Launching later this summer the 2-tonne electric dumper will join the company’s 3-tonne machine to create a range of compact, eco-alternative powered machines. The machines have both been designed with contractors and hirers in mind, offering the same build quality, robust design and engineering excellence that is ubiquitous across the Thwaites range.

Thwaites General Sales Manager, Andy Sabin said, “As the demand for cleaner alternative fuel sources grows, we are keen to ensure we offer a quality product that delivers for our customers, their clients and the environment”.

Four maintenance free, long-life, lithium-ion (dry-cell) batteries, operating at 48V, are fitted. Each battery is rated at 5.75kWh, providing the power to drive the machine. With two highly efficient electric motors (one for traction, one for the hydraulic services) giving the operator the control and manoeuvrability expected from a Thwaites dumper.

The electric drive dumper has a similar unladen weight when compared to the diesel/hydrostatic version. The main battery pack and driveline components, now sit low in the rear chassis, lowering the centre of gravity when compared to the hydrostatic drive machine, further improving machine stability.

Critically, the battery pack will complete a full 8-hour shift of `normal site operation’ from a single charge.

The standard on-board 3.4kW battery charger can charge the pack from 0-100% in 8hrs. Optional off-board chargers rated at 7kW (single-phase) and 22kW (three-phase) have charge times of 4hrs and 2hrs respectively.

Andy Sabin concluded “We are delighted to be able to offer this all electric 2-tonne Hi-Swivel dumper for consideration at this year’s Bauma. The machine will provide for the rental markets around the world, a cleaner, quieter, alternative, giving contractors options to use the machine in more urban refurbishment settings. In addition, the new, all electric dumper is compliant with the growing number of countries, authorities and bodies that operate low emission zones”.