With decades of experience in earthworks for pipelines and cable routes , Gebr. Van den Maagdenberg knows better than anyone what is required on specialist projects in this 'underworld'. At the same time, the West Brabant-based company likes to look ahead. For instance, two electric excavators have now become a full-fledged part of the fleet. However, for a large TenneT project, a heavier electric crawler excavator from Staad's rental fleet was chosen. A practical way to work emission-free while simultaneously gaining even more experience with electric earthmoving.
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Video: Gebr. van den Maagdenberg: view the crawler excavator in the field
Anyone familiar with Gebr. Van den Maagdenberg from Hoeven knows that the company does not easily shy away from a challenging earthmoving project. The enterprise specializes in earthworks for pipelines and cable routes and often works as a subcontractor for major players in the market. From opening and preparing a route to excavating the trench and the final land-technical restoration: the company has all the necessary knowledge and equipment in-house.
This family business is no stranger to loyal readers. In 2019, Grondwerk already paid them a visit to see the use of various machines within their specialization. “We essentially still do the same thing: pipelines and cables for major players in the market,” says director and owner Wim van den Maagdenberg. The company itself has grown considerably in the meantime. For instance, a new business premises was recently put into use, providing more space for the office and organization.
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A significant portion of the work takes place in rural areas, often right next to Natura 2000 sites. Consequently, attention to emissions is also increasing. “It is therefore logical that stricter emission requirements are being set. However, things are not moving fast enough for us, and it all feels a bit too non-committal,” says Wim.
For a company like Van den Maagdenberg, it is precisely that uncertainty that makes it difficult to invest structurally in electric equipment. According to Wim, the demand for emission-free equipment still lacks sufficient continuity. And so, flexibility is important. “In that case, it is nice to be able to fall back on Staad’s rental fleet.”
This is evident in practice during a large-scale project for TenneT. Together with Hanab, Van den Maagdenberg is handling the section between Rilland and Tilburg. Work is underway on a new underground high-voltage connection of 150 kV and 380 kV over a length of approximately 80 kilometers. Heavy equipment is required for the earthworks. And so the Staad DX355LC Electric came into play.
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Van den Maagdenberg has since gained extensive experience with electric earthmoving. In 2024, the first electric excavator was added to the company's fleet: a 27.9-ton crawler excavator. Later that year, a 17-ton electric mobile excavator followed. “For an underground cable project, it all had to be quite a bit heavier,” says Wim.
The DX355LC Electric weighs 35 tons, making it a logical next step. The machine is used to excavate a trench approximately ten meters wide, in which the casing pipes are laid. The excavated soil is then further processed. This requires not only power but also reach.
The electric excavator proves to hold its own well in this regard. “The machine runs smoothly and picks up well. For soil handling, the DX355LC Electric is in no way inferior to a diesel version and is clearly quieter.”
The choice to rent is no coincidence. “Our participation in this project runs from January 2026 to early 2027, giving it a clearly defined duration. That makes it more attractive for us to rent an excavator than to make another major investment.” In addition, electric earthmoving is still very much under development.
Not only the machine, but also the charging infrastructure and energy supply require attention. A total of four to five electric excavators are operating on the TenneT project. That means juggling the available battery packs every single day.
According to Wim, that is precisely where the value of the rental solution lies. “We were, of course, already familiar with emission-free operation, but for those for whom this subject is still new, rental certainly offers a solution. A company can gain experience with the machine and the charging process, without having to make a substantial investment immediately.”
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The experiences with the DX355LC Electric have been positive so far. Wim primarily wanted to know whether such a large machine could actually be used emission-free in daily practice. The main question in this regard was whether the 800 kWh battery capacity would be sufficient.
“So far, the experience is good, and the DX355LC Electric is in no way inferior to a machine with a diesel engine.” Changing the battery packs also goes smoothly. “They are heavy, but they easily last a full workday.” According to Wim, that is a prerequisite for successful emission-free operation.
The operators also had to get used to the new technology for a little while. “At first, they were a bit hesitant, which is understandable.” That has since changed. The lower noise level and reduced vibrations are particularly appreciated. “The electric excavators are therefore a full-fledged member of our fleet.”
A power point has been set up on the project, and the Powerboxes are charged every evening. This allows the team to start work at full capacity the following morning. Barring the occasional malfunction, the charging infrastructure is running smoothly, according to Wim.
That does not mean that more electric machines will be purchased anytime soon. “Now that requests for emission-free orders are lagging somewhat, we are taking a step back.” The uncertainty in the market resulting from instability on the global stage absolutely plays a role in this.
At the same time, Van den Maagdenberg is keeping a close eye on developments. After all, if circumstances change, the calculations change accordingly. “In the long run, zero-emission equipment will become increasingly common on construction sites,” he states with conviction. With the experience already gained, the company can further strengthen its leading position.
This article was published in Grondwerk Magazine, Autumn 2026 edition. Would you like to receive this beautiful magazine as well? Then click here.
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