Does anyone make an electric skid steer?

Electric skid steers are starting to gain traction as viable alternatives to traditional diesel-powered skid steers. With advancements in battery technology and electric motors, manufacturers are beginning to offer all-electric skid steers that can match or even exceed the performance of diesel-powered models.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the key questions around electric skid steers:

• What are the benefits of electric skid steers?
• Which manufacturers currently offer electric skid steer models?
• How does the performance compare to diesel-powered skid steers?
• What are the limitations or downsides to electric skid steers?
• How much do electric skid steers cost compared to diesel models?

By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of the state of electric skid steers and whether they make sense for your needs.

What are the benefits of electric skid steers?

Electric skid steers offer several potential advantages compared to their diesel-powered counterparts:

Lower maintenance: Electric motors have far fewer moving parts and fluids to maintain than diesel engines. There’s no engine oil, fuel filters, or exhaust components to service. Maintenance is typically limited to greasing components and recharging batteries.

Lower fuel costs: Recharging batteries is typically much less expensive than refueling with diesel fuel. And electricity prices are far more stable than diesel prices.

Lower noise levels: Electric skid steers operate much more quietly than diesel models, reducing noise pollution and making them better for indoor jobs.

No engine emissions: Electric models produce zero tailpipe emissions, reducing both air pollution and the operator’s exposure to fumes. This also makes them ideal for working indoors.

Instant torque: Electric motors provide full torque instantly, while diesel engines need to rev up to deliver full power. This gives electric models faster response time.

All-weather starting: Electric skid steers start right up, even in cold weather, unlike diesels which can be hard to start in frigid temperatures.

So in summary, the potential benefits are lower maintenance, lower operating costs, less noise, no emissions, better performance, and reliability in all conditions. As battery and motor technology continue improving, electric skid steers will likely become even more compelling options.

Which manufacturers currently offer electric skid steer models?

Though the technology is still emerging, a handful of equipment manufacturers have already developed and released all-electric skid steers:

Bobcat: Bobcat is one of the first major manufacturers to offer an electric skid steer loader, the Bobcat E32. The E32 is rated for a 1,400 pound rated operating capacity.

JCB: JCB offers the 19C-1E model electric skid steer. It provides a lift capacity of 1,100 pounds. JCB uses a Lithium-ion battery pack to power the electric motor.

Volvo: Volvo CE launched the ECR25 Electric compact excavator in 2019 and has since unveiled plans for a fully electric wheeled skid steer model, the L25 Electric. It will have a lift capacity rating of 1,200 pounds.

Pettibone: Pettibone’s Traverse T1258X is an all-electric skid steer alternative tailored for rail car and heavy material handling. The 1258X has a lifting capacity of 8,000 pounds.

Wacker Neuson: Wacker Neuson’s Dual Power 803 is an electric/diesel hybrid skid steer offering both electric and diesel drive options. The 803 has a lifting capacity of 1,100 pounds.

So in summary, a handful of major equipment companies are investing in this emerging electric skid steer technology. While the options are still limited, we can expect more manufacturers to introduce electric skid steer models in coming years.

How does the performance compare to diesel-powered skid steers?

Let’s take a look at how electric skid steers stack up against their diesel counterparts when it comes to key performance metrics:

Power and Torque

Most electric skid steers offer comparable horsepower and torque ratings to similar-sized diesel models. For example:

• Bobcat E32: 32 HPcontinuous, 12,880 lb-ft torque
• Bobcat S450 (diesel): 74 HP, 220 lb-ft torque

While the diesel S450 offers more peak horsepower, the E32’s instant electric torque allows it to deliver similar lugging and pushing capability.

Lift Capacity

The lift capacity of electric skid steers ranges from 1,100 to 4,000 pounds, on par with diesel models in the same size classes. The table below compares some examples:

Model	Power Source	Rated Operating Lift Capacity
Bobcat E32	Electric	1,400 lbs
Bobcat S450	Diesel	1,500 lbs
JCB 19C-1E	Electric	1,100 lbs
JCB 185	Diesel	1,100 lbs

So some electric models like the E32 actually exceed the lift capacity of comparable diesel units.

