We at Shanco have recently had the pleasure of utilising 2 electric plant machines courtesy of L Lynch Plant Hire for a project in Pickering, North Yorkshire. One key aspect of the project was that the work was to be carried out inside a live factory environment, which posed a number of challenges relating to the harmful emissions and excessive noise typically produced by diesel machinery. Over recent years we’ve seen leading names in the industry shift their development technology towards creating machines that work in low-emissions environments. So is this the future of groundworks?

There are a wide range of benefits to working with electric plant machinery compared to their diesel counterparts. The number one reason is that they produce zero emissions; a clear step toward the UKGBC’s target of Net-Zero carbon emissions in the construction industry by 2050. Running purely on electricity offers flexibility for operators to work in enclosed spaces without the worry of harmful emissions or noise. On a larger scale, there is the question of how countries are choosing to generate their electricity, but in terms of health and safety on-site, these green machines are certainly paving the way forwards.

At least for now, the majority of purely electric models on the market are compact. Due to their size, many electric machines can easily work indoors, fitting through conventional doorways and into basements, proving invaluable to all who operate them. It’s expected that as uptake increases and the Net-Zero target draws nearer, businesses will drive towards manufacturing larger models.

These machines are directly comparable to their diesel alternatives, with no loss of power or usability in comparison. Especially in today’s climate, each full charge is much cheaper than filling up with diesel, keeping construction sites running for less.

We’re proud to be adopting these innovative eco-friendly methods of working and are excited to see the development of this area of technology and the potential evolution of the sector.