Yanmar Compact Equipment is making its way into the field of electrified construction equipment with its first electric mini excavator prototype, the SV17e. According to Yanmar, this innovation represents an important strategic step in the transformation for the company.
“Our aim, together with our dealer partners, is to build stronger relationships and create even greater customer value,” said CEO, Giuliano Parodi. “Our transformation will embrace our entire business and will encompass new products with alternative fuel technologies. The SV17e prototype is a clear demonstration of our intent to build a sustainable business for our customers and dealer partners.”
The SV17e is a mini excavator that will be first aimed at customers in the European market in the 1.5 to 2.0 tonne segment. The machine’s power comes from an electric drive and 48-volt batteries that feature fast charging capability. Also, the SV17e is a zero emission machine with a design that aims to meet demanding emissions restrictions. Additionally, Yanmar claims that the design and engineering team have set out to build a machine which offers the highest levels of comfort, ergonomics, operational power, precision and control.
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“Our prototype is significant because it demonstrates our capability to bring the quality and reliability of our highly respected conventional engine technology into the arena of electrification,” explained Director Product Management EMEA, Cedric Durand. “But we have gone further. As always, the operator is at the heart of this machine, and we have challenged ourselves to deliver the comfort, power, control and precision which we believe will surpass the expectations of professional operators.”
In preparation for commencing sales of the SV17e at Bauma 2022, the prototype is undergoing a product testing regimen. According to Yanmar, the field tests are uncompromising in their thoroughness—ensuring durability and reliability in the design and engineering.
Sota Takami, Director of Engineering, Yanmar EMEA, adds, “We are very pleased with the performance to date—as you would expect, we have a rigorous testing regimen which pushes every aspect of the machine to its limit. The machine has performed very well in all these tests. We are particularly pleased with the power, and control of the machine. Of course, this is a quiet, zero emission machine but that, in itself, is not enough. We must create a great feeling for the operator. I am confident that professional operators will be very comfortable in this machine, they will certainly feel the power, control and the precision handling they will need to take on the big jobs as well as the small jobs.”