CASE Construction Equipment introduces “Project Zeus” — the 580 EV (Electric Vehicle). The power and performance of the 580 EV is equivalent to other diesel-powered backhoes in the CASE product line and provides considerably lower daily operating costs while also producing zero emissions.
The 580 EV is the second major alternative-powered machine introduced by CASE — the manufacturer rolled out the FPT Industrial methane-powered concept wheel loader ProjectTETRA at Bauma 2019. Electrification was performed in conjunction with Green Machine Equipment, Inc. and Moog Inc., and with direct input from utilities and other businesses focused on converting significant portions of their fleets to fully electric backhoes. CASE also partnered with Michelin® to outfit the machine with specialized MICHELIN CrossGrip tires for even greater efficiency and handling.
The 580 EV is powered by a 480-volt, 90-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack that can be charged by any 220-volt/three-phase connection. While applications will vary, each charge will support most common eight-hour workdays. The battery separately powers the drivetrain and hydraulic motors, resulting in hydraulic breakout forces equal to diesel-powered machines and improved performance during simultaneous loader and drivetrain operation.
The 580 EV operates with zero emissions — lowering the total carbon footprint for its owners.
Each 580 EV comes standard with CASE SiteWatch™ telematics for additional monitoring and management of machine performance and utilization.
While the new 580 EV is electrified, it retains many of the features that contractors expect from CASE backhoe loaders. It retains ProControl, which allows for precise boom movement and placement, as well as Comfort Steer, which improves steering while working in tight quarters or in truck loading operations. The machine’s cab is spacious with large windows that provide excellent sightlines to all sides of the machine. It also features the new and enhanced joystick controls found in the most recent generation of CASE N Series backhoes, as well as in-cab amenities such as premium seat options and Bluetooth radio.
CASE has partnered with Michelin on tires for two of its alternative-powered equipment solutions — the methane-powered ProjectTETRA wheel loader, and now the 580 EV backhoe loader. The 580 EV backhoe loader includes MICHELIN CrossGrip tires that feature a non-directional tread design.
The new MICHELIN CrossGrip is a multi-purpose radial tire designed for use on the road, grass and snow. Using a special rubber compound, this four-season tire is designed for high-load-capacity use on loaders, backhoes, telehandlers and tractors. The tire has a patented, non-directional tread. With 196 tread blocks per wheel rotation, the tire achieves driver comfort by reducing vibration. Asymmetrical lateral blocks help to provide good traction in winter conditions when short starting and stopping distances are imperative for safety. Reinforced for puncture resistance, CrossGrip is designed to offer increased productivity and can be studded for ice usage.
For more information on the new CASE 580 EV visit CaseCE.com/580EV.