What Are the Benefits of an Electric Micro Digger? And Where to Buy It?

Imagine operating a diesel excavator in a confined indoor space. The noise levels would be off the charts, and the toxic NOx exhaust can quickly become lethal for the workers. As a solution, engineers have introduced electric micro diggers, addressing these serious health risks. Electric mini excavators are game changers. They reduce carbon emissions by as much as 64 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent per year. Moreover, electric-powered mini excavators offer incredibly quiet operation, which makes them ideal for indoor work and urban job sites while maintaining sustainability.

These aren't the only benefits of the electric micro digger. This article will explore all of them and explain how they can be the ideal replacement for diesel power excavators in specific applications. Through regulatory pressure, incentives, and subsidies, governments are lightly enforcing green technologies like electric micro diggers. To understand the incredible benefits of electric mini excavators, continue reading!

1. Key Benefits of Electric Micro Diggers

1.1 Eco-Friendly and Emissions-Free Operations

A diesel-based excavator can hold 20 liters (5.3 US gallons) of fuel. Burning the 20-liter fuel results in 50kg of CO₂, as the fuel uses oxygen for combustion. It is a direct carbon emission source polluting the earth and the workplace. In spaces like tunnels, basements, hospitals, and green zones, the emitted gas can reduce oxygen while significantly increasing CO₂ and NOx gases.

In comparison, electric micro diggers have zero on-site emissions, which allows a healthy work environment. Moreover, governments are encouraging eco-friendly technologies and enforcing their use through policies. One such example from Europe is London. They have declared Ultra-Low Emission Zones (ULEZ), where high-polluting construction equipment leads to levied charges. These policies make electric micro diggers the environmentally and economically viable choice.

1.2 Lower Operating and Maintenance Costs

Cost analysis between diesel and electric micro diggers of similar capacity, power, and size can reveal intricate details. The cost of operating an electric-powered mini excavator is significantly lower than that of a diesel-based excavator. Manufacturers have achieved similar bucket and arm digging forces with electric micro diggers.

Electricity is cheaper than fuel when comparing in terms of power. Moreover, an electric mini excavator will have fewer moving parts. There are no complex mechanisms like an engine and fuel pumps. The simplification in design results in fewer fluids and filters, reducing the maintenance cost of the excavator.

To further understand, we can compare the running or operating costs of two similar power micro diggers, i.e., John Deere 17G and Ailisheng ALS20EV. They are comparable in their output forces.

*Note: As the capital costs vary for both excavators, we did not include them in our calculation. However, adding the initial cost increases the daily savings further.

1.3 Noise Reduction and Extended Work Hours

Engines make noise, which can lead to noise pollution. Noise becomes a problem in urban construction projects. A typical diesel-based mini excavator will produce 90-96 dB noise levels. The electric micro digger will produce 10dB lower noise than the diesel counterpart. The differences can vary based on the model selected, but the general difference is greater than 10 dB.

Humans perceive the 10dB noise level difference as twice as much in practical on-ground situations. Electric excavators' quiet operation allows 24/7 operation in sensitive zones. Depending on the workload, they can also run for a significant period with a single charge, typically 4 to 8 hours.

1.4 High Performance Comparable to Diesel Models

Observing an electric micro digger with a diesel-based mini excavator reveals a size and design complexity change. Although the electric micro digger appears compact and deceiving, it can produce equal and, in some cases, higher digging and lift forces for its size.

The force from the hydraulic system of an electric mini excavator is comparable to most diesel excavators within the same weight category. Moreover, another big advantage that the electric nature of these diggers provides is instant torque. There is a lag in diesel models that rely on rising rpm for an increase in torque. At the same time, an electric motor can provide full torque from 0 rpm. It results in immediate, crisp, precise, direct arm and bucket movement control.

1.5 Compact Design for Tight Workspaces

Another significant advantage of an electric micro digger is its compact design. Electric motors and components reduce the complex mechanism and space requirement inside the excavator's hood. The overall dimensions of the electric micro digger, with its narrow frame and retractable undercarriage, allow maneuverability, making it ideal for operation in tight workspaces. Their applications include urban, residential, and agricultural jobs.

1.6 Flexible Attachment for Quick Change

Like any other micro digger, the electric-powered version supports augers, buckets, clamps, drills, and breakers. Engineers have included quick coupler systems for immediate switching depending on the applications. This reduces the time for switching, and the requirement for complex tools is drastically reduced.

2. Core Technologies Behind Electric Micro Diggers

If the benefits of electric micro diggers have kept you interested, it's essential to understand the technologies comprising these excavators. This will help you decide on your construction or renovation project.

2.1 Battery and Charging Systems

The batteries are the powerhouse that keeps the electric motor and hydraulic pumps running. Depending on the workload, they store the energy that keeps the excavator running for 4-8 hours. A typical electric mini excavator uses LiFePO4 and lithium-ion batteries for energy storage. They are maintenance-free, long-lasting batteries that can handle large charging cycles before performance degradation.

