Electric remote-control skid steer makes debut

If you think cabinless, fully electric earthmoving machines exist only in the future, FIRSTGREEN Industries is here to set the record straight.

The innovative company, which produces a range of environmentally friendly zero-emissions compact loaders, have lifted the cover off its newest product – the Elise CBL (Clean Building Logistics) which is a wheeled skid steer loader, except it comes without an operator’s cab.

Most importantly, the models are now commercially available on the global market, just not quite here in Australia yet.

By eliminating the cabin, the weight and overall cost of the machine is reduced, making it more cost-effective and fuel-efficient, FIRSTGREEN Industries said.

The way to operate the machine is by remotely controlling the machine via a display that allows it to carry out tasks in hazardous terrain such as in landfill sites or mines. That way, the operator is kept out of harm's way while ensuring the tasks at hand are executed safely and efficiently.

There are four travel and hydraulic speeds to choose from, allowing operators to accurately control both hydraulic and travel speed to suit the task at hand.

Powered by lithium batteries, the Elise CBL has an estimated work duration of between four to six hours, depending on the application. It has a hinge pin height of 3.6m which is 356mm more than the competing average, according to FIRSTGREEN Inudstries.

Being battery-powered, the machine emits no noise or harmful greenhouse gas emissions, making them ideal for use in noise sensitive and indoor areas where conventional machines are not allowed to operate.

It has a rated load capacity of between 700 to 1500kg. Standard inclusions on the Elise CBL include remote control with display work lights, reversing alarm, quick coupler, external battery charger and more.