Electric crane action for Albert van de Scheur

Dutch family business Albert van de Scheur invested in an electric crane mounted on a diesel truck. Photo: Volvo Trucks

Dutch lifting and transport specialist Albert van de Scheur chose Palfinger for its first electric crane.

The Appledoorn-based family business specialises in relocating production lines inside factories, hence the need for an electric crane.

It is a 72 tonne-metre-rated Palfinger loader crane, with jib, mounted behind the cab of an 8x2 Volvo FH 500 rigid truck. The combination was developed in close co-operation with local Volvo Trucks dealer Harbers Trucks Apeldoorn.

Peter Schoenmaker, Albert van de Scheur managing director and owner, said, “With every investment, we ask ourselves, ‘can it be both sustainable and profitable?’

“This Volvo, featuring the electric Palfinger loader crane, demonstrates the two go hand in hand perfectly. It represents a significant step toward our goal of operating entirely CO2-neutral by 2028. We are also putting our first electric Volvo truck into service this year.”

Working indoors means the truck is driven inside and then the electric crane takes over. “We dismantle existing installations, transport them, and reassemble everything so it is ready for use,” Schoenmaker explained.

Crane unloads crane: electric Palfinger loader crane with jib unloads a Hoeflon mini crawler crane from the back of Albert van de Scheur’s latest fleet addition, a Volvo FH 8x2 rigid truck. Photo: Volvo Trucks

Dependable power

“A powerful, reliable truck is essential for this type of work. Together with Harbers Trucks and bodybuilder HSE, we looked for the best configuration for our operations, specifically in combination with an electric crane,” Schoenmaker continued.

“We already had a similar rigid truck with a loader crane in our fleet and, based on our experience with that vehicle, we fine-tuned certain aspects to better suit our needs. For instance, the wheelbase was shortened slightly to achieve a tighter turning circle.”

The truck had to meet domestic and international regulations, for example, regarding gross weight and permissible axle loads, while still offering maximum net payload. It can operate anywhere in Europe, Schoenmaker said.

It can lift up to 1,000 kg at a reach of 30 metres. “The crane has its own battery pack, allowing for eight hours of electric lifting. It’s quiet and clean, enabling us to work in areas where emissions or noise are restricted, such as Natura 2000 sites. It can even recharge via an alternator while the truck is being driven.”

The batteries are tucked away on the truck beneath where the crane is mounted. As it is electric the crane runs much more quietly and smoothly, Schoenmaker said, adding, “What’s more, you can easily hear one another speak. This enhances safety.”

The truck’s cargo body can be configured as open or closed. “It allows us to transport machinery while keeping it dry, yet also enables the open transport of large objects,” Schoenmaker said.