If you've been around since 1855, you definitely have a story to tell as a construction company. Dura Vermeer is a family business that grew by bringing together two worlds – construction (Dura) and infrastructure (P. Vermeer) – and has been enthusiastically building the Netherlands ever since. From roads to residential areas and from railways to urban redevelopment. When things get complicated, Dura Vermeer is at the forefront. Its own equipment service enables smart, efficient construction sites for colleagues and clients.
The move to zero-emission equipment is a logical next step. "We're largely doing it out of conviction," says Marco Tieleman, branch manager of Dura Vermeer Materieel BV. "But it's also a strategic choice. The market is in the midst of the energy transition. And if you want to be a leader as a company, you have to show you're serious about it." Thanks to investments in sustainable equipment, Dura Vermeer has already secured numerous projects where zero-emission was a strict requirement.
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At the end of May, three identical DX165W Electric mobile excavators were delivered in Cruquius (North Holland). A demonstration and explanation were provided, which our operators were thrilled with. A few days later, the machines were festively presented to clients and municipalities. They are now operating in Amsterdam and Haarlem. And that's just the beginning. The machines are finished in Dura Vermeer's recognizable green and yellow livery, making them not only practical but also real eye-catchers in city centers. Each DX165W Electric is equipped with a replaceable 400 kWh Powerbox 400, allowing the operator to work continuously for between 10 and 14 hours. The 600 V high-voltage system ensures safety and efficiency; a smart choice in places where available power on a construction site is limited. A 360° camera system makes it much safer for the operator in busy city centers, while a comfortable seat with air suspension and climate control ensures that even long days are comfortable.
Dura Vermeer looked around extensively before making decisions. "Ultimately, we want a one-stop shop for service and warranty issues," says Marco. "If something happens, you should be able to say: 'Just take care of it.' That way, the manufacturer and the conversion company can't point fingers at each other." That's precisely why Staad was chosen as a supplier. The service is clear, the lines of communication are short, and the expertise in electrical equipment is growing along with the market. This last point is important, because electrical requires different, specialized knowledge.
Two machines are running in the heart of Amsterdam, the third in Haarlem. Anyone who's ever seen a construction site there knows this is no ordinary workplace. Narrow streets, cyclists weaving through everything, and residents or tourists walking right past the barriers. It's quite intense for the operators. "In Amsterdam, you work on a postage stamp," Marco explains. "You have to see everything and be able to switch quickly. That requires a different type of operator than in large earthmoving. They're practically assistant foremen. Nothing escapes their notice."
The DX165W Electric proves its worth here day after day. The roadwork and sewer jobs are demanding and require a machine that's fuel-efficient, compact, maneuverable, and quiet. The fact that it produces no emissions and minimal noise not only helps in the tight locations but also in the understanding of local residents. This is especially true during work on the tram line, which is often carried out late in the evening or at night. "We still have a similar model working in the Southwest region and one on the Tiel-Waardenburg dike reinforcement project."
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Although the DX165W Electric is equipped with a replaceable Powerbox 400, in practice, it's rarely changed in our case. In the city center, the primary focus is on finding nearby power points. "Two 22 kW connections are sufficient." This sometimes requires some creativity, such as scaling up a charging station that's out of service during roadworks. Dura Vermeer uses NRG's so-called Power Map to search for public or dormant connections, such as those used by fairs or sports clubs. Marco: "This requires more planning than just 'sending a fuel truck over,' but it often yields surprising options."
Dura Vermeer is currently busy considering further expansion of its electric machinery. The new STAAD 17W mobile excavator is also being considered. Marco sees clear differences compared to the DX165W Electric. "The 17W looks even more compact. It seems even easier to maneuver. Significant progress has also been made in the efficiency of the drivetrain and battery technology. Thanks to a battery pack positioned low in the chassis and larger windows, rear visibility is excellent." It's precisely this kind of progress that matters in places where space is at a premium and safety is paramount.
Electric machines require less maintenance than diesel versions, but they do require careful handling. Faults are often more difficult to diagnose because everything runs via Canbus. Therefore, Dura Vermeer always considers aftersales when investing in new emission-free equipment. "The quality of the machines is simply excellent," says Marco. "Of course, there are occasional minor issues, but more important is how quickly and efficiently Staad resolves them. Nothing but praise for that."
The three DX165W Electric wheeled excavators that Dura Vermeer uses in Amsterdam and Haarlem are identical down to the last detail. Think of an Engcon EC219 tiltrotator with gripper, a welded lifting eye on the dipperstick, and film on the windows to block out sunlight. We also see DropsaVET automatic greasing, BMair overpressure preparation, Leica GPS preparation, impact-resistant mudguards, and a tow bar for the trailer with a comprehensive bucket set. Even the silver-gray rims with Nokian Ground Kare tires were a conscious choice.
This article was published in Grondwerk magazine, Winter 2025 edition. Would you also like to receive this beautiful magazine? Click here.
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