Learn How Dedicated Dumpers and Power Buggies Are Ideal for Electrification

Site dumpers and power buggies are great tools to transport materials around jobsites — topsoil and gravel to mulch and cement. Power buggies are basically walk-behind or stand-on self-propelled wheelbarrows that can ferry a variety of products but are still widely used for transporting and pouring concrete. Dedicated dumpers are sit-down mini haulers with a heavy-duty skip (that’s dumper talk for bucket) that can rotate 180 degrees for precision placements. Further adding to each category’s appeal, electric versions of both power buggies and dedicated dumpers are available on dealer and rental lots in 2024.

Power Buggies Embrace Batteries

The power buggy offers a variety of advantages over skid steers, compact utility loaders or compact tractors when it comes to moving materials. Power buggies are easier to learn to operate, have lower acquisition costs, lower maintenance costs and can get into small areas such as standard 36-in. doorways. Now, power buggies are going electric, which means no emissions, no smell, low noise and low vibration. Reduced noise, smell and emissions create a safer work environment for the operator and coworkers and keep jobsite neighbors happy.

A great example is the electric Ultra Buggy by Toro, which is “the start of an innovative line of material buggies, offering operators a battery-powered solution that will open the door to new jobsites,” says Kaitlyn Ingli, product marketing manager at Toro. “Battery-powered machines are quiet, allowing operators to work in noise-sensitive areas. Those same electric models produce zero engine exhaust emissions, enabling work indoors and in areas with increased environmental regulations.”

Indoor demolition, jobs near a hospital, nighttime projects or work inside a zoo might be new opportunities for a contractor that can promise no emissions, no smell and very low noise.

Many municipalities have CO2 emissions reduction targets to hit, some with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Furthermore, Ingli adds, many companies are looking to meet their own sustainability initiatives. “Widening the scope of battery-powered machines to include material buggies allows them to create a fleet of machines that work side by side to cut downtime and enhance productivity.”

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Power buggies, when used for pouring concrete, are commonly used in the construction of driveways, sidewalks and patios and in areas where pumping and trucks cannot access. Landscape contractors enjoy the benefits of power buggies in hauling soil, gravel, sod and trees, for example. When compared to other pieces of equipment used on jobsites, power buggies are rather simple machines. Power buggies don’t have gearboxes, transmissions, drive shafts, chains, U-joints or clutches to break down or wear out. It’s basically a rigid steel frame with front-wheel hydraulic drives. You can choose a steel or poly bucket for delivering the payload and pick a walk-behind or stand-on configuration.

Today’s power buggies are classified by their bucket size, which is measured in cubic feet. The general range for bucket size is 10 to 21 cu ft, with 16 cu ft being the industry average; these units can carry about 2,500 lbs of cargo. Buggies can be segmented by bucket size, payload capacity, transmission type (hydrostatic or gear-type), two- or four-wheel drive or gas or battery electric start. While early power buggies were only available with steel buckets, today’s buyers can choose from a selection of steel, polyethylene or polymer buckets. There are also options in wheels versus tracks and bucket swivel dump buggies versus straight dump buggies.

The HTD-5E electric dumper from JCB is a good choice for rental, construction, landscaping and agriculture applications, with a charge time of 120 to 75 minutes from any standard 110V to 220V socket. It offers walk-behind and ride-along capability, fits through a standard doorway with a maximum machine width of 2 ft, 4 in. and has a carrying capacity of 1,102 lbs. Operator station noise is reduced by 14dB, compared with the diesel model, improving operator comfort.

Toro’s compact electric Ultra Buggy e2500 has been around since 2022, powered by its proprietary HyperCell Power System, which delivers eight hours of runtime. It can haul up to 2,500 lbs of material and fit through standard doorways because it’s only 31.5 in. wide. Additional features include a fold-up platform for stand-on or walk-behind capability (and easy transport), zero-turn-radius steering and an optional steel tub. Toro’s Ingli has a long list of considerations in choosing an electric material buggy:

Battery runtime: “Consider your typical workday and ensure that the buggy’s range meets your operational requirements without requiring frequent recharging.”

