2020 - Volume #44, Issue #6, Page #27
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Remote-Controlled Electric Skid Steer Now On The Market
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“We have several running in the U.S. now,” says Adam Zajac, Kovaco Electric. “Without a diesel engine, the advantages include virtually no maintenance, no exhaust or emissions, and low noise levels. It can be operated indoors because there are no exhaust emissions.”
Prior to introducing the Elise 900, the Czech Republic company had not made motorized equipment of any kind. Thus, they had no preferences or prejudices to overcome. Known for equipment attachments and welding positioners, the European company made their move swiftly.
“We started work on the concept in 2014 and introduced it to the European market in 2019,” says Zajac. “Everything from design to manufacturing and assembly was done in-house, which helps. Our owner is very passionate about the Elise 900 and very responsive to customer needs.”
Zajac says the company recognizes that skid steer users often can’t afford to wait for parts or customer response. “One of our first customers had purchased a new conventional skid steer, and it immediately broke down,” relates Zajac. “He had to wait 2 weeks for parts. He sold it and bought an Elise 900.”
Service is easy, as the entire cab can be tipped forward with the help of gas struts.
However, the lead acid battery-powered Elise 900 has little service needed and very few parts to break down. Most electric and hydraulic components are readily available.
The battery pack supplies power to 3 electric motors, 2 for motive power and a third for the hydraulic pump. Each of the 3 motors is rated at from 13 1/2 hp. to a maximum of 36 hp.
“Each wheel has a planetary gearbox to reduce the high motor speed to the desired travel speed,” says Zajac. “Belts rated for high torque run from front to rear. Travel speed ranges from less than 1 mph to a maximum of 8 mph.”
Depending on work being done, the batteries can last from 2 to 8 hrs. They recharge to 80 percent in 3 hrs. and 100 percent in less than 5 1/2 hrs. Battery packs can be quickly replaced via a pallet mover.
“We went with lead acid batteries because they are well-proven, perform well in extreme heat and extreme cold, and are lower cost than lithium ion batteries,” says Zajac. “At some point in the future we will offer an equivalent lithium ion battery pack.”
The electric motor on the hydraulic pump puts out more than 17 gpm at 2,600 psi, from a 10 1/2-gal. reservoir. The Elise 900 has a load height of nearly 12 ft. and a load capacity of 1,984 lbs. It offers a tipping load of 3,968 lbs.
The Elise 900 is well-equipped with options. More than 40 different attachments are available, ranging from brush cutters to bale handlers, multiple buckets, grapples and blades. They also include snowblowers, spreaders, sweepers, tree cutters and wood splitters.
“You can put any of our attachments on it, as well as other universal quick attach attachments made for skid steers,” says Zajac. “We have the standard hydraulic connections, as well as an auxiliary for attachments that need it.”
Currently Zajac is one of two sales contacts for the company in North America. “We are in the process of establishing dealerships,” he says. “Our largest dealer currently is in Wakarusa, Indiana with another one in Houston, Texas. We are establishing one in Hastings, Minn. and another on the East Coast.”
The price for the Elise 900 with a standard battery pack is $54,999. It is also available with the extended battery pack for $58,081. Shipping and taxes are extra.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Kovaco Co., 7627 Fullerton Rd., Springfield, Va. 22153 (ph 321 604-8058; adam.zajac@kovacocompany.com; www.kovacoelectric.com).
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