Baumann on charge

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

The most popular Baumann sideloaders are some of the most advanced, with users in the timber, steel, plastics and concrete industries, seeing superb performance over long shifts and greater distances. 

Baumann’s three electric ranges, the EHX, EGX and ELX Series, provide 80v and 120v capabilities. The EHX brings nimble, electric efficiency to single shift operations. The 120v electric EGX offers high speeds and long battery life, with capacities from 5 to 8 tonnes. 

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. We are becoming more comfortable with higher machine voltage, and this too may yet bring further benefits down the line.

The latest improvements 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 Jason Reynolds, believes Baumann’s decades of experience in electric machines has proved invaluable, as the market continues to shift towards a more cost-effective and environmentally-friendly option.

Said Jason: “We are the leaders in electric sideloader technology and that’s helped us to not only develop the best machines on the market, but develop an understanding of what customers really need. We have customers coming to us saying ‘we know you are the people to talk to’ and of course we agree! It’s what happens when word of mouth gets out and businesses start sharing the benefits of cleaner, quieter, smoother and safer machines.”

Baumann sideloaders has seen a resurgence in recent years, thanks to investments in overseas markets and innovations in areas such as handling accuracy, higher capacities and bespoke battery capabilities.

Said Jason: “The extra outreach adds load security and makes it easier for operators to choose a narrower machine, which also reduces costs. We have already seen our electric ranges grow in popularity. We are now producing more as a company than ever before, in fact for the first time in over 50 years, Baumann is producing more electric sideloaders than diesel models.”

“Of course, we want to keep moving forward, and our success comes with its own pressures,” adds Jason, “but we have been fortunate to be in a position where we are investing and growing, even during these difficult days.”

As well as investing in new staff and new equipment in the UK, the Baumann factory has recently added extra capacity, including a new production hall and a 15% increase in the workforce, whilst extra parts storage and testing facilities, and a 550,000kw solar array have also been added to take advantage of its enviable location in Cavaion Veronese, near Lake Garda.

“From 3 to 8 tonnes, if you compare the cost, performance and aftersales side, there’s no reason not to choose electric,” adds managing director, Klaus Pirpamer. “You have the emission issue, the driver has a better environment and the cost is even better than the diesel. There are not many reasons why operators would need to buy a diesel truck anymore.”

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