15 May 2017, 13:55
The running time of the AS50e and AS30e battery-powered rammers from Wacker Neuson has increased by 50 percent, thanks to the state-of-the-art battery cells used. However, nothing has changed in the practical application of the rammer: customers can switch to the new battery at any time and work with their existing AS30e and AS50e rammers as usual.
The battery-powered rammers are available in two versions: the smaller AS30e model is a special rammer for compacting pipe spandrels, and the AS50e battery-powered vibratory rammer is used for all traditional rammer work. The batteries of both machines can be removed without tools so that the operator can replace the discharged battery with a charged battery in a few simple steps. The running time extension of the battery-powered rammers was achieved by increasing the energy capacity of the battery from 600 watt hours to 1,000 watt hours, which extended the running time of the rammers by 50 percent. The larger AS50e model was increased to 30 minutes and the smaller AS30e rammer was increased to 45 minutes. Customers who already own a battery-powered rammer can easily switch to the new battery, as the design, connections and operation remain unchanged; the battery chargers can also still be used.
The battery specifically designed and developed by Wacker Neuson for application in vibrating machines is characterized by its robustness and safety, in addition to the improved running time. The lithium-ion battery designed for harsh job site work offers a consistent power output throughout the entire discharge phase, which leads to a constant compaction performance from the first to the last minute of work. Aging effects can be minimized by an active cooling during operation of the rammer and when loading, and extreme temperatures from -10 to +50°C will not damage the sturdy battery. The compaction performance of the battery-powered rammers corresponds to the time-tested and proven Wacker Neuson two-cycle rammers of the same class.
Savings of 55 percent
Due to the zero-emissions—thanks to the electric motor and battery—both models easily meet stringent requirements, e.g. for urban construction areas or work in trenches. Another advantage of the battery-powered rammer is its low operating costs, as the electric motor is completely maintenance-free. Costs and effort that are typically incurred for rammers with combustion engines, due to typical maintenance work on air filters, spark plugs and the carburetor, can also be spared. The energy costs are also priced significantly lower: around 55 percent in energy costs can be saved by operating with electricity. In addition, the easy start at the push of a button speaks for the battery-powered rammer. Moreover, batteries and battery chargers are designed so that they can be used independently from the model.
The battery-powered rammers from Wacker Neuson have already received multiple awards, such as the European Rental Award 2015 in the category "Sustainable Rental Product of the Year", and the EuroTest Award 2016 from the German employer's liability insurance association (BG Bau) for outstanding performance in occupational health and safety. The specialist jury was impressed by the fact that the battery-powered rammers are the only rammers on the market to be completely emission-free, thus contributing to operators being able to work without dangers and health burdens, especially in trenches.
Wacker Neuson offers an innovative and comprehensive rammer portfolio: from the 30 to the 70-kilogram class and from the drive system with diesel, gasoline (2-cycle and 4-cycle) or with battery operation No other manufacturer offers such selection and expertise.
Source: Wacker Neuson SE