Electric excavator

Abstract

An excavator (10, Fig 1) comprising an arm arrangement (14, Fig 1); an electrical power system 40; at least one battery mount 63 and at least one counterweight pack 80. The electrical power system comprises at least one motor 71 for operating the excavator; at least one battery 45 and at least one battery interface 50 releasably connectable to the battery and electrically connected to the at least one motor for supply power. The battery mount is configured to receive the battery such that the battery is connectable to the battery interface. The counterweight pack is mounted to the at battery mount such that the counterweight pack at least partially counterbalances the arm arrangement. Preferably, the counterweight has the same weight or shape as the battery. Preferably, the electrical power system is tethered to an external power supply with batteries or counterweight packs mounted to the battery mount. Preferably, a control system determines whether a battery or counterweight pack is mounted to the battery mount. A method comprising the excavator is also described.

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