Holms Attachments has created a prototype sweeper that is equipped with its own power source.
Holms introduced its first electric sweeper at ConExpo in 2023.
The solution addressed power loss while using traditional hydraulic attachments on electric machines by increasing power efficiency measured in longer machine run times.
However, the company realized the evolution of electric powered machines has led OEMs in different directions, resulting in little commonality in voltages, amperages and connection types.
“Electric equipment in general has taken a lot of different directions,” said Dan Snedecor, President and General Manager of Holms Attachments. “We realized, let’s not use the power from the machine, because keeping up with that will be even harder than keeping up with the different style hooks and hydraulic systems.”
To address the inconsistencies, Holms Attachments has pursued the design of a self-powered solution.
The idea allows universal compatibility and makes life easier for customers navigating the electric equipment landscape over the next decade.
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The attachment design uses its own battery and does not rely on the carrier machine for power. This opens compatibility to all machinery, whether diesel, hybrid or electric.
“Our theory is this will be kind of like an electric drill that we all have at home, where you leave it plugged in until you need it. You go out, you use it, and then you put it back on the charger when you’re done,” Snedecor said.
“And the real benefit of that will be the end users don’t need machines that have extra hydraulic functions necessarily.”
The prototype sweeper is equipped with a 10 kWh, 48 volt battery pack that delivers a 3.5-hour runtime.
Using a fast charger, the sweeper can be charged from 0 to 100 per cent in 90 minutes.
Holms is currently looking at Bluetooth to turn the sweeper on or off.
As the battery provides power to the sweeper, its able to receive the command signal.
“So really, this eliminates a lot of connections and makes it a much cleaner setup,” Snedecor said. “And you don’t have the headaches of what fittings do I need to use.”
While still in prototype stages, initial testing has been successful. However, there are challenges ahead. Currently, the cost of equipping the sweeper with an on-board battery is a barrier to commercial availability.
“Today, we see high product costs driven by expensive electrical components such as inverters, batteries, driveline and control systems,” said Carl Gindahl, CEO Holms Attachments AB.
“However, considering all benefits with an electrically driven sweeper, this could improve as market demand should drive product cost down.”
