Electric Rocket

1 August 2023

Rocket Rentals reports that an electric mini excavator that it recently added to is fleet has quickly proved popular with customers who need to work safely indoors and lower their carbon footprint. 

MD Simon Tomblin tells me that the company chose the Bobcat E10e 1-tonne class machine because its size lent itself to the kind of task that many contractors undertake, particularly in areas with narrow access. 

“We did quite a bit of homework on it,” he says. “Many manufacturers offer a 1.9-tonne electric model, which we didn’t think was the ideal size for our market. The E10e is less than 750mm wide and fits through a doorway. 

“We often get asked if we can supply a conventional diesel mini fitted with fume extractors for indoor applications, so this seemed like a good option. 

“The machine has been very well received and often stays out on hire for much longer than anticipated because customers like using it,” says Simon. “Obviously it has to be treated differently from a diesel model and users have to schedule charging routines, but they have embraced that.” 

He adds that the electric machine’s battery typically gives four hours of operation before needing an overnight charge. 

Because customers appreciate the benefits of battery operation, Simon says that Rocket Rentals is able to achieve a sensible hire rate for the machine which reflects its higher purchase price. 

Simon adds that Rocket Rentals has continued to invest strongly in its fleet over the past year, with new additions including larger Stage V JCB generators of up to 90kVA. 

The company has also invested in a load bank unit that can test generators before going on hire and reduce the likelihood of machine efficiency being affected by any build-up of carbon deposits. 

Read the earlier Q&A interview with Simon here.