Emission-free increases chance of getting the job

Electric machines are on the rise, but supply is still limited. As a paver without an e-machine, you increasingly run the risk of being excluded from a tender. For De Schans, with years of experience in the field of compact equipment, this was reason to develop three new wheel loaders with a capacity of 1,000, 1,300 and 1,800 kg under the brand name Relly. 

The Relly 100 is the lightest of a completely new series of emission-free machines with lifting capacities of 1,000, 1,300 and 1,800 kg. "The demand for electric is increasing rapidly," says Jan-Willem Slegh of De Schans in Hedel. "The Netherlands is among the frontrunners in this respect, together with Sweden and Norway, countries where we also operate. However, supply is limited, while demand is very high precisely in the compact segment in which we operate. Over the years we have gained a lot of experience with modifications. Building an entirely new electric wheel loader ourselves was a logical next step."

Pavers are De Schans' main target group, while landscapers also know how to find the company. The Relly is characterized by simple operation and great maneuverability. The weight in running order is 1,250 kg. A four-person team worked on the development of the Relly 100, 130 and 180, with Gijs Oomen as software and electronics expert, Vincent Luites as mechanical engineer and 3D developer, and Jarny Hoskam taking care of the mechanical work. Finally, Wim van Overdam, as "operations manager," has the connecting task of steering the overall project.

New, thoughtful concept

When it comes to electrification, fossil machines are often used as a basis. "Understandable," thinks Vincent Luites. "But gradually we discovered that this is not ideal. You can more easily put an electric motor in a different place than a diesel, and then you can also find the most logical place for other components. Take the electric motor and the hydraulic pump, for example, on the Relly with a belt drive specially chosen for this purpose, they sit coupled next to each other."

Proportional joystick

Simple operation and a familiar feeling, with an electric machine you then sometimes have to "think around. Jarny Hoskam cites the "throttle pedal" as an example. "With a diesel engine, a rod between the pedal and fuel pump controls the gas flow. With an electric motor, the power pedal operates a potentiometer. You have to adjust that very subtly to get the same feeling in the pedal. After all, an electric motor delivers full torque immediately, and you don't want to be launched when you lightly depress the pedal."

More possibilities

Jarny explains that such a proportional valve block has several advantages. "With proportional control, you can not only set the reaction speed, but also program in multiple functions. You have many more application options and don't have to tinker for a long time when changing attachments. You select a different function via the touchscreen display and get to work. By default, there are three menus. For starters, you have shovel operation and machine streets. You control a laying clamp with a sideways movement of the joystick, the way the paver likes it. The third menu, for example for a sweeper or mower, we arrange it to the customer's liking."

Relly is a 100% Dutch product. A body builder takes care of building the chassis and assembling the basic technology. In Hedel, the final components are assembled and the machine is carefully set up for delivery. Production has now begun, with a build-up to more than four hundred units per year.