Slovak manufacturer Kovaco turned heads in 2018 when it introduced an industry first: the Elise 900. Billed as the first fully electric skid steer, the quiet, zero-emission loader is rated to lift up to 1,984 pounds (900 kilograms) and run for two to eight hours on a battery charge. Its lead-acid batteries can fully recharge in 5.3 hours, or to 80% capacity in just 3 hours. They can also be quickly swapped out to keep the machine working, according to Kovaco.
With no exhaust fumes and less noise than a run-of-the-mill skid loader, the Elise 900 is well-suited to municipal duties in urban areas, parks, and tourism zones, as well as to confined spaces, basements, and tunnels. Founded in 1991, Kovaco has a U.S. presence in Springfield, VA.
Under The Hood
The Elise 900 has an operating weight of 7,275 lbs (3,300 kg), a maximum boom height of 11.2 feet (3.4 meters), and a rated tipping load of 3,968 lbs (1,800 kg). Interestingly, it can be operated by a remote control that doubles as a display for the machine’s status.
With no exhaust fumes and less noise than a run-of-the-mill skid loader, the Elise 900 is well-suited to urban areas, tourism zones, and confined spaces. (Photo courtesy of Kovaco.)
Motivating the eco-friendly loader are three 13.41-horsepower electric motors, two of which drive the wheels while the third powers the hydraulic system. Planetary gearboxes regulate each tire’s speed, while a high-speed rubber belt imparts torque to the rear wheels’ gearbox. The loader can travel at up to 8.07 mph.
With a bucket attached, the Elise 900 is about 10.9 ft. (3.3 m) in length, 5.94 ft. (1.8 m) wide, and 6.8 ft. (2.1 m) tall. The operator can adjust the bucket vertically and horizontally from the driver’s seat. Kovaco, known for the attachments it develops and sells, says the Elise 900 supports more than 30 earthworks, mining, and forestry attachments.
Source: kovacocompany.com