extensively tested in-the-field by Falco’s operative teams over the next 2 years for usability, charging frequency and performance in all weather and ground conditions. Falco anticipate starting the replacement of their existing fleet with electric-powered models in 2027.
