Semco, an Australian equipment specialist, has recently received its first Takeuchi TB20e, marking a milestone in introducing one of the first battery-powered compact excavators on the continent. What sets this excavator apart is not just its eco-friendly power source, but also its innovative features designed to enhance operational efficiency.
The TB20e, similar in size and performance to Takeuchi’s diesel-powered TB216 compact excavator, is powered by a lithium-ion battery that provides up to eight hours of continuous runtime. However, what truly distinguishes the TB20e is its ability to remain operational even when additional runtime is needed. Operators can simply plug the excavator’s onboard charger into a power source, allowing it to continue working without interruption.
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One of the key advantages of the TB20e is its adaptability to different power sources. When grid power is available on a job site, the excavator can theoretically operate around the clock by simply plugging into the grid. Alternatively, an optional off-board fast charger can charge the TB20e’s 24.7 kWh li-ion battery in less than four hours using 408v to 552v three-phase power, ensuring quick turnaround times between uses.
The TB20e is equipped with two electric motors—one for drive and one for hydraulics—that power the excavator, delivering performance comparable to diesel-powered models. Stuart Marriott, national product manager for Takeuchi Australia, emphasizes the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sees the TB20e as a valuable asset for fleets looking to decarbonize. He states, “The new battery power excavator is designed to help our customers meet their own sustainability goals without sacrificing the performance and reliability they deserve and expect from Semco and Takeuchi.”
