Volteq Mini Skid Steer Specs and Lineup Summary
Enjoy Lower Operating and Maintenance Costs with the Volteq Electric Sky 1000
This post is a part of Compact Equipment‘s Compact Tool Carrier Spec Guide, which was featured in our March/April 2024 issue. View the magazine version of these summaries by clicking right here. Or sign up for the print edition right here. Now enjoy!
Volteq introduced the Sky 1000 electric skid steer prototype in January 2023, followed by the Sky 2000 and CQT 3300 quad-track concept machines at CONEXPO. Production models of the Sky 1000 ship to dealers in the spring of 2024. Market feedback attributed to the Sky 1000 delivering eight-plus hour run times, over 6-in. ground clearance and a lower ground pressure undercarriage. Sky 1000 technology will be leveraged to bring even more capability through the more powerful Sky 2000 and CQT 3300, as Volteq fulfills its mission to bring zero-emissions construction products to market with lower operating costs, reduced emissions and enhanced safety.
Volteq Equipment offers the Sky 1000 battery-powered mini skid steer and a wide range of attachments to maximize versatility and utilization on the jobsite. Powerful, yet compact, the Sky 1000 lifts up to 1,000 lbs and can pass through a 36-in. gate. The 20.48kW lithium iron battery and engineered efficiency, including direct drive electric track motors and machine programming, deliver strong performance and an impressive eight-hour runtime.
There is no tailpipe, meaning there is no exhaust noise or emissions, enabling indoor operation and a cleaner, quieter environment when working outside.
The Sky 1000 is engineless, thus eliminating engine-related systems, such as cooling, fuel and air intake. The result is a substantial reduction in maintenance costs, while minimizing the risk of unplanned downtime events stemming from warned or overlooked maintenance of an engine and related systems.
More on the Sky 1000
The standout feature of the Sky 1000 is its remote-control capability, allowing operators to have enhanced visibility and control up to 160 ft away. This feature significantly improves efficiency and convenience, especially for tasks requiring precise load placement, such as drilling or concrete breaking.
Additionally, the Sky 1000 comes with a 12-month prepaid subscription to telematics, providing insights into machine performance and usage. This feature not only assists owners with theft prevention through location tracking but also streamlines maintenance management by providing error codes, ultimately boosting operational efficiency.
The electrification of the Sky 1000 can save up to 70 percent in operating costs compared to diesel-powered alternatives that lack compelling standard features like radio remote control, telematics and GPS tracking. The lower operating costs contribute significantly to the bottom line, even when compared to lower cost ICE powered products.
Electric loaders, with an average hourly consumption of 2.5 kWh, translate to an operational cost of $0.39 per hour based on current U.S. electricity prices. Over a standard working month, this equates to approximately $62.80, significantly less than the $590 monthly expense for diesel loaders. Then add in maintenance costs. Diesel machines often rack up an additional $5,000 yearly for air filters, oil and larger repairs. Moreover, think about idle time. Running a diesel engine for 45 to 60 minutes daily could consume fuel unnecessarily, making up 10 to 18 percent of total machine hours per year. Electric loaders eliminate this fuel waste, offering further savings and efficiency gains.
Advice on Buying Electric
“When considering purchasing electric-powered machines, it’s crucial to evaluate your specific needs,” says Patrik Psenak, CEO of Volteq. “Can you achieve the required runtime between charges? Ensure charging is convenient and accessible, especially with integrated chargers, which can be plugged into standard 120V outlets. Electric machines consume no energy when the machine is idle but not in use, feature immediate slow speed control and deliver instant torque for better responsiveness and precise, controlled movements. Reduced operating and maintenance costs of electric machines are significantly decreasing the total cost of ownership over time, making them a compelling investment. Additionally with features like minimized vibration, zero emissions, lower noise and remote control, operators can work more safely and efficiently.”
This article was compiled with the help of Volteq Equipment.
