Blue Machinery turns the Material Handler Market Electric!
Blue Machinery Central recently supplied the UK’s first Fuchs MHL 850F electric material handlers to Contract Plant Rental, as the two companies look towards the future of electric machines.
Contract Plant Rental is part of the biggest contract hire groups in the UK and Ireland. They deliver bespoke, comprehensive contract plant rental solutions designed to meet the diverse needs of their clients, offering medium and long-term rental opportunities of plant and equipment with concentration on the ‘heavy’ end of the construction, aggregate and waste handling market requirements. The two machines provided by Blue Machinery have gone straight out to work for their customer Lancashire Renewables, with the first handler feeding their waste plant in Thornton. Whilst second handler will be loading MSW waste at their site in Fleetwood.
State-of-the-art engine technology paired with intelligent hydraulics make the MHL 850 one of the fastest and most sensitive loading machines in waste and scrap handling. With an operating weight of up to 35.5 tons, 16-meter reach and a 3-meter undercarriage width, this data impressively demonstrates just what the MHL 850 can do. The powerful 132 kW electric motor and the high-performance hydraulics in the efficient two-circuit system make it possible for loads weighing several tons to be moved effortlessly, quickly, and precisely. In addition to its legendary robustness, it’s modern technology and maximum reliability are among the strengths of the machine.
The MHL 850 is as quiet as a fox! Thanks to future-oriented drives with minimal heat and noise generation, Fuchs’ electric machines are particularly suitable for use in halls or in the vicinity of inhabited areas. Fuchs offers one of the most extensive portfolios of electrically operated material handling machines. Thanks to decades of experience and strength in innovation, the Series F machines are among the safest and most reliable products in the industry.
Advantages of the MHL 850 include:
- No CO2 emissions
- Internal Stage V Deutz powerpack from transport
- Low-noise and high-torque electric motors
- Low heat development
- Future-proof drive technology
- Low maintenance and operating costs
- Comprehensive monitoring of network quality and machine grounding
- Generous working radius thanks to optional cable drums or power packs
- Spacious Fuchs comfort cab
Fuchs offer an electric version of their entire material handler range, starting at the 810 (baby of the fleet) all the way up to the 890 (80+ tonne machine). The extensive use of standard components from the Fuchs range of diesel engine models, ensures that spare parts are widely available for all the electric models. The electric cable lengths and cable reel designs on these machines are adapted to each customer’s specific needs. The machines can be equipped with an internal or external powerpack, to move the machine around the yard for simple plug and play in several locations.
The UK government have confirmed that they are removing the tax relief on ‘Red Diesel’ from April 2022. These measures have come about to encourage the transition towards the use of more efficient vehicles and machinery. This means that we’re going to face a significant rise in fuel purchasing costs and operating costs. Now is a great time to change out your traditional diesel-powered material handler, for a more cost effective, electric powered Terex Fuchs material handler!
Sales Director at Blue Machinery Central, Sean McGeary offers his thoughts on the future of electric machines in the industry: “I feel that 2022 will see a significant increase in the demand for electric machines across a wide spectrum of construction related industries as an alternative to traditional diesel hydraulic mobile machines. This is more so for machines where mobility is not the primary function e.g., Material Handlers, Crushing, Shredding & Screening trains. There is a convenience to have the machines with mobile capability, but they typically work on one site without regular movement. The demand will increase due to the change in diesel tax legislation as well as a general change in attitude across the construction associated sectors for decarbonisation and planning for the future”.
Contract Plant Rental have been offering rental solutions on material handlers for a decade, however this is the first time that they have decided to invest in bringing electric material handlers to their fleet. Operations Manager at Contract Plant Renal, Richard Creighton, explains their decision to go electric: “As electric cars become a staple on our roads it’s only natural that all diesel-powered plant will be heading in that direction, its advantages in terms of running costs and operator health benefits make it the obvious choice for a wide and varied number of applications.”
“As custodians of the industry for a relatively short period of time, we owe it to the next generation to look for processes that not only look after our own health but also that of the planet. The waste industry continues to spear head the move from landfill to recycling, the move to electric machines powered by carbon neutral solar and wind power will be a natural progression from its diesel-powered predecessor. Saving money on fuel with the aim of Zero emissions.”