The future of machinery: Modular and electrified

A shift towards electrification in the world of heavy machinery is not only underway but accelerating with the introduction of electric platforms like Dannar’s MPS and Case’s 580EV electric backhoe loader emerging with the potential to reshape the landscape of off-highway and construction machinery.

Beyond the obvious emissions reductions, developments in this industry promise to increase efficiency, versatility, and performance in ways that traditional diesel-powered machines cannot match.

For VASA members who service and repair off-highway and construction equipment, the opportunities in thermal management maintenance, diagnosis and rectification could be huge once the industry embraces this new technology en masse.

Dannar’s all-in-one electric construction solution

An all-in-one electric platform known as the Dannar Mobile Power Station (MPS) combines energy storage with the capabilities of a full work vehicle.

Dannar says the MPS can replace several types of equipment including front loaders, scissor lifts, tractors and mobile sweepers for operations ranging from construction to agricultural and public works.

With up to 250 commercially available attachments supported – including buckets, augers, mowers and hydraulic arms – the MPS can serve industries from construction and public works to disaster response and military logistics.

Its ability to quickly switch between configurations without requiring multiple dedicated machines promises  fleet efficiency and job site adaptability benefits.

Equipped with a 250kWh battery pack as standard, expandable to 375kWh or 500kWh, the MPS is capable of long-duration operation between charging depending on the load and is claimed to have enough capacity to power an average house for 17 days.

Beyond supporting its own systems, the MPS includes multiple high-voltage AC and DC export outlets, enabling it to charge multiple electric vehicles, run tools, power temporary shelters or support remote-location  microgrids. The platform also features hydraulics and can tow up to 45 tonnes.

A remote-controlled version of the MPS can operate from up to 1.6 kilometres away, such as in dangerous environments where operator safety is a concern.

This functionality is suited to hazardous operations in disaster zones, bushfires or contaminated environments where direct operator presence would be unsafe.

“Now, fleet buyers can benefit not only from savings on fuel and maintenance but also from the ability to perform more tasks with the same powertrain platform,” said Dannar CEO Gary Dannar, who added that the potential of electrification lies not just in the savings but in the versatility it offers.

The world’s first electric backhoe loader

Case Construction Equipment has broken new ground with the 580EV electric backhoe loader, the first commercially available electric model in its class worldwide.

Originally launched as ‘Project Zeus’ in 2020, the 580EV has evolved into a fully electric counterpart to the widely used 580 Super N diesel backhoe while matching performance metrics such as breakout force and loading capacity.

The machine is powered by a 71kWh lithium-ion battery enabling operation for four to eight hours on a single charge, depending on the task at hand.

Its thermal management system is designed to ensure optimal performance in both hot and cold conditions, steady and reliable operation plus instant torque response for superior power delivery compared to diesel machines.

Unlike many electric machines that begin as retrofitted diesel models, the 580EV was purpose-built as electric from the outset, aiding weight distribution, structural integrity and component integration.

“Designing this machine from day one as a purpose-built EV instead of a retrofit has enabled a slew of practical innovations that will positively change the mindset for teams considering EV equipment,” said Case product management lead Brad Stemper.

The backhoe features a telematics system that enables real-time diagnostics, battery status tracking and performance monitoring to help fleet managers reduce downtime and maximise productivity.

Operator-friendly features include keyless start, programmable operator security codes and customisable machine settings.

Benefits beyond emissions reductions

Both the Dannar MPS and the Case 580EV reflect a broader trend in the off-highway sector towards electrification, offering tangible operational advantages such as lower maintenance costs, improved energy efficiency and low-vibration performance.

Their quiet operation and zero exhaust emissions make them particularly effective in residential, indoor and urban environments, potentially extending the hours they are allowed to operate on time-critical jobs.

As Case’s Brad Stemper put it: “Electrification also comes with some performance opportunities that internal combustion engines simply cannot match, such as instantaneous torque response and peak torque.”

Beyond environmental and financial gains, electric machines like these promise greater flexibility on job sites. 

For example, the Dannar MPS supports a variety of work setups, making it versatile across industries, while the Case 580EV remains compatible with the same attachments as its diesel counterpart.

Dannar, Case and other manufacturers covered in these pages over the years are proving that electrification can match – and in some case exceed – the performance and utility of diesel-powered counterparts.