Briggs & Stratton and Technotrade partner with KOVO-VŮJTEK to develop their first electric pick & carry crane powered by Vanguard™ 48V 5,0kWh* fixed commercial battery packs (Fi5.0)

Czech family-owned company KOVO-VŮJTEK s.r.o. is specialising in facade glazing and building interiors. As their out-of-the-ordinary tasks need extraordinary solutions, KOVO-VŮJTEK started to build their own diesel-engine powered pick & carry cranes.
Those unique designed, excellent manoeuvrable machines already surpass the productivity of common spider cranes dramatically. But the existing diesel-engine powered models Scorpion Mark I and II have limited applicability - particularly at idle and in emission-sensitive and indoor settings.
Time for an electric model.

Vanguard logo

Vanguard technology partner Technotrade s.r.o., a specialist in the design of complex system solutions for off-highway machinery, was chosen to support KOVO-VŮJTEK during the development process to implement the game-changing commercial battery packs into the all new pick & carry crane. Having deployed a wide range of demanding applications, including forestry, construction equipment and autonomous vehicles, Technotrade's expertise with Briggs & Stratton’s innovative Vanguard power solutions positioned them as the ideal partner for KOVO-VŮJTEK to bring the new electric machine to life:
Scorpick ENTER.

“Having evaluated our options in the market, we highly appreciate the advanced architecture of the Vanguard battery pack: High levels of safety thanks to the cell modules layout, high quality of the materials and components and robust design and durability."

Radovan Vůjtek, Kovo-Vůjtek Director and Chief Engineer

Enhancing efficiency, lowering TCO

Soughting a cleaner and more efficient power solution for its Scorpion crane, the KOVO-VŮJTEK team identified some key requirements, including reduced operational expenses and environmental impact, minimised noise pollution in the workplace, and improved user comfort. They also wanted to address the limitations of diesel and petrol engine emissions indoors to increase future deployment of the crane in emission-sensitive areas. Additionally, this line of work involves significant idle time. When not handling the material, the existing already high efficient diesel-engine powered models still consump fuel. An electric drive solves that issue, enhancing efficiency, lowering total cost of ownership (TCO) and offering emission-free operation.

The innovative pick & carry crane is powered with two Vanguard 48V 5,0kWh* fixed commercial battery packs (Fi5.0) allowing a power consumption of 10 kWh. Scorpick ENTER’s battery capacity is intentionally oversized compared to the daily power consumption of approximately 7,5 kWh, ensuring it is more than enough for a full day of crane operation with a significant margin. 

Scorpick
Vanguard fi 5.0

Key feature of the machine is its compatibility with custom EV charging stations, as it has a standardised charging socket which allows the user to easily recharge the batteries nearly everywhere.

During development, KOVO-VŮJTEK specified that the Scorpick ENTER’s batteries should be placed on the sides of the back of the frame and tilted sideways at 8-10°. This allows the operator to have a clear view of the machine edges when standing behind it and moving it around. To successfully accommodate this non-standard placement of battery packs for machine production, Technotrade and Vanguard worked in close partnership with KOVO-VŮJTEK.

Vanguard’s Fi5.0 fixed battery provides excellent power control and responsiveness when compared to the diesel engine. The electric motor produces a completely different power curve with significantly better control over the power and proportioning of the power output. This is a crucial factor when manoeuvring glass panels with millimetre-precision. Additionally it saves time as moved objects fit in at first trial, which makes the electric Scorpick ENTER even more productive.

“It is great to work with such like-minded, forward-thinking companies who, just like us, believe that electric machines are the way to go for the off-highway equipment industry. The difference in productivity is remarkable."

Jakub Kejduš, Managing Director of Technotrade

Scorpick ENTER has already proven its efficiency over traditional diesel-powered cranes: Operating in a real working environment, the Scorpick ENTER is providing KOVO-VŮJTEK with a solid return on investment, as shown by the installation of 10 large-format glass panels during a commercial building project. Energy used for the job was approximately 2.800 W, using 28% of the 10kWh battery capacity. The machine was then charged at a commercial charging point, costing approximately 0,50 EUR (13 CZK). For the same task, with a diesel engine, an estimated 3 litres of diesel would be consumed, costing 4.80 EUR (120 CZK). Clearly a benefit taken from an electric drive, which, among other things, does not consume any energy when idle.

The integration of the Vanguard Fi5.0 lithium-ion battery answers all of KOVO-VŮJTEK’s requirements. Firstly, a dramatically reduced noise level of the machine of around 70 dB compared to approximately 100 dB with the diesel-engine powered version. This provides improved user comfort and enhances on-site communication between the crane operator and the workers responsible for placement of the moved object. In addition, the elimination of emissions at point of use ensures environmentally friendly operation. This now allows the Scorpick ENTER to be deployed in a broad range of working sites, particularly including the indoor spaces of commercial buildings, shopping centres or clean environments.

Scorpick and Vanguard 5.0 Battery
Elgo mini digger powered by Vanguard battery

Radovan Vůjtek commented, “I am proud of the result we have achieved. Scorpick ENTER is a very well thought through piece of machinery and has the potential to change the segment. Thanks to the comfortable remote control and using only the proven components from renowned manufacturers such as the Vanguard lithium-ion commercial battery packs, I think the machine has the potential to prove its innovative qualities across the international market. Compared to the conventional diesel version of the crane, which we are also still using in our business, the battery-powered crane is a much better work companion for me, both as an owner and operator.”

Looking to the future, KOVO-VŮJTEK sees the Vanguard powered Scorpick ENTER as a strong contender for the rental market thanks to its ease of operation, low operating costs and minimal maintenance requirements. As a versatile machine, it can be used on almost any type of construction site with its compact dimensions, low weight, excellent manoeuvrability and easy transportation. As the prototype is being tested in real working environment on different projects, KOVO-VŮJTEK focus on introducing Scorpick ENTER to the local and especially international market.

“Projects like these show that Vanguard does not simply provide components but supports customers in applying power throughout the entire integration process."

Pia Weimer, Director Marketing EMEA Engines & Power at Briggs & Stratton

* Power levels are stated gross kilowatts per SAE J1940 as rated by Briggs & Stratton.


COMMERCIAL BATTERY PACKS


Download this case study

Sign up here to receive additional information and updates about Vanguard products, and gain access to clear PDF versions of all our case studies.


TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT

FOLLOW US TO STAY UP TO DATE