The entire construction industry and construction project sites have been among the biggest source of environmental pollution and the current heightened awareness has lead major construction equipment manufacturers to focus on electric powered equipment. The revolution of developing electric powered machines for construction leasing and rentals began with electric mini excavators and skid steers, now it is currently including compactor rentals (compact rollers) in Melbourne which play a significant role within the scope of any commercial or infrastructure projects.

Apart from manufacturers such as Caterpillar, Kobelco, Komatsu and others, the latest heavy equipment manufacturer that has joined the ‘green wave’ that advocate the development of cleaner electric powered heavy equipment is     German based Hamm AG. The German manufacturer according to Elektrek, only recently launched two new compact rollers (electric tandem and combination compaction rollers) that are expected to compete in the electric equipment markets within the road construction and earthworks sphere.  

According to the report the two models labelled as the HD 10e and the HD 12e are customizable into four variants (eight new options) which allow fleet companies that offer such machines for hire to offer clients eight different configurations based on their need. In essence clients will be able to mix and match the machines between oscillation and vibrating drums that are tandem or pneumatic tires.

According to a spokesperson representing Hamm AG, there are numerous benefits that come from switching to electric powered machines which include among others quieter operation and zero emissions which are undoubtedly the biggest challenges associated with construction sites and the impact that project sites have on the environment. Other factors that make these machines more desirable are the lower ownership costs linked to maintenance of electric powered machines when compared to fossil powered machines.

According to the report details by Elektrek, from the eight available options that the two new compactor rollers offer, four of the options are low-noise oscillating drums and when these drums are coupled with electric powered engines, the result is an ultra-quite compactor roller that are perfect for noise and vibration sensitive areas (i.e. hospitals and schools or residential areas).

According to Highways today, these machines are in essence twice as efficient compared to conventional rollers as the electric models utilize less energy. Both machines are powered by 23.4-kilowatt-hour lithium batteries which according to the report is sufficient to run the machine for an entire shift and charging the batteries consume an approximate four hours (full charge)

The race for clean and environmentally friendly machines is picking up a lot of heat as industrial and commercial sectors across the board look towards ditching fossil fuel. Almost every heavy equipment manufacturer on the planet is looking towards ‘green machines’ indicated Skanska’s director of sustainability and equipment services Mason Ford. According to Mason Ford Skanska was in fact among the first collaborate with Hamm and test the electric compact roller.

Such collaborations are being seen as crucial stepping stones for the entire construction industry within the scope of moving towards a more sustainable future.