CASE has officially announced the launch of industry’s first electric backhoe loader in 580EV, thus expanding its EV toolbox for municipal crews, utility teams, urban construction and other contractors. According to certain reports, the launch of 580EV will be followed by commercial availability of two more CASE EV machines. All in all, this new equipment increases the company’s EV lineup to five models. In case you weren’t aware, we ought to mention how CASE’s new equipment offers crews zero-emissions, low-noise solutions for a wide range of unique jobsite demands, ranging from overnight construction to work in urban centers or other close-quarter environments where noise and emissions must be kept to a minimum. Going back to the company’s new 580EV electric backhoe loader, it basically carries over the same dimensional loading and digging specifications, while simultaneously delivering the same breakout forces as the popular four-wheel-drive, 97-horsepower CASE 580SN diesel model. The stated detail translates to a significant upgrade from CASE’s Project Zeus electric backhoe concept, which was introduced at CONEXPO 2020. To get here, though, the company would optimize thermal management, operator controls, and a lot more, for electrifying a machine with comparable specs to the widely used 580SN. Joining the improved horsepower is a set of new features that includes an 8-inch color display, air conditioning, a front-dash display and adjustable four-corner, as well as multicolored LED strobe lights.
Another detail worth a mention here is rooted in the fact that this backhoe loader happens to be powered by a 400-volt, 71-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery platform that’s charged with the same type of Level 2 J1772 adapter found in automotive EVs. Furthermore, it comes bearing an ability to deliver up to eight hours of operational run time on a single charge, depending on the application. The machine’s battery platform also uses an advanced thermal management system with system-specific cooling circuits to better regulate temperatures and help maintain performance in both hot or cold conditions.
“These new machines set a new benchmark in electrification and sustainable construction, and they’re a testament to our customer-centered approach to practical innovation as we expand our product portfolio,” said Terry Dolan, vice president, North America, CASE Construction Equipment. “Complementing our diesel lineup, electrification brings real-world solutions to unique jobsite demands, helping urban construction contractors, utility teams, municipal crews and other contractors further improve productivity, efficiency and their bottom line.”
Another detail worth a mention here talks to how the four-wheel-drive 580EV uses two independent electric motors for the PowerDrive transmission and hydraulic pumps feeding the loader, backhoe and steering systems so to minimize energy consumption and improve performance in loading applications. The 14-foot backhoe also includes an Extendahoe to boost reach. On the other hand, features like ProControl swing dampening, PowerLift / PowerBoost, along with electrohydraulic controls , are there to improve upon precision and ease of use on the jobsite. The machine’s electrification element is further well-equipped to provide performance advantages like instantaneous torque response and peak torque at any RPM. Such a detail ensures that operators don’t have to wait for an internal combustion engine to ramp up to meet load demands
Turning our attention towards two other EV models that are set to emerge from CASE’s camp, they include a CASE CX25EV electric mini excavator, which can deliver emissions-free performance and maneuverability well-suited for urban and infrastructure sites with high traffic. Not just that, the given machine also packs together for you hydraulic flow settings and up to three auxiliary circuits that can be paired with a variety of quick couplers and attachments. The other new EV slated for launch soon is a 3.6-metric ton CASE CL36EV electric compact wheel loader that delivers the same power and performance as comparably sized diesel-powered loaders, and at the same time, simplifies maintenance while lowering lifetime total cost of ownership. This versatile machine can be matched with a full range of attachments and features a hinge-pin height of over 10 feet.
