Page 35 - HUB-4 Magazine Issue 99

Concrete
Utranazz launches an electric retrofit
solution for concrete truck mixers and
commercial vehicles
Utranazz, Concrete Equipment Specialists, has
launched an electric retrofit solution for concrete
truck mixers and commercial vehicles. The
Ultradrive system is designed to replace the
conventional upper-structure drive system on a
concrete truck mixer, helping operators tackle
common challenges in fleet operation such as
high idle times, excessive fuel consumption,
engine wear, emissions and on-site noise. By
reducing reliance on the truck engine to power
the mixer drum, the system promotes a cleaner,
quieter and more energy-efficient job-site, with
energy consumption reductions of up to 70%.
Designed as a lightweight, highly integrated retrofit package,
the Ultradrive system offers quick installation and is
compatible with most existing chassis, allowing
straightforward integration into current fleets. Once the truck
arrives on site and the engine is switched off, the Ultradrive
system takes over to power the drum independently.
In trials carried out over a two-month period, a mixer truck
with a 31,000kg GVW, 19,170kg payload, and 8m³ drum
completed 818 operating hours. During this time, the
Ultradrive system achieved 270 hours of engine-off operation,
delivering a 30% fuel saving.
Conventional hydraulic upper-structure systems continue to
present several operational and commercial challenges for
fleet owners. Idling can account for between 36% and 70% of
total operating hours, despite limited actual driving time. This
contributes to unnecessary fuel consumption, higher
maintenance requirements, increased engine wear and shorter
service life. Additional drawbacks include higher on-site noise
levels, avoidable emissions and reduced overall fleet efficiency.
The Ultradrive system is designed to reduce idle-related
inefficiencies, lower operating costs and support a more
sustainable approach to concrete transport. For operators
facing increasing pressure to improve productivity while
reducing environmental impact, it offers a practical route
towards cleaner on-site operation without compromising drum
performance.