Baumann breaks UK deliveries record

Last year’s sales were a new record for the 53-year-old company, with electric models now accounting for around 85% for the European market. 

Advances in battery and motor technology plus redesigns to the outreach system have given the long load specialists a performance boost, just as fuel costs have dampened demand for diesel models.

The UK business has grown rapidly over the last 5 years and now represents the company’s largest market outside of Germany. 

“Even before Brexit happened we knew the UK would benefit from a direct presence here,” says sales and marketing director, Mark Bann. 

“What we couldn’t anticipate were the challenges our departure from the EU would pose or of course the pandemic, but again being here for sales and technical support helped us massively. Being here means we are able to listen and understand the requirements of customers and that leads directly to developments and specifications such as chassis protection strips, pedestrian alert cameras or load protection posts. We are also able to fit refinements, such as lights, fleet management and camera systems, and we support our dealer activities.”

The most popular Baumann sideloaders are some of the most advanced, with users experiencing high performance over long shifts and greater distances, leading to other sectors such as pre-fabricated buildings, plastics, safety barrier and pre-cast concrete industries, also adding Baumann sideloaders to their fleets.

120v capabilities

Baumann’s electric ranges, the EGX and ELX Series, are the only 5 to 8 tonnes capacity sideloaders on the market that provide 120v capabilities, high efficiency and long battery life. 

The ELX also features 150mm of outreach beyond the truck chassis, meaning operators have more visibility and space to reach out to loads and customers can potentially choose a narrower bed machine for additional storage, without sacrificing lifting capacity. 

The ELX’s bespoke 120v battery is designed to suit the sideloader shape and act as a counterweight. Higher voltages also help to improve energy efficiency. 

Together, these factors make the ELX capable of performing well beyond 8 working hours, and a full multi-shift option.

The EU’s Low Voltage Directive imposes detailed and explicit obligations on all manufacturers to keep electrical equipment safe, and the emphasis is on keeping voltage low, but as technology improves the limits are being re-assessed, potentially bringing further benefits down the line.

The latest improvements to the ELX were added without the need to change the truck dimensions, with other new features include refined cabin controls and road-legal LED lights now also standard.

Baumann UK’s, Mark Bann believes the market will slow down as the economy slows, but the shift towards a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly option will remain.

Concludes Mark: “Everyone wants to reduce their overall costs, so the fundamental case for our market-leading electrics is still there. No one is immune to economic downturns and higher energy costs so tough times are ahead for many, but those that saw a surge in business during the pandemic have used the opportunity to invest and we are seeing the impact of that now on deliveries. We have some challenging and exciting times ahead, for sure.”

For more information, visit www.baumann-sideloaders.com