Takeuchi Electric Mini Excavator Impresses During Site Trial

Operatives of utilities contractor Falco, have given the new fully-electric mini-excavator from Takeuchi the thumbs up following a week-long site trial in November.

The new TB20e model was used by a team working in a residential street in Stratford, East London, as part of Falco’s framework contract to facilitate excavation services and (UMC) for UK Power Networks (UKPN).

The team were very impressed with machine operator Marius Serban commenting, “The electric model offers the same performance and is as easy to manoeuvre as a standard diesel digger but without having to inhale the fumes. We have also been quite taken aback by its battery life which only uses about 25 to 30 per cent each day.”

If powered by renewably generated electricity during normal operations the Takeuchi excavator emits, zero CO2 emissions, zero NOx and particulates, and 13Db less noise than a conventional diesel-powered machine.

Falco believes these benefits will enable the company to not just achieve Net Zero but enhance the air quality and reduce disturbance in the areas they work.

During the trial Falco’s site team were able to engage in early morning activities with their site excavation works with minimal disturbance to residents in neighboring properties.

With an estimated 25000 mini-excavators operating on any given day in Greater London the transition to renewably-powered models could reduce annual carbon emissions by over 250,000 tonnes, NOx and PM2.5 by 350,000 and 30,000 tonnes respectively while significantly reducing noise pollution throughout the capital.

Falco has ordered two TB20e machines from Takeuchi main dealers CBL Plant Sales to continue the trials next year with view to eventually replacing its fleet of mini-excavators with electric models in 2027/28.