News & Advice
Rolling in Ravensdown’s first electric loader: quietly saving loads and fulfilling environmental commitments
Ravensdown’s Amberley Store recently took delivery of a LiuGong 838TE Wheel Loader (affectionately named as Rav-E), the first electric loader in Ravensdown’s fleet and another step toward a more sustainable way of operating.
This innovative machine boasts a robust battery capacity of 193 kWh, a bucket capacity of 1.9m³, and offers more than ten hours of run time, allowing the team to work efficiently throughout the day without interruption.
Its advanced technology enables rapid charging, with a full recharge from 15% to 95% in just 58 minutes at a charging rate of 160kW, while the loader comes backed by a five-year, 10,000-hour battery warranty for peace of mind.
The loader arrived in early March and didn’t waste any time getting to work – clocking up 83 hours in its first two weeks, performing really well and more quietly than the old machine.
Mike Whitty, Chief Operating Officer, says the loader is not just good for the environment but is already proving to be a smart investment. “By swapping out a diesel machine, we’re reducing our Scope 1 and 2 emissions while also delivering real benefits on site.
“It’s already proving its worth with considerable savings on operating costs, advanced safety and visibility features, and leveraging the latest AI technology available.”
Chief ESG & Safety Officer Anna Wilkes explained that while Ravensdown has used electric forklifts for a number of years, this machine is a big step up from what we have done before. “It was important to take some time to wait for the right technology and make sure that LiuGong were the right supplier.
“Trialling this loader represents a broader evaluation of electric mobile plant across the business, including capacity needs, supplier partnerships, maintenance support, and sustainability benefits. I’m delighted to hear the positive feedback from the team and see us another step closer to meeting our Scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction targets of 50% by 2030.”
The LiuGong 838TE Electric Wheel Loader: by numbers
- Operating weight 14,600kg
- Rated power 120kW
- Battery Capacity 193 kWh
- Bucket Capacity 1.9m³
- Ten plus hours run time
- 58 minutes (15% to 95%) charging time
- Five years 10,000-hour battery warranty
- Charging rate 160kW
- Costs around $3/hour to run (compared to $16/hour for diesel)
- $28k/year in fuel savings, plus maintenance savings
- Fully fert specified from factory
