Volvo delivered the first of its L20 electric wheel loaders to New Zealand, and a major landscaping manufacturer launched it in an initial pilot program. The verdict: Volvo’s new electric loader exceeds expectations!
Landscape manufacturing firm Intelligro – located near Christchurch, New Zealand – makes and sells a variety of landscaping, gardening, and civil engineering supplies. Part of that business involves growing massive amounts of mulches, sands, and soil mixes for both residential and commercial customers across the South Island. The group pride itself on delivering top quality products and excellent service for their customers. And it’s no stranger to heavy equipment, either, operating sixteen loaders at its primary job site.
When the time recently came to retire one of its traditional diesel loaders, the company “took the plunge” with a new electric Volvo L20. The effects surprised them.
Intelligro uses its new electric Volvo L20 in its retail fleet to load flexible fabrics for its advertising clients in the landscaping sector. The company says its quiet and precise operation has improved the experience of its customers and device operators.
“It’s no different to handle than other loaders we use,” says AJ, who has also noticed a relief in vibration. “Being electric, it is much quieter. It does not produce noise.
The company benefits from approximately 6 hours of uninterrupted operation thanks to the L20 Electric. In other words, it’s more than enough to get you through a full day of operation. “Unlike diesel devices, electric devices have no idling time,” says Volvo. “(This) means that if you prevent operation, the device also prevents operation, saving valuable battery life. “.
“The Volvo L20 electric wheel loader overhaul at Intelligro is vital to show the critical role our electric machines can play in the landscaping industry,” says Bertrand Collette, Market Manager Oceania at Volvo CE. “It’s an industry whose main goal is to create lovely environments from scratch. . . we hope that by sharing Intelligro’s expertise, we can motivate others to see how electric responses can be compatible in their organizations and help them achieve their sustainability goals. “
The Volvo L20 Electric was provided to Itellegro through its local dealer, TDX, who provided initial and continuing education sessions to the operators.
SOURCE | IMAGES: Volvo.
I have been working in and around the automotive industry since the ’90s and have written for several well-known media outlets such as CleanTechnica, The Truth About Cars, Popular Mechanics, and more. You can catch me on The Heavy Equipment Podcast with Mike. Switzer, at the AutoHub Show with Ian and Jeff, or chasing my kids around Oak Park, Illinois.