At Staad, they are of course happy with every new machine that is sold, but when two mobile excavators – and then also fully electric – are delivered at the same time, that makes them extra proud. Westra BV from Franeker sees this as an opportunity, literally and figuratively, to give the machine fleet a sustainable boost.
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For twin brothers Pieter and Feite Westra, the commissioning of two emission-free 17-ton machines is also a special milestone. After all, they are the first two zero-emission excavators to be used in the Northwest Friesland region. For years, Westra has been trying to save fuel in innovative ways and thus reduce machine emissions. By opting for zero-emission, the family business is making a powerful statement that fits perfectly into the overall picture. With its own windmill and more than 2,800 solar panels on the roofs, Westra attaches great importance to sustainability.
Because the demand from the market for emission-free equipment is growing, the specialist in green, soil, infrastructure and rental specifically went looking for a machine that meets this requirement. "The starting point is that an electric tyre crane should be able to operate for eight to ten hours in a row. No hassle with interim charging", says Feite Westra. The choice fell on the DX165W Electric, developed and supplied by Staad Electric. The machine has an interchangeable Powerbox 400 of 400 kWh, good for 10 to 14 hours of operation on one battery charge. And if that is not enough, the battery pack can be changed within five minutes.
By using a 600V high-voltage system, not only do the safety and reliability of the machines increase, but energy is also used more efficiently. These electric powerhouses help to spread the energy demand on projects where the power supply is limited. Staad attaches great importance to service and, with the Fusion brand and the Energy as a Service service, plays a role in matters relating to charging infrastructure, such as mobile or interchangeable power boxes. There are even contracts available for the supply of green energy at the project location, including transport. This means that machines can also be delivered without a battery pack, which significantly reduces the purchase price.
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Westra had both excavators equipped with many extras, such as an engcon tiltrotator with gripper, DropsaVET automatic greasing, BMair/Freshfilter overpressure preparation, Topcon 3D-GPS and a complete Eurosteel bucket set. We also see Nokian GroundKare tyres and steel, width-adjustable mudguards. These are still being adjusted at the customer's request. The first reactions from the market are positive. "They are real rental toppers", Feite judges. "They do exactly what they are supposed to do: powerful, quiet and reliable. Much less noise penetrates the cabin, which is a real relief for the operators. And the work? It goes just as fast as with a diesel machine."
Although both acquisitions basically do the same job as the mobile Develon at this almost 100-year-old company, Feite notices that they are still different. “Emission-free working requires a different way of thinking within the entire organization, from machinist to mechanic and from planner to executor. There is also a different price tag, otherwise it simply won't work out. If it is technically and financially feasible, we will continue. The goal is to work as emission-free as possible by 2030. We want to offer total solutions and don't like to say 'no'. If you don't have them, you can't rent them out. They have now both been rented out for six months, which confirms that it was a good move.”
The sustainable course of the Frisian family business is not limited to equipment. The operators drive electric cars and at the beginning of this year Westra signed for the delivery of two Mercedes eActros 600 tractors. This will soon also allow the electric excavators to be transported to the construction site without emissions. The DX165W Electric is known for its endurance and power, which ensures top performance in the 17-ton class. “In addition, it is comfortable to handle, super quiet and simply makes working enjoyable,” concludes Feite Westra. “When you see how smoothly the operator lays down the street drains with the help of Topcon 3D GPS, you know that these machines are not only sustainable, but also really good.”
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Staad Electric is the leader in the Netherlands when it comes to zero-emission excavators and the number of deliveries is also increasing rapidly outside our borders - especially in Scandinavian countries. In this way, the company makes a significant contribution to the energy transition in the construction world. Based on the quality and reliability of Develon, but with an innovative Dutch sauce. From a mobile excavator to even a 55-tonner on tracks. Curious about what Staad has to offer you? They will be at the TKD with the joint Develon dealers (stand 145), but also with their own stand as a Staad manufacturer (stand 72).
Article created in collaboration with GWW-Bouw / Bouwmat: gww-bouw.nl
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