Charging needs and infrastructure: Can the facility’s charging infrastructure support the number of machines, considering charging time, voltage, available outlets and other load for items such as lights, computers, HVAC, security system, etc.? “[The] Ultra Buggy comes with a convenient onboard charger that plugs into a standard 120V wall outlet and is fully charged in eight hours.”

Payload capacity: Select a model that can accommodate your load requirements and allow for potential future needs.

Durability and build quality: You want a machine that can withstand heavy use and harsh operating conditions, so look for robust construction, reinforced chassis and durable components to ensure long-term performance and reliability. Ingli points out that the Ultra Buggy’s polyethylene tub has an increased thickness of 3/8 in., as well as an optional steel tub for hauling abrasive materials.

Terrain and environment: Electric machines might be needed for indoor applications and outdoor environments, so look for versatile equipment that can handle rough terrain and quiet indoor jobsites.

Operator comfort: Enhanced operator comfort can increase productivity. Ingli mentions the mounted directional and dump switches on the Ultra Buggy that allow continuous motion and eliminate the need to fully stop to change direction or dump material. An auto-return dump feature that returns the tub to a resting position permits the operator to focus on the next load.

Other electric power buggies are available on the market from companies like Tomahawk, Kato, Ecovolve and the Whiteman TuffTruk brand by Multiquip.

Battery-Powered Dumpers

If you need to move a lot of material quickly, it’s hard to beat a site dumper. These dedicated material movers are big in Europe (where skid steers aren’t) because they can quickly haul large loads of clay, stone, gravel, sand and even asphalt and concrete via heavy-duty skips. Dumpers can precisely place this material using the skip’s 180-degree rotation, 90 degrees to the right and left of center, adding dexterity and efficiency to carry-and-dump operations. Dedicated dumper payload capacities range from 1 to 10 metric tons (3 tonners are popular), and units can carry between 50 to 1,000 yds of material.

Dumpers have excellent maneuverability, using articulating steering, which works well in both rough terrain that requires heavy traction and on manicured projects that require low impact. Dumpers are a great choice in sectors ranging from nurseries and golf courses to municipalities and cemeteries. These units can motor too. Most units have top speeds at around 15 mph. While machines won’t offer a ton of choices, there are options: two-wheel or four-wheel drive; turf- or tractor-style tires; accessories like skip guards, concrete chutes and lighting packages; and ROPs frames or enclosed heated and cooled cab operator stations. There are also choices in propulsion — diesel engine or battery powered.

On the diesel side, dumpers can offer engines from 25 to 74 hp, depending on the size of the unit. There are also a couple of electric options on the market, and these fall on the smaller range of dumper units. JCB offers its 1-metric-ton 1TE electric dumper. Like its 1T diesel-powered counterpart, JCB’s 1TE offers a 2,205-lb payload, operating weight of 3,582 lbs and a turning radius of 8 ft, 10 in. With zero emissions, this machine can operate indoors, in confined spaces and in noise sensitive environments. Powered by two 48V 5-kWh robust lithium-ion batteries, the 1TE will easily work a full day’s shift. Two charging options — 110V and 230V rapid charge — make it easy to charge on a variety of jobsites.

“These are low-duty-cycle machines,” James Gill, product manager, at JCB explains. “They’re not doing a lot for a lot of the day; they sit and wait to be loaded. They’re not running all day.” That means they don’t need charging too often. In fact, he says they can sometimes go two to three days without a charge.

Spanish manufacturer Ausa currently offers three electric dumpers: the D101AEA and D101AEA Compact with a 2,200-lb and 0.74-cu-yd load capacity, and the D151AEG with a 3,300-lb and 1.18-cu-yd load capacity. “The entire electric range is designed for a range of at least one intense shift, with electronically managed lithium-ion batteries that deliver maximum power smoothly,” says Roger Rotés, product manager at Ausa. “These rugged conditions match those of diesel vehicles.”

The main reasons for choosing one model over another are related to their load capacities, unloading skip method and physical dimensions.

