Electric Loaders: A Deep Dive into Firstgreen Industries’ Electric Skid Steers
This article is part of a series on battery-powered compact loaders. In the coming weeks, we will be posting brand-specific stories summarizing the electric loader options from a variety of machine makers, including Volvo, Case, Toro, Volteq and beyond. View those other stories right over here, then enjoy the feature below.
The Firstgreen brand is an innovative electric-only machine maker based out of Velká Dobrá near Prague, Czech Republic. In 2022 the company opened a new branch in North Carolina, marking a significant milestone for its American operations. Today, Firstgreen Industries offers the world’s first commercially available all-electric, zero-emissions skid steer loaders to American contractors and companies. Firstgreen currently offers nine electric skid steer machines across four model lines, but three of the four lines are cabinless and leverage remote-control technology for operation.
“Batteries used in Firstgreen machines can provide up to nine hours of runtime on one battery or 24 hours of runtime by swapping out drained batteries with fully charged batteries,” says Marcus Suess, chief operating officer of Firstgreen Industries. “Our batteries are charged using a standard 110V or 220V outlet — no specialized charging equipment or infrastructure is required. Our machines are compatible with smart lead acid and lithium-ion batteries. Batteries for our machines can be swapped in 15 minutes.”
The Elise is Firstgreen’s flagship line of skid steers, encompassing three main workhorse models. These machines are the most comparable to a standard, full-featured skid steer loader: Elise 700, which is smaller and quicker with a max load capacity of over 1,500 lbs; Elise 900, which is a medium loader with a max load capacity of over 1,900 lbs; and the Elise 1200, which is perfect for heavy tasks with a max load capacity over 2,600 lbs.
“We’ve seen an increased interest in electric machinery across a variety of industries as companies start to green their operations and build out a more sustainable fleet of heavy equipment,” says Suess. “Based on the user’s specific requirements, this may involve leasing or purchasing electric machinery, and they can be operated in outdoor or indoor settings due to the emissions-free nature of electric equipment. More hazardous industries are able to use Firstgreen skid steers in environments that wouldn’t ordinarily be possible with traditional diesel-powered skid steers.”
Firstgreen’s Elise CBL line is the cabinless version of the Elise line. These machines prioritize operator safety when working in hazardous and inhospitable environments, utilizing a camera and remote operation suite. There’s the Elise 700 CBL, Elise 900 CBL and the Elise 1200 CBL (the latter has a max load capacity over 3,300 lbs). Then there’s the Rockeat line, which is a variation of the Elise CBL line. These machines are also cabinless but are designed with low clearance to fit in smaller spaces using a 360-degree camera and remote operational suite. There’s the Rockeat 700 and 1200. The MiniZ machine is Firstgreen’s smallest model, designed to work in the tightest spaces. This cabinless machine is remotely operated with all-terrain capacity.
“Electric loaders equipped with remote control technology can dramatically reduce the number of workers needed on-site,” explains Suess. “This technology allows operators to work from outside the machine, offering better visibility and maneuverability. As a result, tasks that once required multiple workers can now be efficiently completed by just one person, improving overall productivity and safety.”
Batteries and Apps
Suess breaks down the markets for Firstgreen electric and remote-control skid steers:
• Agriculture: Firstgreen has seen interest in electric skid steers from commercial farmers and small- and medium-business farmers for their business operations. There’s been a growing concern over the safety of heavy equipment in farming, and electric machines drastically reduce the risk of accidents and injuries on farms.
• Construction and Demolition: Currently, contractors, construction firms and demolition companies have shown the highest interest in electric skid steers. While recent statistics reveal an alarming number of workplace fatalities involving heavy equipment, electric machines are a safer solution for navigating hazardous environments within jobsites and minimize the risk of accidents.
• Mining: Mining companies interested in leveraging electric skid steers are also on the rise. In addition to helping mining professionals safely reach tight spaces amid increased mining fatalities, electric machines also address the critical need for sustainable mining practices by minimizing its carbon footprint, prioritizing safety and efficiency, and helping to mitigate the environmental impacts of traditional mining practices.
