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. 

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.

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.

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.