Theo on electrification at GTH fair in Biddinghuizen 2024
Already 9 years ago I was approached for the first time to write about the Dutch developments of electric feed and implements, this on the occasion of the GTH fair when just before its second edition moved from Papendal to Biddinghuizen.
Back then, I told you with some pride that there were developments such as electric wheelbarrows, Weideman's first mini shovel and some all-electric (particularly private) riding mowers from brands such as Stiga and Husqvarna. It can now be said that the landscape for electric driving and working has completely changed. The lead battery has now completely given way to lithium and the somewhat heavier machines can now also be presented as battery models, fortunately.
Last week I took another tour of the GTH and I'd like to take you through how I experienced it. Looking at the nominations of the four-leaf clover, this time it hits more on the electric compact tractors from the likes of Massey Ferguson, e-Valiant, and the long-established Knegt. This one even made it to the point where they were allowed to use their knowledge and technology at the small MF, Mechan was eye-wateringly hungry for a quick fix and didn't want to wait any longer for the French home base.
Besides the tractors there is also an honorable mention of Komatsu's electric mini crane, the almost cute 2 and 2.5 ton class which fits exactly in the garden & park, maybe this one is not so sexy yet in terms of specs. But the big 20 ton class (PC210E series) certainly impresses with its 123 KW engine, too bad it wasn't there at the mechanization field. I did see the mowing boat from JVS, a
logical step in electrification, with work in the middle of nature and the known nitrogen problem, the men have cleverly anticipated this and there will certainly be a market for it. What was puzzling to me though: charging via a type 2 plug and thus a charging station? Where do you find those in the ditch wall these days? Fortunately an adapter cable is available, I understood....
A very deserved second place for the Vector autonomous mower, there you see electrification, robotization and sensor technology coming together. A really practical tool for everyday modern phenomena like solar farm maintenance. Even working through different location carriers, so if the GPS falters for a moment, it does not stop immediately and keeps working. With a dual battery pack he is continuously
employable and attachments such as a pole mower, a now proven product but especially made-in-Fryslan appealed to me!
I myself was interested in the wheel loader and mini-shovel market. We were approached early this year by a medium-sized manufacturer from the far east to market and service their range of electric mini-shovels throughout Europe. The technology was quite mature and the offering certainly interesting in terms of revenue model, so we were basically excited. However, after walking around, I counted at least 13 brands presenting mini shovels, half of which also certainly already had one powered. Okay, only 2 of them could guarantee an entire working day without interim charging, I thought that score was bad. But already so many suppliers in this small Dutch market made us decide not to enter the wheel loader market again.
Another thing to notice is the change in the type of Lithium battery in all the heavier machines, where a few years back the NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) was still eagerly used. As you recognize as the small AA battery model, but lots of them in a sealed case you now see the change to LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate). This is then usually in a prismatic shape, just a larger square block, more robust, less fragile in connections and manufacturing also makes it safer, a step forward as a new standard.
With lasting regards,
Theo de Jong
Frisian Motors BV
Do you have questions about this topic, or would you like to comment? You can email theo@frisianmotors.com.