Firstgreen electric machines are compatible with smart lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries. Its smart lead-acid batteries have been used in heavy equipment, such as forklifts. Its lithium-ion batteries are from Micropower Group out of Ohio, such as the LionBRIX, a lithium-ion battery system designed with a comprehensive suite of components meticulously engineered for top performance, safety and environmental sustainability. The LionBRIX is a modular solution that enables custom battery configurations, scalable up to 1,000V or capacities up to 700kWh. The LionBRIX has onboard and off-board fast-charging options to ensure maximum flexibility and convenience, as well as a five-year, 3,000-cycle warranty that guarantees long-lasting performance and reliability. Alternatively, Firstgreen machines can be fitted with a 96V, 430Ah lithium-ion battery system that includes two onboard chargers, capable of delivering up to 6kW of charging, with an option for a stationary charger as well.
“Developed, tested and transported according to international directives, LionBRIX incorporates safety functions and redundancy, ensuring reliability,” says Suess. “Battery modules are manufactured with rigorous testing throughout each step of the production process to achieve the highest quality standards.”
Compact track loaders are the most popular category of compact equipment in America. Learn why with loads of track loader features right here.
Electric Tech
Electric equipment and skid steers allow various advanced technologies to be integrated into machines, enhancing functionality, safety and efficiency. Here are some examples (via Suess):
- Remote Control and Automation: Electrification enables precise and reliable remote control operations. Firstgreen skid steers can be operated from a distance using a joystick remote control, making them suitable for hazardous environments where human presence would be risky.
- Telematics and IoT Integration: Electric skid steers can incorporate telematics systems that collect and transmit data regarding machine performance, usage, and location. This data can be analyzed to optimize operations, predict maintenance needs, and improve overall fleet management. Firstgreen’s loaders, for instance, can be equipped with sensors that monitor various parameters, facilitating predictive maintenance and reducing downtime.
- Advanced Battery Management Systems: Firstgreen skid steers use sophisticated battery management systems (BMS) that monitor battery health, optimize charging cycles, and extend battery life. These systems can also support fast charging options and hot-swappable batteries, ensuring continuous operation with minimal interruption.
- Environmental Sensors and Safety Features: Electric skid steers can include various sensors that enhance safety and environmental awareness. For example, Firstgreen machines are equipped with rear-view cameras, proximity sensors, and automatic braking systems to prevent accidents and improve operator safety.
- Modular Design and Upgradability: The modular design of Firstgreen skid steers allows for easy upgrades and customization. Users can add or replace components such as batteries, motors, and control units to keep the machinery up to date with the latest technology and performance standards.
- Low Noise and Vibration Technologies: Electric drivetrains inherently produce less noise and vibration compared to internal combustion engines. This not only improves operator comfort but also makes the loaders suitable for use in noise-sensitive environments such as residential areas and indoor facilities.
- Enhanced Attachments and Tool Integration: Electric power systems can efficiently support a wide range of attachments that require precise control and power, such as hydraulic tools, augers, trenchers, and snow blowers. The consistent power output from electric systems ensures these attachments operate more effectively.
Advice on Buying Electric Skid Steers
“When considering an electric loader, contractors should look beyond the typical factors like application suitability,” says Suess. “One often-overlooked benefit is the significantly quieter operation of electric loaders compared to traditional equipment. This reduced noise level facilitates better communication among workers, enhancing efficiency and accuracy since there’s no need to constantly turn machines on and off or step out to talk. Quieter operation is also less disruptive to the surrounding community, creating a more pleasant work environment without the nuisance of loud, smelly exhaust.
“Additionally, as the off-road electric equipment market is forecasted to grow to $42.4 billion by 2030, efforts to eliminate diesel fuel are continuing to increase and we’re beginning to see funding assistance programs become more widely available. A couple of federal programs include the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle Program and the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) funding.”
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Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.