August 2024

Case releases the industry’s first electric backhoe loader.

The production-ready, purpose-built 580EV electric backhoe, plus a new electric mini excavator and compact wheel loader, gives crews new options for zero-emissions and low-noise machines to get more work done.

Case Construction Equipment has expanded its EV toolbox with the commercial release of its 580EV, the industry’s first electric backhoe loader. Marking a new milestone in emissions-free productivity on the jobsite, Case’s EV backhoe loader will soon be followed by the commercial availability of two additional EV machines — the CX25EV 2.5-metric ton mini excavator and the CL36EV 3.6-metric ton compact wheel loader. The new equipment increases Case’s EV lineup to five models, including the previously launched CX15EV electric mini excavator and the SL22EV small articulated loader.

The next generation of EV equipment from Case offers crews zero-emissions, low-noise solutions for a wide range of unique jobsite demands — from overnight construction, to work in urban centers or other close-quarter environments where noise and emissions must be kept to a minimum. The expanded CASE EV offering matches the performance and power of its diesel counterparts while delivering unique advantages like lower fuel costs and less maintenance. 

The new Case 580EV electric backhoe loader carries over the same dimensional loading and digging specifications and delivers the same breakout forces as the popular four-wheel-drive, 97 hp (71 kW) Case 580SN diesel model — marking an upgrade in performance since Case first debuted its Project Zeus electric backhoe concept at CONEXPO in 2020. With this new production unit, Case took customer feedback and optimized everything from thermal management to operator controls in order to electrify a machine with comparable specs to the widely used 580SN. Case also included new features, like an 8-inch colour display, air conditioning, a front-dash display and adjustable four-corner, multi-coloured LED strobe lights.

Powered by a 400-volt, 71-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery platform that’s charged with the same type of Level 2 J1772 adapter found in automotive EVs, the new electric backhoe loader is designed to deliver up to eight hours of operational run time on a single charge, depending on the application. The battery platform also uses an advanced thermal management system with system-specific cooling circuits to better regulate temperatures and help maintain performance in hot or cold conditions.

The four-wheel-drive 580EV uses two independent electric motors for the PowerDrive transmission and hydraulic pumps feeding the loader, backhoe and steering systems to minimize energy consumption and improve performance in loading applications. The 14 ft (4.3 m) backhoe also includes an Extendahoe to boost reach, while features like ProControl swing dampening, PowerLift/PowerBoost and electrohydraulic controls improve precision and ease of use on the jobsite. Electrification also provides performance advantages like instantaneous torque response and peak torque at any RPM, so operators don’t need to wait for an internal combustion engine to ramp up to meet load demands. Source

As the world’s northernmost tyre manufacturer, Nokian Tyres has been specializing in winter tyres since inventing them in 1934.

Nokian Tyres has been steadily extending its truck and bus tyre offering. Today, there is a comprehensive range of tyres for all axle positions and from local transports to extreme winter roads. The peak of Nokian Tyres winter know-how is the Hakkapeliitta Truck family.

The Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta Truck E2 traction winter tyres bring comfort and confidence for safe working in extreme snow plowing and timber transport work, minimizing the need for chains. They offer the next generation of winter grip, longevity, durability and a low rolling resistance.

Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta Truck F2 tyre is the culmination of Nokians long experience in developing the world’s finest steering axle winter tyres. It is designed for medium and long haul transports on snowy forest roads as well as icy highways.

Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta Truck T tyre is a top-of-the-line trailer tyre for demanding winter conditions. Its wide zigzag-shape grooves improve self-cleaning and grip on snow.

Retreading truck tyres leads to remarkable savings both financially and in terms of using less raw materials and producing less greenhouse gasses. A re-treaded truck tyre uses some 70 litres less oil and produces 180 kg (397 lb) less carbon emissions than a new tyre. What’s more, a premium quality tyre casing can be retreaded two or even three times, further reducing its environmental effect.

With Noktop premium retreading, the user will not have to compromise excellent winter properties as they offer the same tread designs as the finest Nokian Tyres winter truck tyres. The Noktop retreading materials are also produced in an ultramodern, ecologically optimized facility in Finland.

An innovation shared between the best Nokian Tyres winter tyres and Noktop retreads have been optimized for changing seasons by using a two-layer Cap/Base -structure. The tread is composed of two layers: the softer upper layer (cap) gives a good winter grip. When the tyres are installed in autumn, the upper layer wears out by the next spring and exposes the harder rubber compound (base) that gives sturdy handling for summer use. Source

BESS operates by storing electrical energy in rechargeable reserves.

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are becoming pivotal in the revolution happening in how we stabilize the grid, integrate renewables, and generally store and utilize electrical energy. BESS operates by storing electrical energy in rechargeable reserves, which can later be discharged to power local or grid-scale demand. Perhaps most importantly, these battery-held reserves are ready to switch into grid supply quickly, as demand or frequency/voltage instability trigger them automatically.

