World novelty from Wacker Neuson: Battery-powered rammer with electric motor for emission-free work

Innovations in the field of compacting technology are a tradition at Wacker Neuson: A groundbreaking invention was therefore created with the first rammer in 1930 – and many innovations then followed. Now Wacker Neuson is taking another step towards the future and with the new battery-powered rammer is offering customers the possibility to work completely emission-free and at the same time without a power cable. Wacker Neuson is therefore again demonstrating its innovative leadership in this segment.

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The new battery-powered rammers will be available in two versions starting in 2015: The smaller model AS 30 is a special rammer for the compaction of pipe gussets. The battery-powered rammer AS 50 is used for all traditional rammer work. The batteries of both machines can be removed without tools so that the operator can exchange the discharged battery with a charged battery in a few simple steps. This concept makes the operator independent of power sources and cables during the compaction process. Due to the zero emissions, both models easily stand up to strict requirements, such as on urban construction sites.

"The battery-powered rammer is a real novelty on the market. And it is the result of close collaboration with our customers, because we have implemented some requirements here that companies and users have brought to us," says Alexander Greschner, managing director of Wacker Neuson Produktion GmbH & Co. KG. "For example, the battery-powered rammer with zero emissions can fully display its strengths in trench applications and when used in buildings. For emission-free work not only protects the health of the operator, but also expands the range of application of the rammer – and therefore the flexibility of the company."

63 percent savings in energy costs

An additional advantage is the low operating costs, since there are no typical maintenance jobs of conventional rammers with the battery-powered rammer, for example maintenance work on the carburetor. This also applies for the energy costs: Around 63 percent in energy costs can be saved by operation with electricity. These properties, zero emissions and particular economic efficiency during operation are also reasons why the battery-powered rammer has been awarded the ECO seal by Wacker Neuson – ECO for ECOlogy and ECOnomy. In addition, the easy starting at the push of a button speaks for the battery-powered rammer. Batteries and battery chargers are designed so that they can be used independently of the model.

Wacker Neuson uses lithium iron phosphate batteries. Compared to the typical lithium cobalt oxide batteries, which are used in cell phones and laptops, these have some properties that prove to be very beneficial in the construction site environment. The long service life is particularly beneficial here: even after 1,500 charge cycles, at least 80 percent of the battery capacity is still available. Another benefit is the high temperature stability for operating temperatures between -10 and +50 degrees Celsius as well as the specific safety concept that reliably rules out a spontaneous combustion or catching fire in the event of damage from the outside.

With the introduction of the new battery-powered rammer, Wacker Neuson offers an innovative and comprehensive product portfolio of rammers: from the 30-70 kilogram class and from the drive system with diesel, gasoline (2-cycle and 4-cycle) or an electric motor with battery operation. No other manufacturer offers more selection and expertise.

The battery-powered rammers AS 30 and AS 50 will first be available in Germany in early 2015.