French OEM Manitou Group is including to its vary of electrical telehandlers with a zero-emission model of one in all its best-selling diesel automobiles for agriculture. Right here we get a primary have a look at the machine and discover out extra in regards to the considering behind its revolutionary powertrain
Manitou Group is continuous the drive in direction of electrifying the off-highway sector with its model new MLT 625e, its first battery electrical mounted telehandler for the agricultural sector.
The automobile, which relies 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 normal which implies quick charging is extra simply achieved than earlier electrical fashions. Like its diesel counterpart, the MLT 625e is nicely tailored to the agricultural trade 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 revolutionary automobile provides additional advantages for farmers, with zero fumes making it splendid for work in shut proximity with animals and different employees. The low noise additionally minimises disruption. When the Group seemed on the design of the MLT 625e, it concerned way more than simply merely swapping the engine for a battery pack. One of the crucial revolutionary options is the central positioning of the battery pack, which not solely protects the battery from potential injury throughout operation, but in addition enhances the machine’s stability by centralising the load which is essential throughout lifting operations.
Quite than merely retrofitting an current 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 continuously 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 at all times working,” says Damien Rolland, head of the engineering division on the tremendous compact telehandlers product unit. “Within the electrical model, we now have a devoted motor for the hydraulic system. Which means when the operator is just not 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 needs to make a gradual motion, the motor runs slower and when the consumer wants full energy, the motor will function at high velocity. The vitality consumption actually will depend on the operator’s requests.”
Battery recharging is assisted by the on-board 9kW charger, which implies the machine might 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 varied 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 will cost the machine each time we would like and it additionally signifies that we should not have to completely cost the machine every time,” says Camille Rouvrais, a product supervisor at Manitou Group. “There is no such thing as a particular charging room wanted or extra upkeep.”
“We’ve a devoted motor for the hydraulic system. Which means when the operator is just not 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 peak of 5.9m, in addition to its total hydraulic efficiency.
“In comparison with the diesel model, the traction energy is barely decreased,” says Rolland. “Nonetheless, the electrical model is way more reactive, so we don’t really feel we now have a major lack of energy. The facility is greater than sufficient for agricultural purposes.”
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 true-time communication between the BMS and the machine’s central management system makes energy output changes primarily based 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 forestall injury and guarantee continued operation.
“The BMS sends data 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 shall be as requested. If the battery can’t ship the ability wanted, the motion shall be decreased,” says Rolland.
The MLT 625e additionally options thermal administration programs 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 elements within the automobile.
“Alternative charging means we will cost the machine each time we would like and should not have to completely cost it every time”
Moreover, Manitou Group has carried out measures to guard {the electrical} elements from mud, particles and moisture which may doubtlessly trigger put on and injury and are fixed hazards in agricultural. “All {the electrical} elements have an IP65 ranking and most of them are situated beneath the engine bonnet to guard them from rain, grime, mud and particles. We’ve additionally designed a canopy for
the motor which provides safety towards adversarial climate circumstances,” says Rolland.
The electrical powertrain within the MLT 625e means a lot much less upkeep is required when in comparison with a standard diesel machine, without having for engine oil modifications or gas filter replacements. This not solely reduces downtime, but in addition lowers the entire value of possession
for the farmers.
The change to electrical has resulted in a considerably quieter operation. This discount in noise makes the telehandler well-suited for indoor operations, corresponding 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 bought as low emission by 2030. “By way of 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’ve a devoted low-carbon pathway which has been validated by the SBTI organisation. It’s actually vital for us to speed up the deployment of our electrical ranges and we’re at present within the technique of engaged on hydrogen prototypes. We even have a well-established CSR coverage. This can be our first agricultural telehandler launch, however we’re targeted on our complete world technique.”
This text first appeared within the August problem of iVT Worldwide – https://markallen.mydigitalpublication.co.uk/publication/?m=63192&i=827328&p=1&pre=1&ver=html5
