Electric machines and tools

Repairing or re-celling the battery keeps your equipment working for longer. Electric machines such as excavators, plate compactors and pallet trucks are used hard, and their batteries wear. A repair of the battery is often all it takes to get the machine fully working again, and that is generally the cheaper route.

When a battery pack is so worn that it needs new cells, a cell replacement comes into the picture: we replace the cells to bring performance back up. A machine that depends on a steady power source needs a battery that works properly.

Both repair and cell replacement extend the service life of your electric machines and tools. They mean fewer unexpected breakdowns, so you save on the cost of full replacement and on unplanned downtime.

Electric plate compactors are machines for compacting different kinds of ground material, such as sand, gravel and asphalt. You see them on building sites, on paving jobs and anywhere else that needs a firm, level base.

Power source

As the name says, an electric plate compactor is driven by an electric motor, usually powered by a battery or from the mains.

Batteries

Most electric plate compactors use lithium-ion batteries because of their high energy density, their long service life and the absence of a memory effect. For long working days it is worth buying a spare battery.

Environmental benefits

Electric plate compactors produce no emissions, which makes them a cleaner alternative to petrol or diesel models. That is why they suit work in tunnels and inside buildings. They also meet the strict environmental requirements for use in city centres, on public projects and in refineries. With construction activity on the rise, demand is growing for plate compactors that cause less nuisance from smoke, smell and noise.

Electric plate compactors come in different sizes for different jobs. A 15 kN model is right for light work such as patios and footpaths. A 30 kN version suits driveways and areas that need firmer compaction. For heavy jobs such as large car parks and road paving, go for a 60 kN plate compactor.

Electric rammers are used in building and road construction, mainly for work that calls for a high degree of soil compaction. Unlike traditional petrol or diesel models they produce no emissions, which makes them well suited to poorly ventilated or enclosed spaces such as tunnels and buildings, and to built-up areas.

One of their biggest advantages is ease of use. They are generally lighter and start at the push of a button, which makes them simpler to operate and saves time. Many also come with fast-charging batteries that are easy to swap, so you can keep working for longer.

On performance, modern electric rammers match their petrol and diesel counterparts. Many have powerful motors and batteries that last a full working day, so you give up little or nothing in power and blow rate. That makes them a practical choice for all sorts of compaction work, from light jobs such as laying paths and patios to heavier ones such as compacting large car parks and road paving.

KWS Seuren specialises in repairing, re-celling and supplying batteries for cordless tools, mainly for larger business customers. We work with several battery types, including NiCd, NiMH and Li-ion. They power a wide range of devices, from hand tools and measuring equipment to robotic lawnmowers and crane remote controls.

Modern cordless tools have powerful Li-ion batteries that last a long time and perform on a par with mains-powered machines. They are light and compact, which is why both hobbyists and professionals rely on them.

Why choose an electric excavator?

Electric excavators are more than a trend. They are a step towards cleaner, more efficient construction work. There are several reasons to switch:

• Lower CO2 emissions: reduce your environmental footprint with machines that burn no fossil fuel.
• Less noise: electric machines run quietly, so you can work in residential areas and near schools without causing a disturbance.
• Better working conditions: no harmful fumes and less vibration make for a better working environment for staff.

Types of battery for electric excavators

• LiFePO4 batteries

  • Mostly used for heavy-duty applications
  • No memory effect
  • High energy density

• Lithium NMC batteries

  • Suit a wide range of applications
  • No memory effect
  • High energy density
  • Slightly more expensive to buy, but they last longer

• NiCd batteries (nickel-cadmium)

  • Once widely used, less popular now
  • Have a memory effect: they must be fully discharged and recharged
  • Risk of losing capacity if not fully cycled

• NiMH batteries (nickel-metal hydride)

  • An improved version of NiCd batteries
  • Less affected by the memory effect
  • Benefit from being fully discharged and recharged regularly

Lithium-based batteries often cost more to buy, but they give better value for money in the long run because they last longer and perform better.

When you choose an electric pump truck, also known as an electric pallet truck, the choice of battery matters a great deal. Lithium-ion and lead-acid each have their own advantages. Consider buying a second battery as well: while you use one, the other can be on charge. That keeps the work going without a break.

Lithium-ion batteries in particular are known for charging quickly and lasting a long time. You are not left waiting on a charge either, because a spare battery swaps in quickly.

Electric pallet trucks are powerful, and they are safe too. Many models use braking and assistance systems to keep loads moving safely. Automatic reverse brakes, for example, cut in as soon as the operator releases the drive pedal, and electromagnetic emergency-stop or parking brakes can be applied when needed.

KWS Seuren can repair or re-cell the battery of your electric pallet truck, or supply a new one. Contact us to discuss which of those fits your trucks.

Electric machines and tools have become far more common in recent years, mainly because they produce no emissions. They are a cleaner alternative to traditional petrol or diesel equipment, which makes them a good fit for sustainable building and maintenance work.

One of the biggest advantages of emission-free electric equipment is that you can work where ventilation is limited, such as indoors, in tunnels or in densely populated urban areas. That makes it suitable for many kinds of work, from building and road construction to agriculture and horticulture.

Electric machines are also usually quieter, which cuts noise nuisance and makes the work more pleasant. Most are lighter and easier to manoeuvre as well, so the job goes faster and with less effort.

On performance, modern electric machines and tools are a match for their fuel-driven counterparts. With powerful lithium-ion batteries and efficient electric motors, they can run for a full working day without losing power. Fast charging and swappable batteries also make it possible to work almost without interruption.

Finally, electric machines pay off over time. Maintenance and running costs are lower because they have fewer moving parts and need no fuel. Over the long term that often makes them the cheaper choice.