Wacker Neuson EZ17e electric excavator 2023 Review

Officially unveiled to local dealers at a national conference earlier this year, the Wacker Neuson EZ17e is the latest in a series of electric excavators to go on sale in Australia.

First launched in Europe in 2020, the 1.7-tonne excavator has received plenty of interest overseas and now, Wacker Neuson is bringing zero-emissions solutions to our part of the world. With a zero tail-swing design, it is ideal for work in urban areas where space is tight and maneuverability is paramount.

The EZ17e is one of the latest additions to the German-based company’s stable of electric equipment, which to date includes road compaction equipment, wheel loaders and dumpers.

We were invited by Wacker Neuson dealership, ACES Equipment, to have a look and drive of the machine at a stud farm in Monomeith, Victoria.

The main difference between the EZ17e and a conventional diesel-powered excavator is what lies beneath the hood. The EZ17e does away completely with the diesel engine and features a 23.4kWh lithium-ion battery in its place.

According to Wacker Neuson, a fully charged EZ17e can work off the lead for around seven hours doing conventional work such as digging. Charge time ranges between four and 15 hours, depending on the voltage of the power outlet.

The battery in the excavator is the same one used across Wacker Neuson’s electric range; it can even be used to power electric equipment from other manufacturers, the company claims. The aim is to create a standardised battery system that all of the industry can use, simplifying site operations and charging systems.

If required, the EZ17e can be plugged into a power source between 100V to 415V and continue to work while the unit is charging up.

A misconception that people might have with electric machinery is that they are less powerful than their diesel counterparts, which is not at all true. As I discovered with the EZ17e, electric machines can perform just as well as – if not better than – conventional units, with the added benefits of zero engine and noise emissions.

The breakout force of 20.5kN was commendable, and the machine was able to dig easily into the ground while maintaining excellent stability. Not once did it falter and lose power while digging, all the while offering a smooth and fast operation thanks to its clever load-sensing hydraulic system.

As mentioned, the EZ17e produces zero engine emissions, so it offers a clean and fume-free environment to work in. Additionally, it’s super-quiet too, emitting nothing but a soft whirring sound while operating. This allows operators to communicate efficiently with staff members around them without having to scream and shout.

That combined with its width of just under 1m means the machine is the perfect workhorse for urban construction and roadworks.

Another key feature of the EZ17e is its zero tail-swing, which means the entire body of the machine rotates within the tracks without any overhang, allowing it to work safely in tight spaces and close to walls, for example.

The Wacker Neuson EZ17e offers a simple but sturdy canopy ROPS (Roll Over Protection System) that can be disassembled and reassembled as required. This allows users to take the machine through low doorways for use indoors, for example.

Once in the operator’s seat, I found the EZ17e to be a little on the snug side, although the same can be said of most compact excavators. Even so, there’s sufficient room to work efficiently and comfortably.

Standard ISO controls on the machine mean anyone with experience in operating excavators can jump in and get straight to work. The controls are all placed comfortably within reach on armrests on both sides, and a 7-inch intuitive color display shows all key operating information such as battery charge, machine revs, attachment settings and more.

The machine also comes with powerful LED lights for safe and efficient operation indoors or in low light.

Operators will also be happy to hear this machine is virtually maintenance free, as there is no fuel, engine oils and filters to worry about, which all keeps servicing costs to a minimum.

The Wacker Neuson EZ17e is a dream to operate and is perhaps an excavator that many operators would love to own, but the upfront cost may well prove a barrier for many.

It retails for $102,990 plus GST, although it comes complete with quick hitch and buckets, as well as a five-year warranty. Even so, that is approximately double the cost of an equivalent diesel excavator.

According to ACES Equipment manager, Andrew Arbuckle, the EZ17e may fit more into the budget of larger corporations or local governments and councils actively seeking to reduce their carbon footprints.

While the upfront cost may be high, the low cost of ownership means the machine will pay for itself over time, as maintenance costs are minimal and downtime is reduced to an absolute minimum.

After all, electric machinery is most certainly the future of the construction sector or any sector, for that matter, and there is no better time than now to hop on the bandwagon and be a trailblazer!

ACES Equipment said there is healthy supply of the Wacker Neuson EZ17e in Australia at the moment, so get in touch with the business or your local Wacker Neuson dealership to inspect or try one for yourself.

Operating weight: 1797 - 2152 kg
Breakout force: 20.5kN
Digging depth: 2490mm
Digging radius: 4060mm
Dimensions: (L) 3584mm x (W) 990mm x (H) 2660mm