UK electric excavators: do not assume the lifting data is the same
Flannery Plant Hire has deployed the UK debut of the electric Cat 320 medium excavator, highlighting an important planning point as electric plant enters mainstream construction fleets.
Electric plant enters mainstream site use
Flannery Plant Hire has deployed a Cat 320 electric medium excavator in the UK. Operator familiarisation covered electric-machine safety, controls, interface and charging integration, with early feedback indicating comparable operating and hydraulic performance to the diesel machine.
The lifting-planning implication
Comparable digging performance does not mean an Appointed Person should assume lifting capacities or configuration data are interchangeable with a diesel equivalent. The lifting operation must be based on manufacturer information applicable to the exact machine being used.
- Identify the exact machine and variant.
- Obtain applicable OEM lifting-capacity data.
- Verify lifting points and configuration.
- Record machine-specific limitations in the plan.
- Do not copy capacity data from a superficially similar model.
LiftPlanProUK provides planning and management support. Site-specific information must be checked and every lifting operation approved by a competent person.