Wacker Neuson develops industry’s first battery-powered reversible plate

Wacker Neuson’s new APU3050e is the industry’s first battery-powered reversible plate. Photo by Wacker Neuson.

Wacker Neuson’s newest compaction equipment release is making history as the first battery-powered reversible plate in the construction industry.

The 486-lb. APU3050e, which has a 19.7-in. base plate, has a direct drive system that produces zero emissions and makes minimal noise.

Powered by the Battery One system, the APU3050e produces 6,744 lbs. of centrifugal force and can compact up to 6,135 sq. ft. per hour, and the reversible plate features an integrated wheel set that makes moving the machine around the jobsite easier.

Wacker Neuson said the APU3050e is ideal for working in trenches, tunnels or indoors, in addition to jobsites with environmental or noise guidelines.

The base plate-mounted motor does not require a V-belt, which means no maintenance is necessary, and this reduces the costs of operation and spare parts.

The APU3050e reversible plate. Photo by Wacker Neuson.

Operators can start the APU3050e with the push of a button, and the machine’s guide handle continuously adjusts the speed and provides continuous forward and reverse travel speed along with spot compaction.

The battery system is easy to use, according to the manufacturer, with one charge enough to handle the typical compaction tasks of smaller applications – though Wacker Neuson recommends having two batteries and a quick charger for larger jobs.

Changing the battery is simple and requires no special tools, and the versatile Battery One system allows all the components to be used on Wacker Neuson’s single-direction, battery-powered plates, rammers or the internal backpack vibrator.

Since 2014, the manufacturer has been using the Battery One brand, and the system is now in 11 of the Germany-based company’s products.