Czech Republic-based Firstgreen Industries unveiled the first remotely operated cabless electric skid steer loader, called the Elise CBL.
The device is capable of being equipped with lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries. In addition to zero emissions, it aims to increase the safety of workers in subway excavations.
Like Firstgreen’s electric skid-steer loader, the CBL has three independent electric motors, two for the transmission and one for the hydraulics.
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Charging Times
The company detailed that lead-acid batteries take 5 to 10 hours to charge. Lithium-ion batteries can be charged in as little as 3 hours. At the same time, if a battery is not sufficient to meet demand, they can be changed during the shift.
Firstgreen Industries Project Manager Jan Otta explained that this process takes five minutes and is recommended for lead-acid batteries, which are not as expensive. “It makes sense to buy a set of two. It’s a solution that is widely used in mining in Chile.”
The Elise CBL is operated via a disk-mounted display or, as a backup, an app for iOS or Android. It can be operated from a distance of up to 49 meters with the remote control. By the second quarter of this year it will offer teleoperation using 5G, the company announced.
“We supply the machine with a fixed display, but the owner can also simply download the app on their phone and operate the machine via Bluetooth with a range of up to 10 meters,” Otta said.
By removing the cab where the operator normally sits, the overall height and center of gravity of the machine is reduced. This improves load capacity and stability, the company said.
It can carry 700 to 1,200 kg and has a tipping load between 1,400 and 2,200 kg. The CBL is also lightweight and narrow, allowing it to adapt to varied environments.
