The world rapidly becomes more sustainable, and the construction sector cannot stay behind either. Machines used to carry out projects must therefore become increasingly cleaner, quieter and more efficient. PV-E Crane has the ambition to lead the way in this development, because leading construction companies around the world are already demanding emission-free equipment. This applies not only to compact machinery in city centres, but also to lifting and foundation work, where the CO2 footprint is explicitly considered. Nitrogen emissions from diesel engines are more than ever a hot topic.
In-house development
PV-E Crane cleverly responds to the growing demand for sustainable solutions by developing and producing its own electric cranes. The range includes both models with lattice boom (EC series) and telescopic boom (ECT). The EC range consists of five types with a maximum lifting capacity of 80, 100, 135, 160 and 300 tonnes. In addition, three battery-electric tracked telescopic cranes of 70, 80 and 120 tonnes are under construction. The machines are built using only A-brand components, such as Bosch Rexroth, UMS, Hirschmann and Avezaat. Eager.one then calculated all models according to the EN 13000 standard.
"Our motto is: Don't wait, but do!", says Rob van den Boogaard, Managing Director of PV-E Crane. "We are not afraid to fail and are driven by ambition, drive for innovation and years of expertise within the crane world." From its headquarters in the Netherlands and branches in Florida, Dubai, Cairo and Muscat sister company PVE Cranes and Services has more than 20 years of experience in the sale and rental of cranes, with its own fleet of around one hundred machines. "In addition, we have built foundation machines for many years, so manufacturing is no stranger to us either."
Building a new standard
From this solid base, PV-E Crane started building a new standard in emission-free hoisting. Being able to work for eight hours was a key feature. The batteries are interchangeable, so it’s possible to work a second shift with full batteries or to charge them elsewhere if there is no building power available. The battery pack consists of two LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries, each with a capacity of 130 kWh. In practice this makes it possible to work for one and a half day. Two XXL batteries of 195 kWh are available as an option. With a total battery capacity of 390 kWh, the crane can be used for at least two days without recharging.
Van den Boogaard: "Our aim is to make a significant contribution to the transition to an emission-free, healthier construction site. A PV-E Crane must be quieter, cleaner and safer than any other product on the market. The machine is fully CE and EN 13000 certified and the electric drive line meets the high safety requirements of the automotive industry. A powerful electric motor delivers constant power instantly, which makes the crawler cranes stand out in terms of lifting performance as well."
EC160: double world first
With the delivery of the EC160 in March to the Dutch construction company VolkerWessels, PV-E Crane celebrated a double world first. It is the first 160-tonne electric crawler crane that can work for more than eight hours without having to plug in. It is also the first to be delivered with an exchangeable battery pack at all. This can be changed within ten minutes. In order to meet customers' wishes to be able to connect the machine directly to building power – if available – during the lifting operation, PV-E Crane can now equip all models with an AC charging point at the undercarriage.
With its battery-electric crawler cranes, the manufacturer is not only doing very well in the nitrogen-stricken Netherlands and Belgium, but is also attracting serious interest, particularly from England, Scandinavia, France and even Australia or Singapore. There is intensive cooperation with dealers for the UK/Ireland (Watson & Hillhouse Ltd) and Scandinavia (Lesanco ApS). Talks are also currently in progress about an agency on the Australian continent. In combination with the company's own branches, this will create a worldwide network of sales and service points.
Investing in sustainability
Reducing diesel consumption in busy city centres is an issue almost everywhere and requires companies to invest in sustainable equipment. With the EC and ECT series, PV-E Crane offers a perfect match to carry out projects 100% emission-free, whereby the Total Cost of Life is even more favourable than for machines with a diesel engine. The EC160 can be equipped with a main boom of up to 48.5 metres in combination with a luffing jib of 49 metres. The EC80 on the Bauma stand has a maximum main boom length of 58 metres or 46+18 metres in combination with a fixed jib.
"The practical usability and advantages of a crawler crane – such as driving with a load – remain, but they are cleaner, quieter and cheaper to operate", says Van den Boogaard. "The user is no longer faced with sky-high fuel costs and benefits from lower maintenance costs due to different intervals. An innovative and modular layout has been chosen for all electrical and hydraulic systems, which translates into efficient maintenance and optimal performance in terms of traction and pulling power of the drive motors. But also, of the winch system at full load. Electric hoisting is a choice and PV-E Crane makes it possible. "