Travel Speed

Travel speeds are comparable for electric and diesel skid steers, ranging from around 4 to 7 mph depending on the model and load conditions. For example, the Bobcat E32 has a top speed of 7 mph, identical to the Bobcat S450 diesel unit.

Gradeability

Electric skid steers maintain the gradeability of diesel units, able to climb slopes up to 30% in most conditions. Diesel units may have a slight advantage for long, sustained uphill climbs which can tax batteries. But for short hills and loading/unloading trucks, electric models handle grades well.

Attachments

Electric skid steers utilize the same universal attachment mountings, like Bob-Tach and JCB’s Q-Fit, used by conventional diesel loaders. So they are compatible with the full range of buckets, grapples, augers, and hydraulic tools available for diesel units. No limitations on attachments.

Run Time

Run time per charge does lag behind diesel refueling. Most electric skid steers offer 2-5 hours of run time per charge depending on work intensity. Diesel units can operate for 8+ hours on a tank. But batteries and charging continue improving. And electric units regain some time with their lower maintenance needs.

Overall, electric skid steers stack up well against diesel models in key performance areas while offering the maintenance and emissions advantages of electric power. As battery technology evolves, the operating time gap will narrow as well.

What are the limitations or downsides to electric skid steers?

Though electric skid steers are proving themselves capable, there are still some limitations or downsides to consider compared to diesel:

Higher upfront cost – Electric models currently cost $10,000 to $15,000 more than comparable diesel units. Though lower maintenance and fuel costs offset this over time.

Run time per charge – As mentioned above, 2-5 hour run times per charge are common, compared to 8+ hours for diesels. This may limit productivity.

Charging logistics – Units require ample charging time and electrical supply. Portable charging stations help, but ensuring reliable access to charging adds complexity.

No engine heat – Diesel units provide engine heat to warm the cab in cold conditions. Electric models rely solely on electric resistance heating.

New technology – As an emerging technology, electric skids don’t yet have the long track record diesel loaders do. Reliability and durability takes time to prove out.

Resale value uncertainty – The resale market for used electric construction equipment is unproven to this point. Diesel machines have predictable resale values.

So the central tradeoffs are higher upfront cost, limitations in run time per charge, lack of engine heat, and technology that’s still maturing compared to diesel. But the benefits appear to make electric skid steers a viable alternative for many applications.

How much do electric skid steers cost compared to diesel models?

Electric skid steers currently carry a price premium of $10,000 to $15,000 over comparable new diesel models. For example:

• Bobcat E32: $59,900
• Bobcat S450 (diesel): $44,595

However, buyers recoup some of that premium over time in lower maintenance and fueling costs. And as battery costs decline in the future, the upfront premium for electric models may shrink as well.

Used electric skid steers are limited since the technology is still new, but pricing often ranges from 10-20% above comparable diesel units. The table below summarizes some typical new and used price examples:

Model	Power Source	New Price	Used Price
Bobcat E32	Electric	$59,900	$40-50K
Bobcat S450	Diesel	$44,595	$30-40K
JCB 19C-1E	Electric	$67,000	$50-60K
JCB 160	Diesel	$48,500	$35-45K

So buyers today can expect to pay a 10-20% premium for electric skid steers over diesel models. The rapid pace of technology improvements will likely reduce this premium in the future as EVs become more cost competitive.

Conclusion

Electric skid steers are starting to offer a viable zero-emission alternative to diesel models – with comparable power and performance in many applications. Though currently at a 10-20% price premium, electric models offer lower maintenance and fueling costs over the lifespan.

Major manufacturers like Bobcat, JCB, and Volvo are investing in the technology. And as battery costs keep decreasing, the value proposition for electric skid steers will likely only get better in the years ahead.

For applications where power requirements are moderate and charging is available on site, an electric skid steer can deliver lower lifetime costs with zero tailpipe emissions compared to diesel. Expect to see these high-tech, green machines continue gaining traction in the construction industry.