Operational and commercially available BESS setups come in various types, each with unique characteristics that are better suited to particular applications, environments, or operational differences. Although many technological details in the control and battery management systems (BMS) are different, at their core, BESS are classified by the nature of the cell/battery systems they employ. The different types of BESS are listed below:

• Lithium-based systems: These encompass lithium-ion cobalt oxide (LiCoO2); lithium-ion nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA); lithium-ion nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC); lithium-ion iron phosphate (LiFePO4); lithium titanate (LTO); and solid-state lithium-ion. Together these are the most common class of BESS due to their high energy density, long deep-cycle life, and relatively low maintenance requirements. They are versatile across all of the operational modes that BESS encounters.
• Flow batteries: Store energy in liquid electrolytes contained in external tanks. They benefit from scalability and long cycle life, making them optimal for large-scale permanently installed energy storage applications. Vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs), for example, offer very long duration storage and flexibility in power output.
• Lead-acid batteries: Have been used for energy storage for over 150 years and are appreciated for their low-cost robustness. Although they offer considerably lower energy density and shorter cycle life compared to more current technologies, they remain relevant for certain applications, such as backup UPS (uninterruptible power supply) power systems and smaller (typically domestic) off-grid installations.
• Sodium-sulphur batteries: Operate at high temperatures and use molten sodium and sulphur as power storage media. They can have high energy density and are well adapted to large- scale applications, such as grid stabilization and renewable/junk-power integration.
• Supercapacitors (or ultracapacitors): Store energy as electrostatic charge and offer the highest possible charge and discharge ability. Although they (currently) have lower energy density than batteries, they excel in applications requiring frequent cycling, such as short- term ballast for smoothing out brief power fluctuations in microgrids. Source

It also provides alerts at key wear percentages.

The new DTL35 compact track loader is the company’s first machine of its type and now available at dealerships in North America. Develon introduced a prototype of its first compact track loader at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023. Since then, the company has refined the design after receiving input from dealers and contractors.

Featuring one of the most powerful in-class engines (115 hp / 85 kW), the DTL35 helps operators gain traction and manoeuvrability on construction sites and in tight spaces. It’s equipped with features to help maximize productivity and efficiency.

Two rubber track patterns are available and both include a wide and narrow version. A wide multi-bar track comes standard, while a block pattern is optional. The wide multi-bar tracks offer increased contact with surfaces for better traction. This design increases stability and reduces vibration and the risk of slippage. The optional block pattern is designed for more durability on challenging terrains like rock, gravel or uneven ground. It also minimizes ground disturbance, making these tracks a good option for landscaping and turf management.

Ride control reduces shocks and vibrations, which enhances stability for the bucket and minimizes spillage when the compact track loader navigates rough terrain while carrying full loads. The auto return to dig automatically returns the arms to the lowered position, saving operators time while delivering a more consistent digging depth.

The standard 2-speed travel feature allows the compact track loader to operate at the best speed for the job: the higher speed (up to 9.2 mi/h / 14.8 km/h) for traveling longer distances or quickly moving between job sites, and the lower speed (up to 6.1 mi/h / 9.8 km/h) for stabilizing the machine during more precise and controlled movements in challenging conditions.

The reversible fan protects against dust and debris, keeping the compact track loader’s engine cleaner and cooler to help extend the life of the machine. The rearview (backup) camera provides an additional view, allowing operators to easily see behind the machine.

An optional around view monitor (AVM) camera system with ultrasonic proximity sensors displays a 270-degree view of the machine’s surroundings for greater confidence when operating the loader in tight work areas or busy job sites. The ultrasonic proximity sensors further enhance safety by alerting operators to nearby objects as they back up the machine.

The vertical lift arm configuration allows the DTL35 compact track loader to extend its reach forward, making it easier to deposit materials into high-sided trucks, bins or agriculture mixers. To help maintain the loader’s stability, a self-levelling feature automatically adjusts the attachment to remain level as the arms are raised or lowered. This stability is crucial for ensuring safe operation. The bucket shake feature helps shake loose or release materials stuck to the attachment and facilitates quick and efficient dumping without the need to stop and manually clean the machine.

The DTL35 compact track loader has a 3 ft (0.91 m) wide spacious interior, a large polycarbonate swing-out door, electric over hydraulic controls and a roof panel with an unobstructed view of what’s overhead. The adjustable air-suspension heated seat offers superior comfort compared to traditional seats. Air-filled cushions adjust to the operator’s weight and movement, providing a smooth and comfortable ride, especially over uneven terrain. The air-suspension system helps absorb shocks and vibrations, reducing the impact of bumps and rough terrain.

Attachment changes are easy on the DTL35 compact track loader. It’s equipped with a hydraulic quick coupler that allows fast and tool-free attachment changes, significantly reducing the time required for manual attachments. Source