French OEM Manitou Group is including to its vary of electrical telehandlers with a zero-emission model of one in every of its best-selling diesel autos for agriculture. Right here we get a primary take a look at the machine and discover out extra concerning the pondering behind its progressive powertrain
Manitou Group is constant the drive in direction of electrifying the off-highway sector with its model new MLT 625e, its first battery electrical fastened telehandler for the agricultural sector.
The car, which is predicated on the MLT 625 H diesel equal, is powered by a lithium-ion battery accompanied by two electrical motors. The agricultural model has a 9kW built-in battery charger as commonplace which suggests quick charging is extra simply achieved than earlier electrical fashions. Like its diesel counterpart, the MLT 625e is properly tailored to the agricultural business with an oscillating rear axle, agricultural tyres, a excessive floor clearance of 38cm and 4 wheel drive. It additionally comes with a full vary of ag attachments together with a bucket, grapple bucket, huge bag handler, sweeper and bale clamp.
This progressive car provides additional advantages for farmers, with zero fumes making it ideally suited for work in shut proximity with animals and different staff. The low noise additionally minimises disruption. When the Group regarded on the design of the MLT 625e, it concerned way more than simply merely swapping the engine for a battery pack. Some of the progressive options is the central positioning of the battery pack, which not solely protects the battery from potential harm throughout operation, but in addition enhances the machine’s stability by centralising the burden which is essential throughout lifting operations.
Slightly than merely retrofitting an present diesel mannequin, Manitou redesigned the chassis to accommodate the battery pack. This ground-up method to design ensures the electrical telehandler can absolutely capitalise on the advantages of its energy supply.
On the core of the MLT 625e is a lithium-ion battery which is designed to supply 4 hours of steady work time. The machine’s energy administration system consistently screens and adjusts output to maximise effectivity and battery life.
“Within the diesel model, we had the hydraulic pump mounted immediately on the engine itself so the engine was all the time working,” says Damien Rolland, head of the engineering division on the tremendous compact telehandlers product unit. “Within the electrical model, we’ve a devoted motor for the hydraulic system. Which means when the operator isn’t requesting something, the machine doesn’t run.”
“When hydraulic motion is required, the electrical motor begins working and it’s linked on to the operator’s wants. For instance, when the operator desires to make a sluggish motion, the motor runs slower and when the person wants full energy, the motor will function at high pace. The vitality consumption actually will depend on the operator’s requests.”
Battery recharging is assisted by the on-board 9kW charger, which suggests the machine could be absolutely charged in round three hours utilizing a 380V plug. For added comfort, the telehandler comes geared up with adapters for each 380V and 220V plugs, making certain compatibility with numerous farm setups.
The fast-charging functionality reduces downtime and will increase total productiveness. The pliability in charging additionally permits farmers to combine the MLT 625e seamlessly into their day by day operations with out the necessity for main infrastructure modifications. “Alternative charging means we are able to cost the machine at any time when we would like and it additionally signifies that we do not need to totally cost the machine every time,” says Camille Rouvrais, a product supervisor at Manitou Group. “There isn’t any particular charging room wanted or further upkeep.”
“We now have a devoted motor for the hydraulic system. Which means when the operator isn’t requesting something, the machine doesn’t run”
The MLT 625e has been designed to match the capabilities of its diesel counterpart with a lifting capability of two,500kg and most lifting top of 5.9m, in addition to its total hydraulic efficiency.
“In comparison with the diesel model, the traction energy is barely decreased,” says Rolland. “However, the electrical model is way more reactive, so we don’t really feel we’ve a big lack of energy. The ability is greater than sufficient for agricultural functions.”
Security options
The MLT 625e incorporates superior options to guard each the operator and the machine. The combination of a battery administration system (BMS) is on the coronary heart of those security measures.
The actual-time communication between the BMS and the machine’s central management system makes energy output changes based mostly on battery circumstances and operator calls for. If the battery cost is low or if temperature circumstances are suboptimal, the system can restrict energy output to stop harm and guarantee continued operation.
“The BMS sends info to the machine’s system. The system then assesses the operator’s request and the battery capability and adapts the request accordingly. If the request is in steadiness with the battery capability, the motion will probably be as requested. If the battery can’t ship the facility wanted, the motion will probably be decreased,” says Rolland.
The MLT 625e additionally options thermal administration techniques to keep up optimum battery temperature. A small radiator and fan system assist regulate the temperature of the traction motor and hydraulic oil, whereas additionally offering cooling for electrical parts within the car.
“Alternative charging means we are able to cost the machine at any time when we would like and do not need to totally cost it every time”
Moreover, Manitou Group has applied measures to guard {the electrical} parts from mud, particles and moisture which might doubtlessly trigger put on and harm and are fixed hazards in agricultural. “All {the electrical} parts have an IP65 score and most of them are positioned below the engine bonnet to guard them from rain, grime, mud and particles. We now have additionally designed a canopy for
the motor which provides safety towards antagonistic climate circumstances,” says Rolland.
The electrical powertrain within the MLT 625e means a lot much less upkeep is required when in comparison with a conventional diesel machine, without having for engine oil modifications or gasoline filter replacements. This not solely reduces downtime, but in addition lowers the whole price of possession
for the farmers.
The swap to electrical has resulted in a considerably quieter operation. This discount in noise makes the telehandler well-suited for indoor operations, equivalent to in barns or different enclosed agricultural areas.
The introduction of the MLT 625e aligns with Manitou Group’s goal to have 43% of its product vary offered as low emission by 2030. “When it comes to sustainability, we’re already making strikes within the development sector, and we intention to do precisely the identical within the agricultural sector,” says Franck Lethorey, who’s exterior communication supervisor for the Manitou Group. “We now have a devoted low-carbon pathway which has been validated by the SBTI organisation. It’s actually necessary for us to speed up the deployment of our electrical ranges and we’re at present within the strategy of engaged on hydrogen prototypes. We even have a well-established CSR coverage. This can be our first agricultural telehandler launch, however we’re centered on our total world technique.”
This text first appeared within the August difficulty of iVT Worldwide – https://markallen.mydigitalpublication.co.uk/publication/?m=63192&i=827328&p=1&pre=1&ver=html5