As the core technology that keeps the digger running, it needs equally reliable and fast charging capability. A micro digger like the AILISHENG ALS20EV can fast charge completely within 1.5 to 2 hours. However, it also features slow overnight charge options for better battery endurance. They also come with wide voltage (110V to 480V) and frequency operations (50Hz and 60Hz). Therefore, making them feasible for any region worldwide.

2.2 Motor Power and Hydraulic Systems

Another key specification to evaluate is the motor power and hydraulic system. The best motor to ensure a price-to-performance ratio and longevity is the brushless AC motor. They can provide a peak power of 10- 25 kW. A bigger and better motor in an electric micro digger means better hydraulic control, lower response time, and consistent pressure. Consistency is key to ensuring an efficient digging and lifting process. Typically, a hydraulic system that supports high flow rate (e.g., 30+ L/min) and pressure (18–24 MPa) provides the ideal construction and renovation work response.

2.3 Smart Features and Expandability

Modern smart electric micro diggers come with monitoring displays that provide real-time monitoring of battery charge and system sensors. Excavators with solar panels will also feature real-time charging statistics on the screen for sustainability. Moreover, some offer remote control, allowing mobility in extremely cramped spaces.

The convention for arm movement across regions (e.g., ISO pattern vs. SAE pattern, or different regional adaptations). Therefore, the electric micro digger must be able to adjust the hydraulics with two-way flow. If the micro digger does not have a two-way flow, ensure it matches your regional requirements. Otherwise, it will become hard to control.

3. Where to Buy an Electric Micro Digger

3.1 Buy Direct from AILISHENG

Buying an electric micro digger from AILISHENG is convenient and quick. All you need to do is visit their website, contact the sales representative for a convenient direct interaction via WhatsApp, Email, or Message. They offer international delivery and extraordinary OEM support worldwide. If you want to enhance environmental friendliness, AILISHENG also offers photovoltaic options. Their key models include ALS10EV, ALS18EV, and ALS20EV. Here are some key highlights of the brand, founded in 2023, based in Xiamen, China:

• Specializes in electric construction machinery (excavators, loaders, forklifts, etc.).
• Zero-emission and low-noise equipment powered by lithium batteries.
• Innovative tech: electric control systems, pilot control, load-sensing hydraulics.
• R&D team of 70+ engineers focused on performance and reliability.
• Global network of sales and service support.
• Founder Daniel Lu is, expert in mechanical and electronic engineering.
• Factory size: over 500,000 sq. meters with 300+ employees.

3.2 Alternative Brands to Consider

While AILISHENG offers the value for money that most construction and agricultural sectors need, there are other options to explore. Here are some brands and their key models for your consideration:

• John Deere 17G – A compact, durable excavator ideal for residential and utility tasks.
• Kubota D722 – A fuel-efficient mini excavator perfect for tight-space operations.
• JCB 19C-1E – A zero-emission electric model with strong safety certifications.
• Bobcat E19e – Features fast charging and a retractable undercarriage for urban jobsites.

Conclusion

The incredible feats of engineering achieved by utilizing the energy-dense battery technologies are immense. Manufacturers of electric micro diggers like AILISHENG are also tapping into the potential and producing powerful and compact electric micro diggers. They have zero emissions and provide an extraordinarily equivalent digging force ideal for most tasks. Using them in indoor jobs, cities, and green projects is becoming economically viable and, in fact, more budget-friendly.

As a buyer, you need to consider multiple things, such as motor power, battery life, attachments, and charging infrastructure, before making the purchase. If you are looking for a one-stop solution that stands out in pricing, global availability, and innovative design, then consider visiting the AILISHENG website. Study their models and find your next favorite electric micro digger.

FAQs

Q1: What attachments can be used with an electric micro digger?

Modern electric micro diggers can support buckets, clamps, augers, hydraulic breakers, and drills. However, most may not offer a quick-attach hydraulic system. Diggers from brands like AILISHENG offer quick connections with strong hydraulic force that can efficiently utilize all these attachments.

Q2: Are electric micro excavators environmentally friendly?

Modern electric micro excavators are environmentally friendly products owing to their zero exhaust emissions. They run silently, making them perfect for indoor and sensitive zones. Moreover, brands like AILISHENG offer solar panel features to further enhance their environmental friendliness.

Q3: How long does it take to charge an electric micro digger?

The charging time depends on the battery capacity, working hours, and the charger's capability. Fast chargers may take 1.5- 2 hours for a typical 2000kg electric micro digger, while standard charging requires 6- 12 hours. Depending on the workload, the charging will last 6- 8 hours.

Q4: Are electric micro diggers economically viable?

Yes, modern electric micro diggers are carefully designed to provide a low initial cost and extremely low running cost. Moreover, diesel-powered micro excavators may need to pay levy charges for operating in eco-friendly zones and have high operational costs due to maintenance and rising gas prices.