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a first for the UK and exemplar in terms of sustainability on a world scale. “It is unlikely this would have happened as quickly without the support of Scottish Forestry, but it is also the willingness of our operators and the organisation as a whole to embrace the technology that has led us to this point.” The investment in purpose-built charging bays is another indication of James Jones’ determination to embrace the technology. Certainly, in parts of the world, the sideloader concept itself is more readily accepted than others, even in the timber trade. Add to that a scepticism on the capabilities of electrics to go the distance and the ubiquity of diesel trucks continued even as battery technology advanced. Today, things are different. Cost is a big factor in electric’s favour and the machines are rapidly becoming the norm. Getting the most out of the available space, having sufficient run times, knowledgeable operators and battery charging procedures, together with the right partners to ensure consistent uptime, these are commonplace, everyday aspects of running an electric fleet.
SAFELOAD ASSISTANCE
This year Baumann added a new innovation, SafeLoad Assistance, to its flagship electric models to help operators avoid dangerous situations when using their sideloaders. The system considers the load centre in dynamic situations, during normal working operations, and uses sensors within the chassis to calculate the stability limit of the truck.
It provides a warning to the driver through the dashboard screen, indicating how close they are to the limit. At present, the system does not physically limit the operation of the truck, but rather assists the operator in making safe decisions.
In addition to greater levels of safety, Baumann believes that the system will help reduce operational costs by reducing maintenance and avoidable damage. Baumann is able to add these innovations having seen a complete change in the demand for electric sideloaders over the past five or six years. It produced its first electric machines in the early 1990s and while previously, 80-85% of its sales were powered by IC engines, today it’s 85% electric and growing.
Brooks Bros (UK) is another leading UK timber supplier with a reputation for high quality and service. TTJ’s 2023 Hardwood Trader of the Year imports timber from around the world, offering service from five sites across England, with storage, ordering, selection, machining and finishing services. Sideloaders are a crucial part of Brooks Bros’ materials handling fleet, transporting long timber packs across the large sites. Here
too the transition to electric models is well under way, with new EGX and ELX models the latest additions, providing the benefits of quieter, smoother and more efficient working. “Since investing in these new sideloaders, our team is able to quickly and efficiently pick and load timber ready for distribution,” said group yard operations manager, David Pooran. “We are transitioning to electric, so we still operate some diesel machines, but electric is the first choice for all our operators.”
There’s a compelling case for electric truck use regardless of the environmental credentials. Load sensing and auto-deck levelling enhance load security, clear visibility adds safety and easy access to all areas and utilising sideloaders also allows narrow areas to be used, maximising storage and streamlining load picking. Noise, vibration, cost, servicing, all make for a more comfortable and economical option. As David Leslie, joint managing director at James Jones & Sons, notes, the industry is uniquely placed to drive through change at a time when technology, investment and an environmental focus is coming together. “Timber is our only natural renewable resource and growing commercial trees is the most effective way of capturing CO2
,” said
Mr Leslie. “We are reducing timber miles through local purchasing and selling goods close to home,” he added. “We are exemplars in commercial woodland planting, habitat biodiversity and carbon sequestration. We can, with the right vision, lead the way to a sustainable future.” ■
Top: One of Brooks Bros’ ELX50’s in operation Above: James Jones has invested in purpose-built charging bays
www.ttjonline.com | November/December 2023 | TTJ
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