National Grid, NYSEG/RG&E to utilize quieter, no emission electric backhoe loaders

A new, zero-emission, all-electric backhoe loader developed by CASE Construction Equipment is being put to the test by utilities National Grid, AVANGRID, and New York State Electric and Gas, and Rochester Gas & Electric (NYSEG/RG&E).

Commissioned by the utilities, and built from CASE’s traditional 580-diesel powered backhoe loader, the backhoes are being incorporated fully into their fleets as a means of creating more sustainable environments. An added bonus is that they are also significantly quieter than their traditional forebears. These backhoes will be used as part of gas construction businesses over a year of field testing.

“The backhoe loader is perfectly suited for electrification as the varied use cycles, from heavy to light work, provide an excellent opportunity to convert wasted diesel engine hours into zero consumption battery time, yet provide the operator with instantaneous torque response when needed,” Eric Zieser, director of the global compact equipment product line at CASE, said. “At low idle, a diesel engine has reduced torque and requires time for the engine to ramp up to meet the load demands. Electric motors, on the other hand, have instantaneous torque and peak torque available at every operating speed.”

CASE notes that the zero-emission model is equivalent to its diesel-powered counterparts in terms of power, but has a major advantage in terms of daily operating costs. They spew no dangerous fossil fuel exhaust and help their users reach net zero targets as well. Assisting in their creation were international designer and manufacturer Moog, along with battery powered products company Green Machine.

“National Grid has been at the forefront of incorporating battery-powered construction equipment into our business, and CASE’s new backhoe loader directly supports our corporate goal to eliminate companywide greenhouse gas emissions by 2050,” John Bruckner, National Grid’s New York president, said.