In the Sunbelt Rentals’ ever-expanding lineup of zero-emission construction equipment the latest addition is its all-electric skid steer. It is set to be deployed on the Gateway project at UC Berkeley, California.
UC Berkeley’s Gateway project will be the future home of the school’s computer and data science departments. Students there will explore technological solutions for an equitable and decarbonized future, making zero-emission equipment like the electric Bobcat T7X skid steer a natural fit for this project.
This innovative deployment is not just about technological advancement. It represents a significant step in sustainable construction practices. Turner Construction is the contractor for the Gateway project. It attributes their win in part to their commitment to using eco-friendly equipment.
Emi LaFountain, Regional Sustainability Manager for Turner Construction explains, “It’s all about supply and demand. The electric construction equipment market depends not just on the development of the technology itself, but on a contractor’s willingness to pilot, rent, and streamline that equipment too, It’s thrilling to be at the crux of both positions and be a part of that push for a lower-carbon job site.”
The Bobcat T7X: Powerful and Green
Latest addition- the Bobcat T7X features a 76.2 kWh battery powering a 107 hp electric drive motor and several other servos and axial motors that combindly, providing 7,500 lbs. of breakout lift force. This powerful performance addresses a common concern among fleet managers regarding whether electric equipment can meet demanding job requirements. The ability to rent such advanced machinery from Sunbelt Rentals is a critical step towards mainstream adoption of electric construction equipment.
“We are grateful to be able to provide our customers with new technology that will aid in achieving their sustainability goals along with doing our part to provide environmentally friendly solutions in the construction equipment realm,” says Jenny Pratt, Sunbelt Product Line Manager. “Our customers will be able to operate outside of normal working hours and in applications where its diesel counterpart would not be suitable. This allows for increased productivity and quicker job completion.”
The deployment of the electric skid steer marks a second such “first” for Turner in California. Earlier this year, the company piloted the Volvo EC230 Electric 30-ton excavator, initially trialed by Skanska. These pioneering efforts in sustainable construction are setting new standards and showcasing the practical benefits of zero-emission equipment.
As the construction industry continues to evolve, the integration of zero-emission equipment like Sunbelt Rentals’ all-electric skid steer is a testament to the industry’s commitment to sustainability. Projects like UC Berkeley’s Gateway are not only advancing technological education but also demonstrating that environmentally responsible practices can go hand-in-hand with construction excellence.
