Groundworks contractor calls upon Takeuchi mini excavators to work cleanly, quietly and efficiently. CPN reports
UK Power Networks and groundworks contractor Falco Construction have collaborated to bring all-electric excavators to projects on the power network. As a framework contractor for UK Power Networks, Falco provides groundworks for the repair and maintenance of assets across all of the company’s three operating zones (London, South and East Anglia).
Both businesses are working towards a greener and cleaner future, and this transition will help local communities as well as sustainability ambitions for both companies. To support this bid to operate in a cleaner manner, Falco has deployed two environmentally friendly Takeuchi TB20e fully electric mini excavators. They will be rolled out in a trial over the next two years, working on excavation work in London, the Southeast and the East.
Should the trial be a success, Falco has promised to invest over £6million in replacing its 120-strong diesel-powered fleet of excavators with fully electric models. The upsides are plentiful. The environmental benefits could see more than 200 tonnes of CO2e emissions removed from the atmosphere and improve air quality in the areas where they work, if powered from renewable sources.
The removal of not just CO2e, but nitrous oxide (NOx) and other particulates (pm2.5) will greatly benefit operators and local communities’ air quality.
Impressive display
The e-diggers have also impressed operators with their power and endurance, while providing equivalent performance to their diesel counterparts.
Clean air act
Falco excavator operator Marius Serban said: “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,” he says. “We have also been quite taken aback by its battery life which only uses about 25 to 30% each day.” The e-diggers’ batteries can last up to five days before re-charging, and then they’re back to capacity within hours, reducing the need for and cost of constant refuelling. On top of the emission-based benefits, the excavators are 13dB(A) quieter in comparison to diesel models during normal operations.
Alan Seyfi, support services director at Falco Construction, added: “The Takeuchi model is the first electric mini excavator we have seen that performs comparably with more traditionally powered diggers. We estimate that replacing our current 120- strong fleet with the TB20e would directly remove over 200 tonnes of CO2e emissions each year and be a major step forward on our road to Net Zero.”
Environmental goals
Katherine Jennings, continuous improvement manager at UK Power Networks, said: “We are incredibly proud of this trial and excited about the initial positive findings. E-diggers could ultimately be a huge enabler in UK Power Networks and Falco achieving their joint Net Zero commitments.
“We are passionate about partnering with our suppliers to drive continuous improvement in the sustainability sphere. This is critical, as meaningful change and a just transition can only come about through shared goals and joint initiatives.”
Mete Coban, London’s deputy mayor for environment and energy, said: “The mayor is committed to reducing toxic air pollution and reaching his ambitious goal of net-zero carbon by 2030.”
“We know that construction vehicles such as diggers contribute significantly to air pollution, which is why the mayor has tightened standards across London. It’s great to see companies like UK Power Networks and Falco Construction leading the way and rolling out electric diggers.
“Technology like this will help to ensure Londoners, particularly those who live in the most deprived parts of London, can breathe cleaner air while also supporting our work to build a safer, greener London for everyone.”
