“If you don’t take a chance, you won’t win anything”
When MH Maskintjänst in Umeå was looking to invest in a new wheel loader, few people expected the company to choose an electric model from XCMG and Elvate. Since its delivery in June, the wheel loader has been in constant use. With a longer battery life than expected and growing demand for electric construction equipment, the investment has opened up new opportunities for the business.
A bid marked the beginning
MH Maskintjänst in Umeå specializes in earthwork, excavation, and cable installation in Västerbotten, often as a subcontractor for larger companies.
The decision to invest in electric-powered equipment came about in connection with a procurement process in which the client requested electric-powered machines. Since delivery times for electric-powered construction equipment could be long, Mikael Sjöberg decided to take the plunge and order the machine even before the procurement process had been finalized.
Even though the contract went to another contractor, Mikael chose to go through with the investment. He saw how the demand for electrification was growing and wanted to stay one step ahead for future projects.
“Either you’re first and reap some rewards, or you’re last and do what everyone else does,” says Mikael.
Eight hours was the requirement; the result was ten
Before making the investment, Mikael had one clear requirement: at least eight hours of operation without recharging. After comparing several options, he was recommended Elvate and the electric XCMG XC948-EV, which met the business’s needs.
The results exceeded expectations. During this summer’s brush clearing, the wheel loader managed a full ten hours of work on a single charge, from 5:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. With a quick break for recharging, the workday could be extended even further, and the wheel loader was able to work all evening.
Mikael doesn't see charging as a problem: "It's really not a big deal if you just plan for it. You're usually going to eat during the day anyway, so just plug in the charger then."
The machine has a built-in 40-kW charger and can be charged via a three-phase connection. At job sites with access to charging infrastructure, there are additional options for scheduling charging around the workday.
Eldriften opened the door to new projects
Since its delivery, the wheel loader has been used for earthwork, brush clearing, and roadside mowing for the City of Umeå. MH Maskintjänst is now working as a subcontractor for Lotus at Northvolt in Skellefteå, where the electric XCMG wheel loader is being used for indoor demolition work—a project where electric power is a requirement.
As more clients are demanding electric construction equipment, interest in the company has grown. Being an early adopter of electrification has become a clear competitive advantage.
“Looking back, I think it’s gone really well. We’ve been working at it the whole time and getting paid well,” says Micke.
In addition to the new business opportunities, he highlights the improved work environment. The wheel loader’s low noise level and lack of local exhaust emissions make a big difference, especially when working indoors. The lower energy costs compared to diesel are also a clear advantage.
A Partner Throughout the Entire Electrification Process
For Mikael, the collaboration with Elvate has been an important part of the project. Since the delivery, Elvate’s staff have returned several times to monitor the machine’s operation and ensure that all requirements are met.
Together with engineers from XCMG, adjustments have been made and the machine has been optimized to meet the company’s operational needs. Elvate has also provided assistance with equipment-related issues and is now training MH Maskintjänst’s own mechanics for future service work.
– It’s happened many times before that you buy a machine and then never hear from the seller again. That’s not the case with Elvate. If you have a problem, they’ll fix it.
Next step: winter testing and more electric vehicles
After a successful summer, the next challenge lies ahead. This winter, the company plans to test the wheel loader in snow removal and ice breaking operations to see how the machine and battery perform in temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees.
At the same time, demand for electric construction equipment continues to grow. Micke is already considering adding a larger XCMG XC968-EV to his fleet.
– We’re going to invest in more electric vehicles—we definitely will. If you don’t take risks, you won’t win anything either.
We at Elvate would like to thank MH Maskintjänst in Umeå for their trust and look forward to following their continued journey toward electrification.
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