Volvo has delivered the first of its L20 Electric wheel loaders to New Zealand, with a leading landscape manufacturer putting it through its paces in an early pilot program. The verdict: Volvo’s new electric loader is exceeding expectations!
Intelligro landscaping production company, near Christchurch, New Zealand, manufactures and sells a range of landscaping, gardening and civil engineering supplies. Part of that business is developing large quantities of mulch, sand and soil mixes for residential and advertising consumers across the South Island. The organization prides itself on offering the highest quality products and proper service to its consumers. And it’s no stranger to heavy equipment either, operating 16 loaders at its number one job site.
When it was recently time to retire one of its traditional diesel loaders, the company “took the plunge” with a new electric Volvo L20. The effects surprised them.
Intelligro has been using its new Volvo L20 Electric in its retail yard to load soft materials for its landscape commercial trade customers. The company says its quiet, precise operation has improved the experience for its customers, as well as the machine’s operators.
“Its ride is no different than any other charger we use,” continues AJ, who has also noticed a relief in vibration. “Being electric, it is particularly quieter. It does not produce any noise.
The company gets approximately six hours of uninterrupted operation from the L20 Electric. In other words, it’s more than enough to cover a full day’s work. “Unlike diesel appliances, electric appliances have no idling time,” explains Volvo. “(This) means that if you stop it from working, the device stops working too, saving valuable battery life. »
“The testing of the Volvo L20 electric wheel loader at Intelligro is vital to show the vital role our electric machines can play in the landscaping sector,” explains Bertrand Collette, Oceania Market Director at Volvo CE. “(It is) an industry whose main goal is to create enchanting environments from scratch. . . we hope that by sharing Intelligro’s experience, we can motivate others to see how electrical responses can be integrated into their organizations and help them achieve their goals of sustainability. Training”
The Volvo L20 Electric was provided to Itellegro through its local dealership, TDX, which provided initial and continuing education sessions to operators.
SOURCE | PHOTOS: Volvo.
I’ve been in and around the auto industry since the 90s, and have written for a number of well-known outlets like CleanTechnica, the Truth About Cars, Popular Mechanics, and more. You can catch me on The Heavy Equipment Podcast with Mike Switzer, the AutoHub Show with Ian and Jeff, or chasing my kids around Oak Park, IL.