Electric Mini-Excavator a Growth Option for Rental Centers
by Kendall Aldridge
Contractors attending the World of Concrete more than a decade ago deserve credit for leading IHI/Compact Excavator Sales to create its first electric mini-excavator. Though distributing construction equipment for more than 20 years, this was the first event where contractors, while looking at one of the company’s smallest diesel mini-excavators, asked if an electric model was available.
IHI had been selling air purifiers (scrubbers) for several years. These purifiers eliminated 99 percent of the fumes from mufflers on the equipment being used. Contractors, though, explained that they needed equipment that could offer power and productivity while producing zero emissions.
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| IHI's electic mini excavator is finding a strong niche for indoor concrete demo work. |
Most of the contractors looking for an alternative, cleaner solution were indoor concrete sawing and drilling contractors. About 90 percent of their projects were inside buildings, tackling various demolition and renovation projects. These jobs required using electric or propane-powered equipment. As they explained it, electric powered equipment was going to become more and more important for them.
Based on their requests, IHI initiated its electric mini-excavator development project at the company’s Elizabethtown, Ky., facility in 2001. The company introduced its first electric machine the following year. Since that time, while IHI continues to produce and sell diesel-powered compact units, demand has steadily increased for those operating with quiet, electric power. At this point, about five percent of the company’s total mini-excavator sales are electric.
Several independent rental stores, along with national chains, rent and sell the electric excavators. Over the past 20 years, the company has served thousands of rental stores, dealers and distributors with its range of equipment. While interest in the electric machine is often focused on niche applications, its MSRP of about $37,000 (depending on buckets or attachments added) gives rental centers a price point to work with.
About three years ago, the company focused more attention on the rental market as an additional way to extend use of the electric excavators. Rental centers also report an increasing interest in electric power where contractors are working on interior demolition or renovation projects in hospitals, schools, museums, factories, office buildings, retail areas and residential. This is because building owners and managers are demanding no-emissions equipment where people are studying, shopping or working. However, even outdoor projects, on campuses for example, might require “greener” equipment.
Two electric models available
The 9VXE electric zero tail swing mini-excavator is a 2,000-pound unit that has a digging depth of five feet, a bucket breakout force of 2,360 pounds, auxiliary hydraulics, and has an expandable and retractable undercarriage. When the undercarriage is expanded the width is 37.5 inches and when retracted at its narrowest point the undercarriage is 27.5 inches. The narrow track frame lets operators drive the unit through a 36-inch opening. Two power options are available on this model: A single phase 208/230 volt or a three phase 480 volt Baldor engine with both delivering 5 horse power.
In 2013, IHI introduced a larger electric unit, the 17VXE. This machine weighs about 3,600 pounds, has zero tail swing, a seven-foot digging depth, auxiliary hydraulics, 15 HP Rueland motor, and a pattern change selector. Expanded, the undercarriage is 50 inches wide. When retracted, the undercarriage is 39 inches wide. With its size and power, it will handle larger excavation projects where people are looking for no emissions or a ‘greener’ alternative to diesel.
Rental centers can include additional tools and hydraulic attachments to expand the equipment capability for customers. Augers, saws, drills and hammers are available, operating off the excavator’s auxiliary hydraulics. With these options, and what seems to be increased demand for no-emission equipment on job sites across the country, rental centers have the opportunity to meet a need and command the appropriate rate and utilization needed to make a profit.
Kendall Aldridge is vice president of sales and operations for IHI/CES. The company is a family-owned business and has been distributing construction equipment for more than 20 years.
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