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Back in late September, 2009, Italian manufacturer Solmec announced details of an-all electric 360degree materials handler - the 106ZE.
Using two 80-volt, 930amp/hour battery packs located at the rear (where the cast balance weight would be located on a conventional diesel powered machine), the 106ZE has a two-speed range transmission, with a travel speed of 11kph in high range. Waste Management World's transport and plant correspondent, Malcolm Bates, recently had an opportunity to drive the 106ZE and will report on it in detail in a future issue of the magazine.
Available with a choice of booms and dipper sticks - just like the diesel machines in the Solmec range - the 106ZE has a maximum reach of 7.6metres and a maximum lift heigh__t (to hook) of 8.5 metres. A three-phase 28kW electric motor drives the hydraulics.
Solmec now has over twenty different waste handlers, within six different weight classes from the 16tonne 'Series 100models' (the 106ZE joins the diesel 108LS as the smallest in the range), right up to the 60tonne machine weight 'Series 500' models.
Why an electrically-powered materials handler? While there are both specialist electric machines for the mining industry (Plus, Caterpillar launched a new diesel/electric drive system last month __for construction sector machines), the prime advantage of the 106ZE is its zero emissions capability in a covered waste handling facility. Not only is there no exhaust emission, but the 106ZE is quieter when working - a bonus for personnel and local residents - together with a significant reduction in heat and dust. The battery packs can be switched over and replaced with fully-charged packs, by forklift to give a longer shift performance.
Revigo, Italy-based Solmec means to make a name for itself as a low emissions manufacturer. In addition to the 106ZE, the company has announced plans for a complete new low carbon footprint manufacturing facility as well. According to sales and marketing director, Carlo Casarotti, construction of the new plant is due to start as soon as there is enough_6 indication that the current economic recession is over. With the site prepared and the plans approved, when completed, this will put Solmec in an ideal position to ramp-up production to meet an expected global demand.
More info on the 106ZE from www.solmec.com
