Power Shift: Brokk Expands Electric Offerings for the Compact Construction Equipment Industry

The construction industry began moving toward electric equipment several years ago, driven by advances in technology, environmental regulations, lower operating costs and reduced noise pollution. Government incentives also helped. Yet, a July 2022 Bazis Group survey found that 22 percent of respondents were unaware of specific OEMs offering all-electric construction equipment. Brokk Inc., based in Monroe, Washington, is working to change that.

“Brokk is in the unique position of being a veteran when it comes to manufacturing and selling electric equipment,” says Jeff Keeling, vice president of sales and marketing at Brokk Inc. “We’ve been at it for nearly 50 years.”

Brokk has been the world’s leading manufacturer of electric remote-controlled demolition machines and attachments for more than 49 years. As more electric machines hit the market, Brokk is helping contractors transition by partnering with other manufacturers of innovative electric-powered products. The result? A more complete, fully electric jobsite solution.

New Partners

In January, Brokk announced partnerships with Firstgreen and Ecovolve. It also serves as the North American distributor for Darda.

“All of our partner products offer complementary functions for applications that use Brokk demolition robots,” Keeling explains. “Brokk demolition robots are known for their incredible electric power in a compact machine and remote operation. Firstgreen and Ecovolve align well with Brokk because they, too, are compact, electric solutions.”

These partnerships allow Brokk to offer a full suite of demolition and cleanup tools, especially for confined spaces. “Working together, these products enhance demolition safety and productivity,” Keeling says. “This allows us to offer a broader range of compact, emission-free solutions — or a system — that a contractor will require to complete their jobs.”

He outlines the full cycle: A Darda hydraulic splitter with an electric power unit can break concrete or rock into large pieces. A Brokk robot then breaks those into smaller debris. Firstgreen loaders step in for cleanup, and Ecovolve dumpers haul debris away. “Ultimately, a contractor who wants or needs a fully electric jobsite can come to us for a comprehensive solution from breaking and demolishing to cleanup.”

Darda

Darda, based in Blumberg, Germany, began in 1958 producing stone-splitting machines. In the 1960s, its hydraulic splitter revolutionized demolition. By the 1990s, Darda began producing attachments for mini excavators and demolition robots. It joined the Brokk Group in 2006 and now has global dealers.

Firstgreen Industries

Czech Republic-based Firstgreen Industries manufactures all-electric, zero-emissions, remote-controlled skid steers powered by lithium or lead-acid batteries, with up to six hours of continuous run time. Brokk showcased Firstgreen products at World of Concrete 2025 and carries their full lineup, including:

• MiniZ 400: A compact, remote-controlled tracked loader small enough to fit through a standard doorway.
• Rockeat Line: Cabinless electric skid steers for mining and confined spaces.
• Elise Line: Compact, high-capacity machines with enclosed cabs.
• CBL Line: Cabinless models designed for hazardous environments.
• Attachments include a 4-in-1 bucket, concrete mixer, pallet forks and auger.

Ecovolve

Founded in 2010 in Ireland, Ecovolve designs compact electric dumpers ideal for demolition cleanup. They’re well-suited for interior demolition or any situation where fumes, noise or access are a concern, Keeling says. Brokk offers the full Ecovolve lineup:

• ED800: Their most compact dumper fits through 31.5-in. doorways and carries up to 1,763 lbs, tipping up to 58 in.
• ED1000: A mid-sized unit with a 2,200-lb load capacity and 58-in. tipping height.
• ED1500: The largest, holding 3,300 lbs and tipping up to 63 in.

All models run up to eight hours, operate at 65 decibels (conversation level) and have a 63-in. turn radius. Optional features include remote control and the Ecochute for concrete pouring.

The Electric Edge

Electric construction equipment has proven its performance, often exceeding diesel counterparts while offering lower operating costs and fewer emissions. The construction industry accounts for about 39 percent of global CO2 emissions tied to energy use. Diesel-powered machines also produce disruptive noise and harmful fumes. Keeling emphasizes safety as a core benefit of electric gear. “Operators aren’t exposed to fumes and the same level of noise as gas-fueled equipment,” he says. “Any application where you need to eliminate emissions, whether it’s for environmental reasons or because you’re working in a confined, interior or underground space where fumes will be a problem” is perfect for electric, he says. Examples include tunneling, mining and interior demolition. While electric equipment costs more upfront, Keeling notes it saves money over time. It also requires less maintenance and eliminates fuel costs.

Additional advantages of electric machinery include:

• Lower operating and maintenance costs
• No engine warmup time
• No idle fuel consumption
• Instant torque and responsiveness
• Smooth, precise control
• Reduced vibration and noise

Closing the Loop

Electric machines are reshaping compact construction. Battery-powered skid steers, mini loaders, compact wheel loaders and dumpers provide low-maintenance, zero-emissions alternatives. They’re quiet, versatile and can operate indoors or in tight spaces.

“Over the last 49 years, Brokk has been the solution for many challenging projects where traditional equipment simply was not going to work,” Keeling says. “It always goes back to a lot of power in a compact machine, electric and remote-controlled — these factors solve all kinds of productivity, labor, safety and access problems. So, it’s nice to close the loop by offering a comprehensive electric system. I think the future is bright for electric and/or remote-controlled equipment — for Brokk and the other brands we partner with — as well as other manufacturers developing this technology.”

Lori Lovely is a freelancer writer for Compact Equipment.