Gehl joined a host of other manufacturers that chose to bring out their latest concept electric machines to ConExpo 2020.
The Manitou subsidiary demonstrated its 165E electric skid steer, based on the company’s mid-frame 69-horsepower R 165 skid loader. The loader runs on a 48-volt lithium-ion battery system and has a charge life of 8 hours, company officials said.
The 48-volt lithium-ion battery system powers Gehl’s concept 165E.The 1,650-pound load capacity, 118-inch height to hinge pin and drive speeds are the same as for the diesel-powered R 165. It can also operate in the same outdoor environments, but because of its quiet operation and zero emissions, it could also be used for indoor demolition and work near hospitals, schools and other noise- and pollution-sensitive environments, company officials said.
The 165E is designed to require little maintenance, partly because it uses less hydraulic fluid than a diesel skid steer. The company used ConExpo to gather feedback on the concept machine and plans to use that input to further tweak the design. A release date and cost estimate have not been determined as it is expected the machine will continue to undergo alterations. But the company is confident in the battery system.
“We feel really good where we’re at for this concept vehicle in terms of battery performance,” said Rick Alton, president of Manitou’s Compact Equipment Products Division.
