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    1. Sustainability

    Turner Construction, Sunbelt Debut Electric Skid Steer

    June 11, 2024
    The skid steer features a 62-kilowatt lithium-ion battery.
    Related To: Sun Belt Rentals
    Turner
    Bobcat T7X electric track skid steer.
    Bobcat T7X electric track skid steer.

    Turner Construction Company, in partnership with Sunbelt rentals, has deployed a Bobcat T7X Electric track skid steer on the Gateway project at UC Berkeley.

    Its deployment marks a second "first" for Turner’s use of all-electric equipment in California, with the other being their pilot of the Volvo EC230 electric excavator earlier this year.

    Turner
    Skid steer on site at UC Berkley.
    Skid steer on site at UC Berkley.

    With The Gateway being the future home of Berkeley’s computer and data science departments meant to support researchers exploring technological solutions for an equitable and decarbonized future, the use of the T7X is a natural fit, the companies say. 

    The skid steer features a 62-kilowatt lithium-ion battery, which allows for four hours of continuous use or an intermittent full day of use, also allows for indoor work, while also mitigating the risks associated with fluid leaks and minimizing operational vibrations.

    “We are grateful to be able to provide our customers with new technology that will aide in achieving their sustainability goals along with doing our part to provide environmentally friendly solutions in the construction equipment realm,” said Jenny Pratt, Sunbelt Product Line Manager, in a statement.

    “It's all about supply and demand. The electric construction equipment market depends not just on the development of the technology itself, but on a contractors' willingness to pilot, rent, and streamline that equipment too,” said Emi LaFountain, Turner regional sustainability manager, in a statement. “It's thrilling to be at the crux of both positions and be a part of that push for a lower-carbon job site.”