“While the D151AEG model has a load capacity of 3,300 lbs and 1.18 cu yds, a swivel skip that allows precise lateral discharge and a total machine width of 580 in., the D101AEA models are even more compact,” says Rotés. “They have a load capacity of 2,200 lbs and 0.74 cu yds and a hi-tip skip, allowing them to unload at elevated locations. The width of the D101AEA model is just 426 in., but Ausa also offers an even more extreme model, the D101AEA Compact, which has a width of 393 in., allowing it to fit through building and residential doors. This model is specifically designed for handling materials in interior construction and demolition work. In general terms, these models can be used in small municipal projects where compact machines are needed. Additionally, they are a great choice for landscaping tasks, as their reduced dimensions and maneuverability allow them to move quickly.”

The reduced dimensions of Ausa’s models make their electrification process easier, as the needed battery volume for their operation is limited, explains Rotés. Although they manufacture compact all-terrain industrial vehicles of many sizes, they have a range of smaller vehicles in the market, enabling them to design and manufacture their own transmissions.

“This allows us to create unique elements perfectly adapted to the specific needs of each case,” says Rotés. “Specifically, in the electric range, this advantage enables us to be agile in developing new products while maintaining narrow dimensions in the machines.”

The Electric Advantage

The advantages of having electric power buggies and dumpers in a fleet can be divided into two main areas, Rotés contends: cost savings and increased utilization spaces. “Maintenance costs are significantly lower than those from combustion machinery due to the substantial reduction in mechanical and wear components. Spare parts costs are also drastically reduced.” In addition to the reduced need for planned maintenance, with electricity prices lower than fuel prices, usage costs tend to be lower, contributing to lower overall operating costs.

Since electric motors can be easily turned on and off, idling — as well as the cost associated with it — is virtually eliminated. Because there’s no need to warm up the engine, there are additional fuel savings and subsequent reductions in costs. Further savings occur because there is little maintenance needed, beyond lubrication. In addition to lower lifetime operating costs, in part due to long battery life with quick recharging, other advantages include:

• Immediate slow speed control
• Instant torque
• Better responsiveness
• Precise and controlled movements
• Lower noise
• Zero emissions
• Lower vibration
• Compact size for accessibility
• Versatile hauling
• Increased productivity and efficiency

Gill concurs that many of the electric dumpers and power buggies provide the same payload and can achieve the same travel distance of their diesel-powered counterparts. Furthermore, the ability of electric equipment to deliver instant torque and responsiveness gives them an edge over diesel machines. “They cycle faster,” Gill sums up.

JCB’s Gill focuses on benefits in other areas, citing operator comfort due to less vibration and less noise, resulting in less fatigue. At approximately half the volume as their diesel counterparts, electric dumpers provide a quieter, more comfortable environment for the operators, enable crews to communicate more easily and may also permit longer working days. Some municipalities restrict working hours due to noise issues, but the quiet operation of electric machines may alleviate disruption to nearby residents or environmentally sensitive areas. Turning to shift work could enable contractors to complete projects more quickly, freeing them up for other jobs. Additionally, Gill points out that no extra ventilation is needed because they’re zero-emissions.

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Operational Differences

Most manufacturers have designed electric dumpers to be nearly identical to diesel- or gas-powered machines. For example, Gill states that “the weight differences are not significant.” One of the most significant differences in the JCB equipment is that the electric machines have a drive shaft and foot brake, while the gas machines have hydrostatic transmissions. JCB electric machines are also cold operation tested, Gill says. “Everything has to do the same role as its gas counterpart.”

For Toro, Ingli confesses that both hot and cold extremes can impact battery performance and lifespan. “The HyperCell Power System is designed to operate in temperatures as cold as -4 degrees; however, it is recommended to charge the Ultra Buggy in an area above 32 degrees.” She points out that an onboard charger plugs into a standard 120V wall outlet. While hydraulic tank maintenance is minimal, Gill advises checking for water ingress, noting this would be expected with any machine given the amount of electric componentry that is now commonplace.

The Future Is Coming

Given that the United States tends to follow Europe when it comes to technology, it’s clear that the American construction industry will increasingly rely on electrified equipment just as the European market has begun to do. Contributing to this transition are regulatory changes, economics, environmental demands and improved availability of charging infrastructure.

Lori Lovely is a freelance writer for Compact Equipment.