DX355LC Electric: Ten hours of non-stop work without charging

We need less power than we initially expected

Marcel Laarakkers: “The most striking thing is the long operational time. We can work (depending on the type of work) on average ten hours non-stop with this machine, which is really exceptional for an electric excavator. The machine performs, to be honest, above expectations. We need less power than we initially expected. We wondered whether it would be possible to operate all day with two battery packs (Powerbox 400 -ed.), which together give us 800 kWh of gross capacity. In practice, it turns out that this is easy. Moreover, even with a 63 amp connection, we can charge the batteries at night so that we can work all week with a normal working time of 8 hours per day. So we don't have to charge the power during the day, which would otherwise take a lot of time. We can now simply continue working during the day. No downtime.” And all this without compromising the power: “The working and digging capacity is comparable to that of the diesel machines.”

Impressed with the service, really a breath of fresh air

Laarakkers is also impressed by the operation of the DX355LC Electric, as he has heard from his drivers. “It is a breath of fresh air. The machine is quiet, vibration-free and the responsiveness is fantastic. It is very user-friendly. The steering is smooth and precise. And the cabin is spacious and comfortable. It is much more comfortable for the driver, especially during long shifts. Moreover, there are no emissions, which means that we can work in residential areas without feeling guilty.” The fact that the machine is quieter is evident from his own research: “We work quite a lot in inner cities and had the noise difference measured by a research agency. This showed that this machine makes 4 decibels less noise than other machines. That does not seem much, but in practice it is a factor of 4 or so. You hear a significant difference.”

What other benefits do you see in the shift to electric machines?

“In addition to the environmental friendliness and lower operational costs, we also see advantages in terms of maintenance. Electric machines have fewer moving parts and require less frequent maintenance in the long run. This reduces downtime and increases our productivity.” He also sees a sustainable future for the demolition industry with the rise of electric machines such as the DX355LC Electric. More and more companies are investing in greener solutions, driven by stricter regulations and the growing demand for environmentally friendly demolition practices. 'In Germany, there are even companies that explicitly ask us to work with this type of machine and are also prepared to pay more for it.'

How did you come into contact with the DX355LC Electric?

“Our company was looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint while maintaining efficiency. Staad, a reliable supplier of construction equipment, introduced us to the DX355LC Electric. We were immediately interested because of the promised performance and the possibility to work fully electric.” Staad provided Laarakkers with all the support he needed to get started with the machine. “Staad helped me a lot,” says Laarakkers. “They explained everything about the machine to me and helped me with the installation and maintenance.”

Advantages of electric drive

Clean and quiet working environment:
Electric motors produce no emissions, which means they are cleaner for the environment and cause less noise pollution. This is a great advantage for the operator, the residents and the environment.

Lower operating costs:
Electric motors are more efficient than diesel engines, meaning they use less energy. In addition, there are fewer moving parts, which means less maintenance. This can lead to significant savings in the long run.

Longer life:
Electric motors are subject to less wear and tear than diesel engines, meaning they last longer. This can lead to lower maintenance costs and a higher residual value of the machine.

Improved performance:
Electric motors provide instant torque, meaning they can respond faster and deliver more power when needed. This can lead to improved productivity and efficiency.

Future of the demolition industry:
With the rise of electric machines like the DX355LC Electric, the demolition industry is on the cusp of a sustainable revolution. More and more companies are seeing the benefits of electric power and investing in greener solutions. This trend is being exacerbated by stricter regulations on emissions and the growing demand from customers for environmentally friendly demolition practices.

More about Laarakkers

Laarakkers is a demolition company established in Boxmeer since 1945 with over 150 employees and around 70 employees from other companies with which it collaborates. Marcel Laarakkers took over the company in 2001 together with his brother. They provide all types of demolition work, from small homes to large industrial buildings, asbestos removal and area development. Laarakkers Sloopwerken is a training company and is committed to sustainable demolition methods. 90 percent of the work takes place in Germany, particularly in the Ruhr area. Laarakkers has around twenty excavators and thirty trucks, an increasing number of which are electric. Including the DX355LC Electric for the past six months.

(This article was made possible by Bouwmachines.nl )

Watch the video we shot in Germany. Below this video some nice pictures of this powerhouse. Click on the pictures to enlarge. Enjoy!