By: SEO Mavens
Komatsu recently unveiled the enhanced EV micro excavator that was developed through closed door collaborations with Honda. Komatsu is paving the way into the rental markets with the PC05E-1 electric micro excavator through a joint effort with Honda.
In essence the PC05E-1 is the enhanced version of the previous PC01E-1 model that was launched last year, only this time the mini excavator sports the swappable Honda Mobile Power Pack backed by the Honda’s electrified power unit (Honda e-GX).
The latest machine (PC05 ride on) is a solution for small civil engineering construction projects such as digging, pipe-laying work and even plumbing works. Among the more notable enhancements include significantly reduced heat levels and noise emission, and of course totally zero exhaust emission which renders the machine perfect for utilization in urban areas and residences.
The swappable battery concept allows excavator operators to work continuously by swapping out the battery with the spare when it gets low on power, which eliminates ‘charging time’ which could take lengthy durations.
The placing of the battery is also an innovative element based on the fact that the ‘heavy battery’ is placed right in the middle under the seat of the operator which enhances the stability of the machine, indicated a spokesperson for Komatsu who declined to be named.
The latest excavator according to Komatsu is the answer to the demand by construction equipment rental providers who give out machines such as mini excavators for hire in Melbourne. The entire manufacturing factions of heavy machines have been focused on the construction equipment rental market more than sales in certain regions.
In cities such as Melbourne, Australia for example, market reports indicate that construction companies do not own most of their equipment and generally resort to taking machines such as cranes and excavators for hire as it is a more cost-effective strategy compared to purchasing such machinery which are not only expensive, but also carry high maintenance costs.
Based on statistical reports, 70 % of construction companies in Melbourne take machinery/ equipment such as excavators and dumpers for hire. Based on this heavy machine manufacturers have started to streamline production based on input from construction equipment rental companies that have a better perspective on the markets attributed to their direct involvement with small, medium and large construction companies.
Eric O’Connell, the manager of a well-established construction equipment rental company in Melbourne stated “project managers eliminate the hassle of owning heavy machinery due to a variety of reasons apart from the high price of these machines”. He added “When a construction company owns such expensive machinery and the machine is not in use, it is practically money sitting in a store – not generating growth”.
Times have changed, through rentals, everybody, from the manufacturer and construction equipment rental companies all the way to the construction companies and the end-client – everybody wins simply because redundant costs and unnecessary costs have been eliminated by this business model.
He also indicated that with the direct support of the manufacturers themselves, project costs have decreased significantly.
Published by: Khy Talara
