The debate on electric versus diesel has extended beyond the automobile industry into other sectors where heavy machinery is utilized, like construction and agriculture. At the center of this debate lies the mini skid steer loader, a compact but powerful machine with both electric and diesel versions. By analyzing the average hourly consumption and the daily operational costs, we can compare these two types of loaders on a financial level. This article provides insight into their long-term economic but also environmental implications.
Electric Mini Skid Steer Loaders can Save Over $20 Per Day Compared to Diesel Counterparts
Electric mini skid steer loaders, with their 2kW average hourly consumption, are highly energy efficient. With the current US electricity prices averaging at $0.165 per kWh, the operational cost of these electric loaders comes out to be $0.33 per hour. In the context of an 8-hour workday, this leads to a daily operational cost of $2.64. Over a standard working month of 160 hours, the cost is approximately $52.80, which escalates to around $633.60 per year (based on 1920 working hours).
In comparison, traditional diesel mini skid steer loaders consume 0.8 gallons of fuel per hour. Considering the current approximate diesel price of $3.797 per gallon, this translates to an operational cost of $3.04 per hour. On a daily basis, this adds up to about $24.30, leading to a monthly operational expense of around $486.02, and an annual cost of $5,832.19, assuming a similar working schedule.
However, this doesn’t provide the complete picture. Additional operation costs for diesel machines, including maintenance such as air filters, oil, grease, and larger repairs, can surge the yearly expenditure by approximately $5,000. This additional cost is practically non-existent in electric loaders, which require far less maintenance due to fewer moving parts.
This means that despite the initial higher purchase price of electric loaders, the operator can save approximately 70% of operational costs compared to diesel counterparts when considered over the long term.
The Environmental and Noise Reduction Advantages of Electric Equipment
Electric equipment like the SKY 1000 are generally more environmentally friendly, producing zero emissions during operation. This is a crucial consideration as industries worldwide strive to reduce their carbon footprint. Furthermore, they operate with significantly less noise, making them ideal for a variety of applications.
These attributes make electric mini skid steer loaders a preferred choice for not only conventional construction, landscaping, and demolition tasks but also in agriculture, municipalities, interior demolitions, and mining. The noise reduction is particularly beneficial in indoor or residential settings, or anywhere the reduction of noise pollution is a concern.
In conclusion, electric mini skid steer loaders, from a daily operational cost and environmental perspective, appear to hold an advantage over new diesel loaders. As technology continues to advance, it seems likely that the push towards electric machinery will gain momentum, possibly leading to a significant shift in the construction and agricultural industries.
